UK-based AstraNet says its SWIR spectrometer can be used for food applications, such as measuring he moisture content in seeds or for monitoring an ingredient to determine when it has been thoroughly mixed in a batch.

The instrument features a integral microprocessor, memory and custom-designed holographic grating. Very little sample preparation is required and the analytical technique is non-destructive, involving simply measuring a reflectance spectrum, the company stated.

The spectrometer is a highly sensitive detector of moisture, making it ideal for use in many drying applications, including measuring the moisture content of grain samples, AstraNet stated in a press release.

The instrument can also monitor the reflectance spectrum of an active ingredient within a blending machine in real time to show when the constituents are thoroughly mixed.

Rather than utilising an off-the-shelf holographic grating, AstraNet's spectrometer incorporates one specially designed to match the wavelength range and give a flat-field image of optimal size at the array detector. This results in high linearity, low noise and low stray light.

The Astra SWIR instrument provides wavelength scans over the 1.1 to 2.2 micron range, allowing real-time monitoring of reactions in analytical laboratories and process control in the food industry.

The instrument has no moving parts and it is portable. It comes with built-in digital and analogue connector ports to allow connections with the company's computer network.