Why Moisture Control Matters in NIR Analysis
Near-infrared spectroscopy measures how a sample absorbs, reflects, or transmits NIR light. Water contains O-H bonds, which produce strong NIR absorption bands and can dominate parts of the spectrum.
In many applications, moisture is the property being measured. This includes agricultural products, food ingredients, powders, minerals, chemicals, and process materials where water content affects quality or handling. In these cases, a suitable calibration model can use the moisture-related spectral response to report water content.
Moisture can also interfere with other measurements. If water content changes between calibration samples and routine samples, the analyser may see spectral variation that is unrelated to the target property. For reliable results, samples should be measured under consistent conditions, or the calibration should include the expected moisture range.
Reviewing NIR for Moisture-Affected Samples
For more detail on the method, review PAS’s overview of Near Infrared Spectroscopy technology. To compare suitable instruments, explore PAS’s NIR analysers through Portable Analytical Solutions, or contact our team to discuss your sample type and moisture measurement requirements.