Rapid on-site IR/NIR services
Your on-site infrared quality testing partner
Eurofins QTA, Inc. combines infrared (IR) technology, advanced modeling techniques, and a simple user interface to provide detailed results—on site, in real time. By using Near-IR/IR, regions of the light spectrum, we can help you qualitatively and quantitatively characterize materials by correlating wavelengths to their respective organic compounds.
The analysis is non-destructive, reagent free, and with no technical expertise required. In just a 60-second test cycle, anyone can analyze nearly all physical sample forms, including solids, liquids, suspensions, pastes, and more. Our team of experts make it easy by handling the technical development, configuration, model management, and monitoring for you. By removing the challenges of traditional implementation, our clients have more freedom in their operations. Immediately determine whether your products are within specifications, ensure they meet regulatory and quality requirements, and reduce production hold times with rapid on-site analysis.
Our services include ongoing technical expertise for model development and maintenance, and 24/7 helpdesk support from the Eurofins QTA, Inc. core technical team. Instruments, calibrations, and data management services—all in one customized solution.
Solutions to fit your needs
Development and validation
Eurofins QTA, Inc. provides custom model development and validation based on the specific client ingredients, products, and applications. Our team of Ph.D. Chemometricians provide comprehensive support from project initiation to ongoing productions support. We can custom develop models based on desired traits, custom applications and build novel model libraries. Our services include ongoing calibrations and model maintenance. We offer all-inclusive service packages that take the technical burden off our clients operations, ensuring your models are always performing. Due to supplier and seasonal variations, calibrations are a critical step for continued model performance and reliability.
NIR/IR spectroscopy
Eurofins QTA, Inc. utilizes a combination infrared (IR) spectroscopy and chemometrics to identify specific traits within a wide range of products. By using various ranges of light spectrum, we can use either Near-IR (NIR) or Mid-IR (MIR) based on the products and applications. The ability of IR to extract data on a molecular level allows for correlation of primary methods and IR spectra, which is then interpreted into a unit of measurement. Eurofins QTA, Inc. performs a “proof-of-concept” which will then determine which IR instrumentation is best suited for the client application.
In-line solutions
Eurofins QTA, Inc. can develop customized in-line solutions to immediately put quality data in the hands of your production team for making process decisions without physical sampling. Let us help you get faster answers by developing custom applications to suit your own individual operational or production needs. Our IR technology is rugged and robust making it suitable for harsh and hard-to-access environments. With the use of fiber optics, emission heads, light probes, and other accessories, we can provide in-line access for continuous data collection and results.
Handheld solutions
Eurofins QTA, Inc. offers customized handheld solutions to deliver data instantly. Our handheld solution utilizes Near Infrared (NIR) technology that enables you to process samples anywhere - from the field to the processing plant - and get results in the palm of your hand with just three quick scans. Let us assist you in getting answers exactly when and where you need them by developing custom applications tailored to your operational or production needs.
Why choose Eurofins QTA, Inc.?
- Cost effective: A complete solution without any large up-front expenditure
- Technical support: Dedicated technical expertise to find your solution
- Fast analysis: 60-second analysis gives you results in real time
- Easy to perform: Suitable for any department and any skill level
- Convenient: No sample preparation and eliminates use of expensive and hazardous consumables
Who we support
Our unique and flexible testing solution allows us to provide a wide range of industries with on-site quality testing services tailored to their needs.
The QTA® solution provides analysis of incoming feedstock, in-process, glycerin, and B100. The QTA Solution central processor calculates the results, returns them to the user and stores the data for future retrieval. The method, AOCS Ck 2-09, has been fully validated through ASTM D6708 and ISO 5725 statistical protocols.
- Increase production yield and reducing testing costs
- Validated based on your feedstock
- Additional technical staff not required
- Bench top and in-line solutions
- All inclusive contracts
The QTA Solutions B100 reduced specification portfolio:
- Methanol
- Water
- Free glycerin and total glycerin
- Cloud point
- Acid number
- Oxidative stability
Dairy
Traditional IR capabilities may be limited to global models with a predefined trait options. Our team at Eurofins QTA, Inc. can custom develop models to give you a central database tailored to your products and traits of interest. Our QTA® Solution provides the option for in-line systems with automated data capture, bringing the lab to your production line. We can help your operations optimize down stream production and distribution by testing constituents of your dairy products and other ingredients.
- Inclusive analytical services
- Accuracy and precision are monitored and maintained by our team
- Analytical consultations at no cost
- Verify quality of incoming products
- Monitor blended samples for consistent products
- 24/7 live technical support
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for dairy products:
- Protein
- Fats
- Moisture
- Sugars
- Ash
- Total solids
- Free fatty acids
- Fatty acid profile
- IgG
- Density
Dietary supplements
Traditional analytical methods can be time consuming and expensive. The QTA® Solution empowers dietary supplement manufacturers to make in-process decisions and reduce rework. It can test for multiple traits in a 60-second cycle from a single sample.
- Perform ingredient verifications against supplier Certificate of Analysis
- Monitor blended samples for consistent products
- In-line and bench-top applications
- Accuracy and precision are monitored and maintained
- Eliminate reagent waste
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for supplements:
- Fats and lipids
- Ash
- Moisture
- Protein and amino acids
- Saccharides
- Vitamins and minerals in certain applications
Fertilizer
As demand for synthetic and organic fertilizers increase, the need for sustainable quality measures becomes more important. Eurofins QTA, Inc. can provide real-time monitoring of critical specifications to provide yield optimization and testing concentrations of incoming ingredients. Our QTA® Solution puts the power of analysis where you need it most with in-line, at-line, and bench-top solutions. Enable your production teams to make real-time decisions with in-process materials to stay within controls. Our solution tests for multiple traits in 60-second cycle from a single sample.
