Determination of Container Contents

Importance of the Topic

Rapid, non-destructive identification of unknown substances inside sealed containers is critical for first responders, customs officers and quality control laboratories. Determining whether a material is toxic, flammable or environmentally hazardous without opening the container improves operator safety and speeds decision-making in high-risk scenarios.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note describes a guided procedure for container content identification using the handheld Mira DS Raman spectrometer combined with the intelligent Universal Attachment (iUA). It explains how the system differentiates the container material from its internal contents and presents practical examples of real-world analyses.

Methodology

The Content ID operating procedure on Mira DS automatically leads the user through two sequential acquisitions:

1. Acquire a spectrum through the container wall below the fill line to characterize the barrier material.
2. Acquire a spectrum above the fill line to capture signals from the contents.

Proprietary algorithms optimize and average the spectra, then perform library matching to report both container and content identities within seconds.

Instrumentation Used

• Mira DS Advanced handheld Raman analyzer (Metrohm Instant Raman)
• Intelligent Universal Attachment (iUA) Smart Tip with three focal lengths (surface, bag, bottle)
• 785 nm laser excitation, spectral range 400–2300 cm⁻¹
• Integration time 10 s, 2 averages, laser power setting 5
• Illicit materials library, HQI threshold 0.96

Main Results and Discussion

• Through-barrier analysis of brown plastic bottles containing cough syrup accurately quantified ~41 % glycerin and identified PETE with a spectral match coefficient of 0.99.
• Opaque white HDPE bottles of acetaminophen were analyzed to reveal the active pharmaceutical ingredient alongside container components (HDPE) and a titanium oxide pigment, each matched with HQI of 0.99.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Mira DS/iUA combination enables safe, contact-free verification of contents in bags, bottles or vials. Its guided workflow reduces operator training requirements and delivers reliable results in seconds, enhancing workflows in law enforcement, hazardous materials response and pharmaceutical quality control.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing advances in portable Raman technology and expanded spectral libraries will improve detection of complex mixtures and trace contaminants. Integration with cloud-based data management and AI-driven analytics promises even faster, more comprehensive material identification in field environments.

Conclusion

The Mira DS handheld Raman analyzer with the intelligent Universal Attachment provides a streamlined, reliable method for distinguishing container materials from their contents. Its rapid, guided procedure and high spectral fidelity make it an essential tool for non-contact analysis of unknown substances.

References

• Metrohm AG. AN-RS-013 Application Note: Determination of Container Contents.