BEAM Single Point Analysis with full FT-Power

Importance of the Topic

The ability to perform reliable, real-time process monitoring is critical across industries such as food, feed, polymer and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Advanced in-line spectroscopic techniques reduce product variability, minimize waste, and improve overall process efficiency. FT-NIR spectroscopy, when applied in a compact single-point format, offers detailed chemical information with high speed and stability, enabling tighter control over production parameters.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note introduces BEAM, a dedicated single-point FT-NIR spectrometer designed to deliver full FT‐power in industrial environments. The main goals are to demonstrate its contactless measurement capabilities, robustness under harsh conditions, broad spectral coverage, and seamless integration into existing process control systems to boost on‐site analytical performance.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

BEAM employs a RockSolidTM interferometer with cube-corner mirrors and a wear-free pivot mechanism to ensure high spectral resolution and long-term stability. A dual-lamp configuration guarantees continuous operation by automatically switching sources if one fails. The instrument covers the complete near-infrared range, delivering over 250 scans per minute for rapid measurement cycles.

Used Instrumentation:

• FT‐NIR process spectrometer “BEAM”
• RockSolidTM cube-corner interferometer
• Dual-lamp light source
• IP65-rated stainless steel housing
• Communication interfaces: 4-20 mA, Profibus DP, Modbus, Ethernet, OPC DA/UA

Key Results and Discussion

Field tests demonstrated:

• Stable, contactless analysis of solids and semi-solids on pipelines, hoppers, and conveyor belts without process interruption
• High spectral resolution enabling accurate quantification of moisture, protein, fats, polymers characteristics and active pharmaceutical ingredients
• Rugged performance under vibrations, dust and moisture, confirmed by IP65 certification
• Rapid response times (more than 250 scans/min) supporting real‐time trend monitoring and batch control

These features combine to deliver precise process feedback, reducing batch-to-batch variation and safeguarding product specifications.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementing BEAM in production lines yields multiple advantages:

• Improved product quality through tighter control of critical parameters
• Lower scrap rates and rework costs by early detection of deviations
• Faster return on investment via reduced energy consumption and enhanced throughput
• Versatile deployment in food (powder drying, protein content), feed (moisture, fiber, amino acids), polymer (cross-linking, viscosity) and pharma (API endpoint, mixing homogeneity) sectors

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments likely to shape FT-NIR process analysis include:

• Integration with machine learning and advanced chemometric models for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• IoT-enabled networks for centralized data analytics and remote monitoring
• Miniaturization of spectrometer modules for broader in-line placements
• Expansion into bioprocessing, environmental monitoring and renewable materials analysis

Conclusion

The BEAM single-point FT-NIR spectrometer represents a significant advancement in in‐process analytics, combining full FT power, high resolution, and extreme robustness. Its rapid, contactless measurements and seamless connectivity facilitate enhanced process understanding and control, driving quality improvements and cost savings across multiple industries.