Calibration transfer from dispersive instruments to handheld spectrometers.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural science
• Analytical chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• The Foss NIRSystem 6500 is a standard laboratory instrument for agricultural and feed analysis.
• Micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology enables miniature handheld spectrometers like the Polychromix Phazir for on-site analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential for transferring calibration models from a Foss NIRSystem 6500 to a Polychromix Phazir handheld spectrometer.
• To determine if accurate feed property analysis is achievable with portable spectrometers.

Main Methods:

• Development of calibration models on a Foss NIRSystem 6500 using a spectral database of 9164 feed samples.
• Transfer of these calibration models to a Polychromix Phazir handheld spectrometer.
• Validation of the transferred models for predicting feed properties (fat, fiber, protein, starch).

Main Results:

• Good calibration models were achieved for key feed properties including fat, fiber, protein, and starch.
• The spectral database of 9164 samples facilitated successful calibration transfer.
• The Polychromix Phazir demonstrated capability for on-site analysis.

Conclusions:

• Calibration transfer from laboratory-based NIR systems to handheld devices is feasible.
• Portable spectrometers like the Polychromix Phazir can effectively perform on-site feed analysis.
• This technology supports efficient and accurate quality control in the agricultural and feed industries.