Identifying Raw Materials Inside Containers Using a Handheld Raman Spectrometer

Importance of the topic

Raw material identification is mandated by current Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure product quality and safety. Verifying up to 100 percent of incoming materials is often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly when conventional sampling and laboratory analysis are used.

Objectives and overview of the study

This white paper evaluates how deployment of the handheld Agilent Vaya Raman system, based on Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS), can simplify and accelerate identification of raw materials through transparent and opaque containers directly at the warehouse receiving area.

Methodology and instrumentation

• SORS principle separates illumination and collection zones to enhance Raman signal from the container interior while suppressing packaging contributions.
• Noninvasive analysis through multilayer paper sacks, FIBCs, tubs, bottles, drums and other opaque or translucent packaging.

Instrumentation used

Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer featuring built-in SORS capability for rapid, through-container material identification without sampling or opening secondary packaging.

Main results and discussion

A case study comparing 1200 monthly samples showed:

• Operator time reduced by over 50 percent, from approximately 2370 to 1047 hours per year.
• Annual cost per sample lowered from 5.80 USD to 2.50 USD, cutting total yearly costs from about 83 320 USD to 36 808 USD.
• Elimination of sampling booth requirements reduced PPE, consumables, and cleaning expenses.
• Raw materials became available for production on the same day instead of requiring extended booth processing.

Benefits and practical applications

The Vaya system offers:

• Rapid, noninvasive identification through transparent and opaque containers without container opening.
• Reduced container movements, sampling operations, PPE use, and associated labor.
• Improved throughput and flexibility to handle daily material receipts.
• Preservation of material sterility and full utilization before expiration, minimizing waste.

Return on investment

A four-year ROI analysis indicated:

• With an initial investment of ~115 000 USD for system purchase and method validation, net present value reached ~114 000 USD, corresponding to a 61 percent ROI.
• Moving to 100 percent raw material ID nearly doubled ROI to 107 percent with a net value of 191 000 USD.

Future trends and applications

As regulatory requirements evolve globally, the Vaya system:

• Future-proofs identification protocols against stricter cGMP and regional mandates.
• Enables scalable, high-throughput testing without additional personnel or equipment.
• Holds potential for broader applications in sectors such as food safety, chemical processing, and security for noninvasive material screening.

Conclusion

The Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer with SORS technology provides a cost-effective, scalable, and rapid solution for raw material identification through a variety of containers. It significantly reduces labor, cost, and logistical complexity while supporting full compliance and adapting to future testing requirements.

References

1. Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 211.84
2. EU GMP Annex 8: Sampling of Starting and Packaging Materials