Tianyan TY-NIR-HT High-Temperature Online Near-Infrared Moisture Analyzer

Overview

The Tianyan TY-NIR-HT is an industrial-grade online near-infrared (NIR) moisture analyzer engineered for continuous, non-contact moisture monitoring in high-temperature process environments. It operates on the fundamental principle of molecular absorption spectroscopy: water molecules exhibit characteristic vibrational overtones and combination bands in the 1100–2500 nm NIR region—particularly strong absorption peaks near 1450 nm and 1940 nm. By directing a stabilized, broadband NIR source onto the material surface and analyzing the intensity attenuation of reflected light at these diagnostic wavelengths, the instrument quantifies moisture content in real time without physical contact or sample preparation. Unlike conventional oven-drying or capacitance-based methods, NIR measurement is inherently fast, repeatable, and insensitive to bulk density variations—making it ideal for dynamic conveyor-based or free-fall applications where rapid compositional changes occur.

Key Features

• High-temperature-rated enclosure constructed from thermally conductive, oxidation-resistant alloys—enables reliable operation in ambient environments up to 80 °C and withstands radiant heat exposure typical near kilns, dryers, or hot-process conveyors;
• Integrated dual-function optical head with high-borosilicate quartz window—resists thermal shock, minimizes condensation adhesion, and maintains long-term transmission stability under humid or dusty conditions;
• Imported high-luminance NIR source coupled with precision interference filters and low-noise InGaAs photodetectors ensures signal-to-noise ratio >10,000:1 across all 50 programmable spectral channels;
• Motorized focus adjustment with 350 mm ± 100 mm working distance range—supports flexible mounting above belt conveyors, screw feeders, hoppers, chutes, or enclosed pipelines;
• Onboard temperature compensation via optional IR pyrometer interface (pre-wired port)—correlates real-time surface temperature (0–500 °C) with NIR absorption coefficients to correct for thermal drift in moisture prediction models;
• Ruggedized mechanical design compliant with IEC 60068-2 shock and vibration standards—suitable for installation in cement plants, biomass pellet lines, mineral processing facilities, and food extrusion environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TY-NIR-HT is validated for heterogeneous solid-phase materials including wood-derived particulates (sawdust, fiber, MDF/OSB flakes), agricultural commodities (grains, feed pellets, tea leaves), powdered foodstuffs (flour, starch, milk powder), mineral aggregates (quartz sand, coal fines, iron ore concentrate), pharmaceutical excipients, and ceramic slurries. Its non-destructive measurement method avoids contamination risk and eliminates sampling bias inherent in grab-sampling protocols. The system supports compliance with ISO 712 (cereal and cereal products — determination of moisture content), ASTM D4017 (standard test method for moisture in paints and related coatings), and GLP-aligned data integrity requirements when paired with audit-trail-enabled software. All optical and electronic components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and CE marking requirements for industrial instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

Tianyan’s proprietary NIR-Link™ software provides full remote configuration, spectral acquisition control, multivariate calibration management (PLS, PCR, MLR), and real-time trend visualization. Each of the 50 independent measurement channels supports individual calibration curve storage with ≥10 auto-generated reference points derived from laboratory correlation data. The software enforces 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access levels, electronic signature logging, and immutable audit trails for all calibration updates, parameter changes, and report exports. Process data—including moisture %, surface temperature, signal intensity, and diagnostic flags—is output via Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or 4–20 mA analog signals for seamless integration into DCS, SCADA, or MES platforms. Historical datasets are stored in SQLite format with automatic daily backup and configurable retention policies.

Applications

• Real-time moisture feedback control in rotary drum dryers and fluidized bed systems for wood chip drying and biomass fuel conditioning;
• In-line quality assurance for cereal milling—monitoring flour and starch moisture prior to packaging to prevent caking or microbial growth;
• Feed formulation consistency verification in compound feed mills—ensuring optimal pelleting efficiency and binder activation;
• Temperature-compensated moisture profiling in tobacco flake reconditioning tunnels and tea leaf fermentation chambers;
• Continuous monitoring of mine tailings and metallurgical concentrates prior to briquetting or sintering processes;
• Process validation support for GMP-regulated herbal extract drying and tablet granulation steps in phytopharmaceutical manufacturing.

FAQ

Does the TY-NIR-HT require periodic recalibration against reference lab methods?
Yes—initial calibration must be established using statistically representative reference samples analyzed by AOAC 950.46 or ISO 13933 gravimetric methods. Subsequent field recalibration is recommended every 3–6 months depending on process stability and material variability.
Can the instrument measure moisture in moving, uneven surfaces such as vibrating conveyors?
Yes—the 1–60 s adjustable filter cycle allows synchronization with material transit speed; combined with wide optical spot (60–75 mm) and robust signal processing, it delivers stable readings even on non-uniform, tumbling, or layered material beds.
Is the quartz window resistant to abrasive dust or sticky residues?
The high-borosilicate quartz optical window features a hydrophobic coating and smooth surface finish—reducing particle adhesion and enabling effective air-purge cleaning integration (optional accessory).
What safety certifications does the device hold for hazardous area installation?
The standard TY-NIR-HT is rated for Zone 2/Class I Division 2 environments. A certified ATEX/IECEx version (TY-NIR-HT-EX) is available upon request for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
How is temperature compensation implemented during moisture calculation?
The built-in IR temperature port feeds real-time surface temperature into the PLS regression model; spectral absorption coefficients are dynamically adjusted using empirically derived thermal correction matrices specific to each calibrated material type.