Why Use NIR?

Traditionally, spectroscopists have used IR or UV/VIS for testing the chemical composition of a variety of material, considering NIR to be a less useful portion of the spectrum. The broad, overlapping peaks in NIR make it more difficult to determine chemical components the way IR does. So why use NIR?

With the advent of brighter light sources and more sensitive detectors in the 1980’s, the benefits of NIR became more apparent. Spectral peaks can now be more accurately measured, resulting in usable data for spectral analysis. NIR optical paths are much larger than those for IR, which allows for probe cleaning and servicing. This technology improvement spurred the commercial production of spectrometers in the 1980’s.

The key benefits of a spectrometer include the ability to quickly and accurately measure samples while keeping the main analyzer away from any potentially dangerous processes. Fiber cables from the probes to the analyzer make this possible, but also introduce potential error sources for light measurement. Because the light must travel from the spectrometer to the optical probe and then back to the spectrometer for analysis, it is especially important that all the components in the analyzer system be tuned to work efficiently with each other. At Guided Wave all fiber cables, spectrometers, photometers and optical probes are all tested to ensure optimal transmission and compatibility. The improved transmission causes the NIR peaks to be more accurate and thus more accurately analyzed.

More advanced mathematics analysis techniques must be employed for NIR spectral data than for IR analysis. Multiple linear regressions (MLRs) and partial least squared regressions (PLRs) are used to analyze spectral peaks and glean useful data. Guided Wave offers software to help with the analysis process, and will work with you to calibrate and maintain your analyzer system.

While the subtlety of NIR peaks makes analysis slightly more complicated, the ability to have near-instantaneous results reduces reworking costs and improves product quality and process efficiency. The larger probe pathlengths allow the probes to be serviced and cleaned easily, and the analyzer can be placed further from the process due to excellent fiber cable transmission. For specific applications, less expensive photometer packages are useful and cost 25-50% less than a spectrometer system. Our optimized Guided Wave analyzer system and advanced mathematical analysis techniques make NIR a practical tool for your data analysis needs.

Near-infrared spectroscopy can provide fast, accurate results for your process without the high maintenance costs or the extensive upkeep considerations associated with gas chromatography. We use our optical technology to bring light to the sample, eliminating the costly sample systems and fast loops needed for process gas chromatography while providing faster results to you.

GC analysis costs approximately $35,000 per year in maintenance cost, which could be reduced 80-90% by replacing it with a Guided Wave analyzer system. Allow our streamlined, accurate NIR system to reduce costs and hassle for your company.