OMNIS NIRS: An efficiency boost for your laboratory

Significance of the Topic

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a versatile, rapid, and non-destructive approach to determine multiple sample parameters without the need for chemical reagents or extensive preparation. Its ability to probe bulk properties through deeper penetration and reduced band saturation enhances accuracy and throughput across liquids, solids, and pastes. Industries ranging from petrochemical and food to semiconductor and pharmaceutical benefit from its efficiency, safety, and cost savings.

Objectives and Study Overview

This white paper reviews NIRS fundamentals and highlights the Metrohm OMNIS NIR platform’s features by presenting case studies from various industries. It focuses on workflow simplification, automated temperature control, multi-point measurements for inhomogeneous samples, and the integration of NIR with robotic sample handling and titration systems. The goal is to demonstrate improved reproducibility, speed, and regulatory compliance in routine laboratory analyses.

Methodology

Liquid samples were measured in transmission mode, with optical path lengths adjusted to analyte concentration, while solids were analyzed in reflectance mode with rotating or multi-point measurements to address heterogeneity. Temperature at both the sample holder and vessel was actively controlled, and measurement triggering was automated. A 1D InGaAs diode array enabled spectra acquisition in under 10 seconds without moving parts.

Used Instrumentation

• OMNIS NIR Analyzer with stationary grating and 1D InGaAs detector
• OMNIS software featuring sample lists and OMD model development
• OMNIS Sample Robot for automated vial handling (200+ vials capacity)
• OMNIS Titrator for complementary titration measurements

Key Results and Discussion

• Diesel analysis: 50 samples for cetane index and number measured in 19 minutes (R²>0.99), compared to 90 minutes with legacy systems.
• Coffee caffeine assay: rotating-cup measurement of whole and ground beans yielding R²>0.98 against ISO 20481 ion chromatography.
• Hydrochloric acid screening: integrated NIR/titration workflow for 43 samples, triggering titration only when NIR results fell outside limits to save reagents and time.
• Lyophilized product moisture: through-glass vial analysis of 72 lactose samples in an autosampler with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, showing strong agreement with Karl Fischer oven method.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Elimination of chemical reagents reduces cost, waste, and operator exposure.
• No sample preparation accelerates throughput and lowers consumable needs.
• Automated temperature control and sample recognition enhance reproducibility.
• Modular integration of NIR with robotics and titration optimizes lab workflows.
• Applicable across diverse industries for routine quality control and research.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements will focus on AI-driven chemometrics, cloud-based data management, and expanded inline process monitoring. Increased automation and integration with Industry 4.0 systems will minimize manual intervention and maximize predictive analytics. The adoption of NIRS in sustainable manufacturing and real-time quality assurance is expected to grow.

Conclusion

The Metrohm OMNIS NIRS platform delivers significant improvements in speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. Its modular design and automated features make it a powerful solution for contemporary laboratory challenges without relying on chemical reagents.

Reference

ASTM International. Standard Practice for Performance-Based Qualification of Spectroscopic Analyzer Systems; ASTM D8340-21; ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2022.