- Monitors blended samples for consistent products
- Trend charting of multiple parameters
- Accuracy and precision are monitored and maintained
- Eliminates reagent and consumables waste
- Enables producers to excel in IFA's SHE Principles
- 24/7 technical support
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for fertilizers:
- Biuret, %
- Crush, lbs
- Formaldehyde, %
- Total Nitrogen, %
- Water, %
- Moisture
- Calcium
- Fat
- K2O
- pH
- Protein
- Sulfur
- P2O5
Food and ingredients
Our system can analyze a wide variety of finished products and ingredients for the food industry. Whether analyzing specific components of the food, e.g. fat, oil, sugar; or predicting functional properties, our system provides fast, accurate analyses with results in less than 2 minutes.
The versatility of the sample presentation system enables the analysis of all types of food materials, whether they are solids, liquids, pastes, suspensions, etc., all using the same instrument. Below are a few examples of products and ingredients our system can support and some common analytes that are analyzed.
Examples of IR/NIR rapid testing applications in food:
- Animal proteins: moisture, protein, fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, trans fat
- Coffee beans: moisture, color
- Corn syrup: fructose, dextrose, dextrose equivalent, solids, DP2 - 4, color, conductivity, pH
- Chips: fat, moisture, salt
- Cheese: fat content and solids
- Eggs: fat content and solids
- Fats and oils: iodine value, fatty acids and glycerides, fat content, moisture insoluble, color, free glycerin, saponification, ester value, and phosphorus
- Flour and flour mixes: moisture, fat, protein, ash, glyceride content, oil content, flour content, amylose, sugars, whey, preservative content, vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, retinol, ascorbic, etc.)
- Nuts: water, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, sucrose, niacin, alpha tocopherol, stigmasterol, campesterol, triglycerides
- Oat bran: moisture, fiber, beta-glucan
- Sauces (ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, etc.) and jellies: sugar, viscosity, brix, acidity, moisture, solids content
- Sweeteners: Ni level, lactitol purity, xylitol purity
- Yeast: solids, moisture, protein, phosphate, trehalose, vitamins
Hops
The hops industry hinges on having the highest quality products in order to maintain competitive growth. We provides hop growers with the tools to optimize harvesting and processing using infrared technology tailored to the hops industry. Our on-site solution is capable of testing hops in wet, dry and pelletized forms.
- Determine pre-harvest field selection
- Quickly analyze multiple parameters with a single sample
- Minimal training and set-up required
- Inclusive analytical and technical support
- No capital investment
- Seasonal contracts
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for hops:
- Alpha acids, %
- Beta acids, %
- HSI
- Total oil, %
- Moisture, %
Limestone and dolomite
Eurofins QTA, Inc. combines infrared (IR) technology, advanced modeling techniques, and a simple user interface to provide detailed results—on site, in real time. The analysis is non-destructive, reagent-free, and requires no technical expertise to perform. In just a 60-second test cycle, limestone and dolomite producers can test both raw materials headed to the kiln and finished product with our in-line or at-line testing solutions.
- Emission heads, bench-top, and mobile probe applications
- Un-mined, raw material, and finished product analysis
- Easy to use, with the ability to test multiple parameters on one sample
- Confirm moisture levels for product safety
- Extensive reporting, Certificate of Analysis, and data services
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for limestone and dolomite:
- CaCO3
- MgCO3
- SiO2
- Al2O3
- Fe2O3
- KO2
- S
- CaO
Marine products
Marine products demand grows globally, our QTA® Solution can help your production maintain a consistent product for consumers. In order to produce high quality marine products, analyses can be performed for both in-process and finished products.
- Optimization of ethyl esterification process
- Applications for aquaculture industry sectors
- Ability to test fish oil, krill oil, fish meal and blends
- Eliminate reagent waste
- Monitor blended samples for consistent products
- Reduction of rework and product waste
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for marine products:
- DHA and EPA, total Omega 3
- Monoglycerides
- Diglycerides
- Triglycerides
- Ethyl ester
- Peroxide value
- Phospholipids
- Anisidine value
- Cholesterol
- Free fatty acids
- Proximates
- Salt from chloride
Meat
Whether you need to test beef, poultry, pork, or other meat products, Eurofins QTA, Inc. is able to provide tailored solutions for analysis and risk management. Meat composition, including fat content and quality can be analyzed on-site in real-time with bench-top and in-line applications.
- Risk management addressing FSMA requirements with rapid, real-time screening:
- In-coming ingredient compliance verification
- In-process testing (both at-line and in-line)
- Final product compliance verification
- Determine lean point in real-time
- Rugged system suitable for most environments
- Reduces the need for other time-consuming analytical methods
- Inclusive analytical and technical support
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for meat:
- Fat
- Moisture
- Protein
- Salt
- Iodine value
- Saturated fats
- Fatty acids
- Solids
- Ash
- Others
Nuts and seeds
The edible nut industry is a growing billion dollar industry, making quality testing and efficiency more important than ever. The Eurofins QTA® solution provides seeds and nut producers with the tools to optimize harvesting and processing by reducing the use of time-consuming methods that require specialized instruments and training. We can help you meet FSMA and other food safety standards.
- Increase yields per acre
- Assess production from soil to finished product
- Inclusive analytical and technical support
- Analyze multiple parameters with a single sample
- Accuracy and precision are continuously monitored
- No capital investment
IR/NIR rapid testing capabilities for nuts and seeds:
- Moisture
- Fats
- Ash
- Oil content
- Peroxides
- Fatty acids
- Sugars
- Protein
- Others