StellarNet StellarCASE-NIR Portable Near-Infrared Composition Analyzer

Overview

The StellarNet StellarCASE-NIR is a field-deployable, fiber-optic-coupled near-infrared (NIR) composition analyzer engineered for rapid, non-destructive quantitative analysis of organic and inorganic materials across solid, liquid, powder, and granular states. Operating on the principle of diffuse reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy in the 900–1700 nm spectral window, the system captures molecular vibrational overtones and combination bands—primarily from C–H, N–H, and O–H functional groups—to enable multivariate calibration-based quantification of key compositional parameters. Unlike benchtop FT-NIR systems requiring sample homogenization or pelletization, the StellarCASE-NIR delivers lab-grade spectral fidelity without preprocessing, making it suitable for real-time process monitoring, field screening, and quality assurance in resource-constrained environments. Its compact, ruggedized enclosure meets IP54 environmental rating standards, supporting continuous operation under ambient temperature fluctuations (10–40 °C) and moderate humidity (up to 80% RH, non-condensing).

Key Features

• Fully integrated NIR spectrometer with thermoelectrically cooled InGaAs linear array detector, delivering high signal-to-noise ratio (>5,000:1 at 1 s integration) and long-term photometric stability.
• Modular optical interface: interchangeable fiber-optic probes (e.g., bifurcated reflectance probe, immersion transmission probe, contact-based integrating sphere) for flexible sampling geometry selection.
• Onboard processing unit running embedded Linux OS; all spectral acquisition, preprocessing (Savitzky-Golay smoothing, SNV, first/second derivative), and PLS regression inference executed locally—no external PC required for basic operation.
• Pre-loaded calibration models for common agricultural and food matrices (e.g., moisture in grain, protein in milk powder, fat in cheese), with support for user-defined model import via SpectraWiz® software using ASTM E1655-compliant .cal file format.
• Compliance-ready architecture: audit trail logging, electronic signature support, and data integrity features aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with validated SpectraWiz® GLP/GMP modules.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The StellarCASE-NIR accommodates heterogeneous, unprepared samples—including whole grains, irregularly shaped solids, viscous liquids, and bulk powders—without grinding, drying, or dilution. Its fiber-optic coupling enables measurements through transparent packaging (e.g., PET bottles, polyethylene bags) where applicable, minimizing cross-contamination risk. The system adheres to international spectroscopic measurement standards: spectral data conforms to ASTM E131 (Standard Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy), calibration transfer protocols follow ASTM E1655 (Standard Practices for Infrared Multivariate Quantitative Analysis), and instrument performance verification aligns with ISO 12099:2017 (Animal feeding stuffs — Guidance on the application of near infrared spectroscopy). All factory calibrations are traceable to NIST SRM 2035 (Diffuse Reflectance Standard) and SRM 2036 (Radiometric Calibration Standard).

Software & Data Management

SpectraWiz® v8.5+ provides full control over acquisition parameters, chemometric modeling (PLS, PCR, PCA), validation reporting (RMSEP, bias, R²), and compliance documentation. Raw spectra and processed results are stored in timestamped, encrypted SQLite databases with immutable metadata (operator ID, location GPS tag, ambient conditions, probe ID). Export options include ASTM E131-compliant ASCII formats, CSV for LIMS integration, and XML schemas compatible with enterprise analytics platforms. For regulated environments, optional SpectraWiz® GLP Mode enforces 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through role-based access control, electronic signatures, and full audit trail generation—including all parameter changes, model updates, and result approvals.

Applications

• Agriculture: On-site quantification of moisture, crude protein, starch, and ash content in cereals, forage, and oilseeds; real-time grain grading during harvest or storage.
• Food & Beverage: Rapid assessment of fat, lactose, casein, and water activity in dairy products; authenticity screening of olive oil and honey; shelf-life prediction in baked goods.
• Pharmaceuticals: Identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients in tablets; blend uniformity testing pre-compression; raw material verification per USP .
• Polymer Recycling: Sorting of PET, HDPE, PP, and PVC plastics based on spectral fingerprinting; detection of flame retardants and additives in post-consumer streams.
• Industrial Chemistry: In-line monitoring of hydrocarbon composition in fuels; concentration tracking of solvents in reaction mixtures; QC of catalyst loading in supported metal systems.

FAQ

Does the StellarCASE-NIR require annual recalibration?
No—its factory-installed NIST-traceable wavelength and radiometric calibration remains stable for ≥24 months under normal operating conditions. Users may perform optional performance verification using supplied ceramic reflectance standards before critical measurements.
Can I develop custom calibrations without programming experience?
Yes. SpectraWiz® includes a guided Chemometric Wizard that walks users through sample set preparation, spectral preprocessing, PLS model training, and cross-validation—requiring only representative reference lab data (e.g., Kjeldahl protein values, Karl Fischer moisture results).
Is the device compatible with hazardous area classifications (e.g., ATEX, IECEx)?
The base StellarCASE-NIR is not intrinsically safe certified. However, fiber-optic remote sensing configurations (with probe head deployed in Zone 1/2 and spectrometer housed in safe area) have been successfully implemented in petrochemical applications under client-specific ATEX risk assessments.
How is spectral data secured during transfer to enterprise systems?
All wireless (Wi-Fi/BT) and wired (USB/Ethernet) communications use TLS 1.2 encryption. When exporting to LIMS or MES, SpectraWiz® generates SHA-256 checksums and digitally signs data packages using X.509 certificates issued by internal PKI infrastructure.
What regulatory documentation is provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance, NIST Traceability Statement, Factory Calibration Report, EU Declaration of Conformity (CE-EMC/LVD), and RoHS/REACH compliance documentation. Full 21 CFR Part 11 validation packages are available upon request for GxP deployments.