How is NIR spectroscopy used for process monitoring?

NIR (Near-Infrared) spectroscopy measures molecular overtones and combinations in 780-2500 nm range for rapid, non-destructive analysis. Process applications: moisture content, API content in pharmaceuticals, octane number in refining, and polymer composition. Implementation: fiber optic probes for in-line measurement, bypass loops for sampling, or transmission cells. Chemometric models (PLS, PCR) convert spectra to concentration predictions. Advantages: multi-component analysis, no sample preparation, real-time results. Considerations: requires calibration model development with reference samples, model maintenance, and spectral preprocessing.