ALPHA FT-IR-Wine Analyzer

Significance of Topic

Quality control of wine is essential for ensuring product consistency and consumer satisfaction. Rapid, reagent-free analysis of alcohol, acid and sugar levels streamlines production and reduces costs, making advanced analytical methods highly valuable in oenology.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of Bruker’s ALPHA FT-IR Wine Analyzer. The goal is to demonstrate its ability to determine multiple wine quality parameters in a single, automated measurement, emphasizing speed, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Methodology

The analyzer employs attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to analyze wine samples directly, without chemical reagents or complex preparation. A software wizard guides users through sample introduction into a flow-through ATR cell, triggering measurement with a single action. Analysis and cell cleaning with water injection complete within five minutes.

Použitá instrumentace

• ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer with diamond ATR accessory
• Flow-through ATR sample cell
• Optional autosampler for high-throughput measurements

Main Results and Discussion

The system’s starter calibration, developed by an accredited institute using over 1,700 global wine samples, enables rapid quantification of parameters including alcohol, density, pH, sugars, glycerol, and organic acids. Measurement repeatability is assured by the robust ATR crystal, and the open calibration database allows users to refine models with their own reference data.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simultaneous multi-parameter analysis in under five minutes
• No reagents or consumables, lowering operating costs
• Intuitive software wizard suitable for non-experts
• Portable design ideal for winery laboratories and production lines
• Expandable calibrations tailored to specific wine varieties

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging developments may include integration with digital laboratory information management systems, enhanced calibration algorithms using machine learning, in-line monitoring within production facilities, and extension to other fermented beverages.

Conclusion

Bruker’s ALPHA FT-IR Wine Analyzer offers a fast, reliable, and cost-effective solution for comprehensive wine quality assessment. Its automated ATR-FTIR approach, coupled with a flexible calibration framework, supports routine analysis in research and industrial environments.

Reference

No additional literature references were provided in the source document.