NIRS™ DS2500 Flour Analyzer

The NIRS DS2500 flour analyser takes a number of subsamples from different locations in the sample cup during the measurement because this directly influences the precision of the prediction.

If the prediction is based on a single scan, the value is significantly more uncertain than if based on several subsamples. The following figure illustrates this using an example where the standard deviation of prediction of subsamples is 0.25 (estimated from real data).

When the prediction is based on a single subsample, the uncertainty is +/- 0.49. For seven subsamples the uncertainty is 0.19.

The absolute uncertainty depends on the standard deviation of the subsample predictions (i.e depends on sample type). The magnitude of the curve may change between sample types, but an acceptable level of accuracy can only be achieved with multiple subsamples and you cannot sacrifice accuracy for speed. This is why the NIRS DS2500 Flour analyzer takes at least 7 subsamples from different locations in the sample cup. Peace of mind, guaranteed.*

*Disclaimer: FOSS can only guarantee results with the subsampling uncertainty numbers listed above, assuming that a well-validated calibration dataset is used with the NIRS DS2500 instrument.

Performance across the full wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm

The innovative use of technology according to the demands of particular routine analysis applications is a principle behind all FOSS dedicated analytical solutions.

Predispersive monochromator A holographic grating separates white light into individual wavelengths. An encoder correlates the position according to the wavelength and filters ensure that only first order radiation (most intense) is made available from 400 nm to 2500 nm in a single scan.

Advantages of monochromator technology

When designing the next step in NIR, our talented engineers chose to make use of the latest in predispersive monochromotor technology as the most stable and versatile option for routine flour analysis.

It was chosen for its high signal to noise (S/N) ratio across the whole range. This gives accurate analysis of parameters commonly measured with NIR as well as demanding parameters such as amino acids and other low level parameters in need of high accuracy.

In comparison, Fourier Transform near infrared (FT-NIR) is a powerful technology, but this strength lies mainly at wavelengths over 1800 nm. Diode array is another excellent technology but, the S/N ratio falls above 1650 nm.

Calibration transfer

The innovative design of the NIRS DS 2500 also avoids the problems of calibration transferability sometimes associated with monochromator-based instruments. The spectrometer is equipped with internal standards for control of light intensity, bandwidth and wavelength position. Its stability can be validated to ensure that data transfer is continuously seamless, even over time.

Overall, the monochromator technology offers:

• Unsurpassed S/N ratio from 400 – 2500 nm and thereby high resolution spectra over the whole wavelength range
• Versatility in choice of applications for example, moisture, protein, ash, wet gluten, water absorption and more
• Excellent calibration transferability with internal standards to control the stability of the spectrometer

Robust performance

Measurements with the NIRS DS2500 take less than a minute and the instrument is rock solid even when subjected to conditions of damp, dust, vibrations or temperature fluctuations.

A number of features contribute to this unique performance, including:

• A grating axis and frame designed to withstand transportation
• A specially designed motor encoder for accurate positioning of monochromator
• Stable temperature of lamp and detector ensured by sealed liquid cooling system
• Wavelength standard (15 peaks 528 – 2313 nm ) protected by a BK7 glass for an even bandwidth over the full wavelength range
• Internal Wavelength reference protected from environment and temperature variations by a BK7 glass.
• Borosilicate glass where a disc is cut from a high quality glass rod and polished for a uniform thickness and finish, used throughout 

The NIRS DS2500 has been extensively tested for performance regardless of rapid changes in temperature and humidity.

Advanced monochromotor technology with easy calibration transfer

The innovative design of the NIRS DS2500 avoids the problems of calibration transferability sometimes associated with NIR instruments. The spectrometer is equipped with internal standards for control of light intensity, bandwidth and wavelength position. Its stability can be validated to ensure that data transfer is continuously seamless, even over time.

Factory standardised instruments provide a stable platform over time

Instruments are factory standardized for quick implementation and the use of readymade calibrations. Instrument Standardization produces a mathematical adjustment which causes the spectra collected on a standardized instrument to match the spectra collected on the Master instrument.

Furthermore, once an instrument has been taken into use, in-built measurement standards help to control its performance to ensure that no deviations occur over time. This keeps continuous control of consistency between instruments and makes it easy to add any new instruments to your operation. Multiple instruments can easily use the same calibrations without any modifications.

Monochromator standardization options

You can recalibrate the monochromator to match other technologies, for example, to use the unit as part of an existing NIRSystem II or XDS network.

From NIRSystem II to NIRS DS 2500: examples

Alternative 1: Keep NIRSystems II as master using NIRSystems II calibration.
Requires: Single sample standardization applied to test set scans on the NIRS DS2500

Alternative 2: Change to NIRS DS2500 master
Requires: NIRSystems II calibration database standardized to NIRS DS2500 by applying single sample standardization. No standardization applied on test set scans from the NIRS DS2500

Alternative 3: Change to NIRS DS2500 master with enhancement
Requires: Enhancement of NIRSystems II calibration database with spectra from NIRS DS2500 without any standardization. No standardization applied on test set scans from NIRS DS2500

More examples available for transferring from XDS and InfraXact instruments. Ask your local sales representative using the contact form in the bottom of the main page

Factory standardised instruments for stability over time and instrument networking

Instruments are factory standardized for quick implementation and the use of ready-made calibrations. Instrument Standardization produces a mathematical adjustment which causes the spectra collected on a standardized instrument to match the spectra collected on the Master instrument.

Furthermore, once an instrument has been taken into use, in-built measurement standards help to control its performance to ensure that no deviations occur over time. This keeps continuous control of consistency between instruments and makes it easy to add any new instruments to your operation. Multiple instruments can easily use the same calibrations without any modifications, and can hence be networked as a group of instruments for improved stability and control from a central location.

Peace of mind with new networking capabilities for central configuration, support and surveillance

With more than 25 years of networking experience, FOSS has taken yet another step forward when it come to instrument networking capabilities, and introduced an unmatched level of service. Mosaic™ is a networking solution that remotely manages, configures and calibrates all your analytical instruments. Our specialist NIR team carries out all updates and calibrations centrally for improved instrument performance. Not only does this save you time, but it has also been shown to significantly reduce costs. More about Mosaic, here

Optimal performance with optional calibration software

The NIRS™ DS 2500 is supported by optional WinISI™ 4 - the latest generation of comprehensive chemometric packages for developing powerful calibrations for ISIscan™ NOVA based instruments. To read more about WinISI 4, click here.
To learn more about our new software, please contact your local FOSS Sales office.

A 360 degree solution offering full value

FOSS’ software development teams are dedicated to make lighter your work of calibration development, instrument daily operation and instrument networking. ISIscan NOVA software for routine operations and Mosaic networking software is included with your new NIRS DS 2500. WinISI 4 is a powerful option for calibration development.