This editorial on NIR calibration transfer from benchtop to production was submitted by Mark Sullivan, a Senior NIR Applications Specialist for BUCHI North America. Not long after many new users become accustomed to the speed and convenience of laboratory NIR over conventional techniques, it dawns on them that this technology is inherently suited for use... Continue Reading →
In a prior blog, we shared how NIR online sensors could be used to optimize biofuel processes, starting at the farm, through fuel processing, and into feed applications. In this post we take a closer look at how NIR can be used as a measurement tool for a valuable co-product of the biofuel industry: distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Most ethanol plants in the United States are dry-grind facilities, which use starch... Continue Reading →
This blog was contributed by Dr. Mark Sullivan, Technical and Application Specialist at BUCHI Corporation. The head of a well-known agricultural testing laboratory recently approached me with an unusual request. This laboratory performs 10’s of thousands of plant tissue analyses annually using the Dumas combustion technique for total nitrogen and carbon (AOAC Official Method 972.43).... Continue Reading →
Summer is coming to a close, and the once plentiful corn stands that dotted country roads and even well-traversed city highways are beginning to dwindle down in number (replaced by donut stands, thankfully). Despite countless summer BBQs tugging on the supply chain at peak season, the vast landscape of cornfields in the Midwest (and beyond)... Continue Reading →
Another blog not about NIR? Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a secondary method. That means that NIR doesn't measure things like fat, protein, moisture, ash, %-polymerization or anything else directly. Instead, we use an acceptable primary method to train our NIR to make those measurements. More details on NIR calibration can be found in this earlier... Continue Reading →
Protein is a critical parameter across the food, beverage and feed industries. However, the best solution for obtaining protein varies across the production cycle. In this blog, we propose Kjeldahl and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy methods for protein determination, with arguments for which technology is the best fit based on factors such as: Application scopeVariation in... Continue Reading →
Why are we talking about Kjeldahl on the NIR blog? This blog has made many mentions to the fact that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a secondary method. That means that NIR doesn't measure things like moisture, fat, protein, ash, %-polymerization or anything else directly. Instead, we use an acceptable primary method, like Kjeldahl, to produce... Continue Reading →
A rapidly rising consumer food company needed NIR technology to quickly test final product quality in their pilot plant R&D facility. The R&D team wanted an NIR to provide non-contact, process control measurements of food products passing rapidly by on a conveyor belt. However, being a pilot facility, they desired adjustable and temporary mounting approaches... Continue Reading →
In the northeast, fall ushers in crisp, cool air, vibrantly colored leaves... and doughnut season. Perfectly glazed Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Whether you're getting your round, deep-fried cake from roadside from the Pennsylvania Amish or from a commercial bakery, quality is key. Krispy Kreme has been serving up delicious doughnuts for generations in the USA and... Continue Reading →
The longest continuously running mountain biking series in the United States is hosted in southwest Pennsylvania. Every year, hundreds of locals show up to test themselves in the 5-race series and vie for the title of "local hero." Races each take place at different venues, and each venue has a signature "wrench" to throw at... Continue Reading →
Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are complementary methods, both probing vibrational transitions in molecules. In general the strong bands in the (N)IR spectrum of a compound corresponds to weak bands in the Raman and vice versa. This blog will look at some of the differences between Raman (light-scattering) and NIR (light absorption) methods. Here just... Continue Reading →
When prodded, I suppose many at BUCHI would agree that some of the cheesiest members of the team belong to the NIR group. Maybe that's something to be proud of! More cheese, please! Cheese is delicious, after all. With a global market of around $100 Billion USD, I think there is a general agreement on... Continue Reading →
Don't worry, it's a good thing. This week, BUCHI Product and Application Specialists mingled with pet food suppliers and manufacturers at the Petfood Forum 2019 in Kansas City, MO. Some key topics on deck for event speakers include nutrition, labeling, product development, safety and manufacturing. Did you know BUCHI has its paws in the formulation,... Continue Reading →
Winter felt brutal and eternal, as it always does for someone who doesn't ski or care for hot chocolate, I suppose. What a relief it is to see signs of Spring emerging from my brownish-colored yard and hear birds chirping outside once again. Did you know NIR is quite Spring-y as well. This blog will... Continue Reading →
Is there a simple answer? Of course not! When it comes to the debate regarding which infrared spectroscopy reigns superior, near-infrared (NIR) or mid-infrared (IR), the answer should be a reflect the merits of the technology in light of the application of interest. It's like asking whether a knife is better than a spoon. Well,... Continue Reading →
In-process and at-line NIR for production
Save time with efficient incoming goods inspection
The focus of this post is NIR project and sample planning, a critical step in the NIR method development process that often gets rushed through in the eagerness to have our NIR instruments pump out measurement results. Putting some extra effort in sample planning could pay off big dividends in terms of two things I... Continue Reading →
Is moisture content in feed synonymous with profit margin? Talk to a feed producer and you're likely to see a head nodding in agreement. How valuable would it be to have a continuous read-out of the moisture content of your feed at points along the process where you can still adjust your process to reach... Continue Reading →
Why are we here?
Fat is a critical parameter across the food, beverage and feed industries. However, the best solution for obtaining fat varies across the production cycle. In this blog, we propose extraction and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy methods for fat determination, with arguments for which technology is the best fit based on factors such as: Application scopeVariation in... Continue Reading →
Goal-setting When we start to think about method development so many things come to mind. It’s a great idea to clearly define the goals of a project so that we can plan efforts and resources in such a way as to meet those goals. So, what should be our expectation, or goals, when we use... Continue Reading →
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