OMNIS NIRS: An efficiency boost for your laboratory

Importance of the Topic

NIR spectroscopy offers rapid, non-destructive, reagent-free multi-parameter analysis across liquid, paste, and solid samples. Its increasing adoption addresses laboratory demands for speed, cost reduction, and ease of use in industries such as petrochemical, food and beverage, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Aims and Overview of the Article

This white paper introduces the Metrohm OMNIS NIRS solution, illustrating its core concepts, distinguishing features compared to mid-IR, and practical benefits through real-world case studies. It highlights how OMNIS NIRS enhances efficiency, reproducibility, and automation in routine laboratory workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

OMNIS NIRS combines a 1D InGaAs diode array spectrometer, precise temperature control (25–80 °C), automatic sample recognition, and modular sample holders for transmission and reflection modes. Key components include:

• OMNIS NIR Analyzer with stationary grating and diode array
• Disposable vials, flow-through cells, and rotating cups for solid/liquid measurement
• OMNIS software with automated model development, sample lists, series determination, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
• Optional OMNIS Sample Robot and OMNIS Titrator for unattended, integrated workflows

Main Results and Discussion

• Diesel analysis: 50 diesel samples for cetane number and index were measured in under 19 minutes, achieving R² > 0.99 correlation with ASTM D613 references and reducing analysis time by over 70 % compared to legacy systems
• Coffee analysis: Automated multi-point rotation measurement of whole and ground beans yielded accurate caffeine quantification with strong agreement to ion chromatography
• Hydrochloric acid screening: Integrated NIR and titration triggered titrimetry only for out-of-spec results, lowering reagent consumption and overall cycle time
• Lyophilized products: Through-vial NIR assessment of water content in sealed lactose vials demonstrated robust compliance with USP 856 and 21 CFR Part 11 and correlated closely with Karl Fischer titration

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Reagent-free, non-destructive analysis across sample states
• No sample preparation required—analysis as-is
• High throughput: typical measurement times under ten seconds per sample
• Automated workflows with sample recognition, temperature control, and multi-technique integration
• Regulatory compliance features including audit trails and user management

Future Trends and Opportunities

As digitalization and demands for real-time QA/QC grow, future NIR developments will focus on enhanced sensitivity via machine learning–driven calibration, mobile and inline process analytics, and deeper integration with laboratory information management systems. Expanded multi-technique automation promises broader quality control in continuous manufacturing.

Conclusion

The OMNIS NIRS platform delivers a robust, modular, and automated NIR solution that significantly boosts laboratory efficiency. Its versatility across industries, speed, and regulatory readiness make it an essential tool for modern analytical challenges.

Reference

1. ASTM International. Standard Practice for Performance-Based Qualification of Spectroscopic Analyzer Systems; ASTM D8340-21; ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2022.