TANGO FT-NIR SPECTROSCOPY

Importance of NIR Spectroscopy

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become a cornerstone analytical technique across food, feed, pharmaceutical, chemical and polymer industries due to its rapid, non-destructive analysis and minimal sample preparation. By measuring overtone and combination vibrations of molecular bonds, FT-NIR delivers both qualitative and quantitative information, critical for process monitoring, quality control and material identification.

Objectives and Overview

This application note introduces the TANGO FT-NIR spectrometer, designed to streamline industrial NIR analysis. It highlights the system’s intuitive user interface, automated workflows and robust design, emphasizing how these features accelerate method deployment, reduce operator errors and ensure long-term measurement consistency.

Methodology and Instrumentation

TANGO employs a Fourier transform interferometer with robust optics and automated background alignment for high spectral precision. Key instrument features include:

• Intuitive touch-screen interface available in 17 languages to guide operators through measurement steps.
• Automated background scans performed without user intervention to maintain alignment and accuracy.
• Small, multi-orientation footprint enabling placement in tight lab spaces and operation from three sides.
• Exchangeable components—light source and desiccant cartridge—for minimal downtime and easy maintenance.

Sample modules are tailored to application demands:

• Transmission cell with active temperature control (+20 °C to +80 °C) and integrated sensor for precise liquid analysis.
• Gold-coated integrating sphere for reproducible diffuse reflectance measurements of solids, with a 10 mm spot size and optional rotator to address sample heterogeneity.

Main Results and Discussion

TANGO’s automated workflows significantly lower training barriers, enabling untrained staff to perform high-precision NIR measurements error-free. The instrument’s background management and direct calibration transfer among Bruker Optics devices ensure data consistency across labs and instruments. Durability tests confirm stable performance under humid and demanding at-line conditions, supported by a 10-year warranty on moving interferometer parts.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The TANGO system offers multiple advantages:

• Rapid deployment in quality control and process monitoring without extensive operator training.
• Cost-effective operation with no chemical reagents or sample prep.
• Seamless IT integration via network connectivity and optional separation of PC/monitor.
• Regulatory compliance, including 21 CFR Part 11 and various CE directives.

Its versatility spans raw material ID, moisture and fat quantification in food and feed, active ingredient determination in pharmaceuticals, and monitoring polymer composition.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances in chemometric modeling, remote connectivity and miniaturized NIR components point to increasingly autonomous and decentralized analytical solutions. Integration with Industry 4.0 frameworks will enable real-time process control and predictive maintenance, while cloud-based calibration sharing can further harmonize multi-site operations.

Conclusion

The TANGO FT-NIR spectrometer exemplifies how automation, ergonomic design and robust engineering converge to simplify industrial NIR analysis. Its ease of use, maintenance-free operation and compliance with regulatory standards make it a versatile tool for modern laboratories and production lines.