Long-Length Fiber Optic Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy Probes for On-Line Quality Control of Processed Land Animal Proteins

Abstract

This research was conducted using a spectral database comprising 346 samples of processed animal proteins (PAPs) with a range of compositions, analyzed using a Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy multichannel instrument (Matrix-F, Bruker Optics) coupled to a 100 m fiber optic cable. Using both its static and dynamic operating modes (on a conveyor belt), simulating the movement of the product in the plant, the predictive capabilities of both modes of analysis were assessed and compared, for the purposes of predicting moisture, protein, and ashes. The results show that both exhibit highly similar degrees of precision and accuracy for predicting these parameters. This research provides a foundation of scientific-technical knowledge, hitherto unknown, regarding the “on-line” incorporation of an instrument (equipped with a 100 m fiber optic cable) into a processing plant of by-products of animal origin.