RAPID-DETERMINATION OF BULK MATERIALS BY SPECTRAL-ANALYSIS

Traditional analytical methods are not always entirely adequate for identifying substances during materials handling, since they are designed for a laboratory environment and require skilled personnel. Furthermore, the identification of substances often fails due to the huge quantities of raw materials delivered. Depending on the particular substance, an analysis may take hours or even days; high laboratory costs and extensive intermediate storage raise the price of the product. Moreover, the results of materials quality tests often only become available when the products have already left the manufacturing process or even the plant. Problems of this kind can only be solved with analytical instruments that are incorporated in the production system itself and that will supply relevant information on raw materials and the process within a very short time. With NIRVIS, Buhler is offering a universal analytical system that operates in the near-infrared range (NIR) of the optical spectrum. A revolutionary spectroscopic process (patent WO 90/10191 pending) featuring light refraction by means of two dual-refracting prisms produces maximum light intensity and therefore allows measurement results to be obtained within seconds. NIRVIS can be adapted by the quality assurance personnel to meet the specific analysis requirements of the operation, as its software has an application-oriented structure and is extremely user-friendly. NIRVIS offers advantages over today's common spectroscopic instruments in that it allows analyses to be conducted within seconds, can be applied right were materials are actually handled, and permits product identification immediately ahead of and after mixing, thereby offering the potential of online applications. Any quality guarantees made by suppliers can be verified in an efficient way. Production disruptions and reject rates are reduced, thanks to an ensured, continuous identification of substances and immediate control of production.