IRIS Technology: Leading the Way in Material Detection with Hyperspectral Imaging for RECLAIM project

Real-time monitoring of free lacticide during the production of PLA (polylactic acid)

Industry-4-0 2 April 2025

Plastic Analysis with NIR Visum Palm™: Precision, Agility and Versatility for Industry

Plastic Analysis with NIR Visum Palm™

The plastic analysis and classification have become more critical than ever—driven by new regulations and environmental practices—across various sectors, from material manufacturers and waste recovery operators to recyclers, scrap dealers, and companies processing recycled plastics.

In this context, the portable NIR Visum Palm™ analyser stands out as an ideal tool for fast and accurate real-time plastic analysis identification, regardless of the sample type: waste, sheets, virgin or recycled pellets, flakes, and more. Visum Palm™ is a self-contained analyser, meaning it includes a built-in computer, software, and touchscreen, and does not require any connection to external devices such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone.

The device comes preloaded with a free plastic analysis identification library containing 39 classes, covering the most common polymers. It can be used as a handheld device for direct contact analysis or as a benchtop instrument in a laboratory or material reception area, with different sample holders available to suit various sampling needs and sample types.

^{Plastic analysis mode: Identification (left) and classification (right)}

^{Plastic analysis mode: Verification (PASS/FAIL) and correct material.}

What Plastics Can Visum Palm™ Identify—and What Are Its Limitations? | Plastic Analysis

As mentioned above, Visum Palm™ includes a library of 39 plastic classes, including:

PMMA, PE, PC, PETG, EVA, PVC, PET, PU, PS, ABS, PA, PP, VIN, PLA, PBT, PMP, POMC, PPS, PVA, PPSU, EMA, PHBV, PAEK, PBAT, PBS, TPES, TPS, MABS, HIPS, MBS, SBC, PCL, PEEK, PHB, SAN, PI, PB, HDPE, LDPE.

This library is periodically updated to ensure optimal coverage and performance in real-world applications.

The analyser is compatible with a wide range of sample types, including:

Post-consumer plastic waste: bags, bottles, jars, and various parts. In cases of surface dirt, minimal cleaning is recommended. Thanks to its spectral range of 900–1700 nm, a 10 mm measurement spot, and strong illumination, Visum Palm™ offers minimal penetration, making it less sensitive to dirt or coatings compared to extended-range instruments that only scan the surface.
Pellets (virgin or recycled): can be analysed in benchtop mode using dedicated sample holders.
Flakes: ideal for recycling lines where rapid polymer-type classification is essential.
Plastic parts of different sizes and geometries: sample shape can affect spectral quality, so extra care should be taken with curved or uneven parts to avoid anomalous readings.
Powders and liquids: can also be analysed, provided the appropriate sample holders are used—several are available.

Limitations of Plastic Analysis with Visum Palm™

Like any analytical technique, NIR spectroscopy has intrinsic limitations related to its physical detection principle and the 900–1700 nm spectral range used by Visum Palm™. In the following cases, plastic analysis may be unreliable or not possible:

Black plastics containing carbon black: this additive absorbs all NIR light, making this technique unsuitable.
Plastics requiring detection outside the spectral range: some polymers need broader spectral coverage for confident identification.
Microplastics and very small pieces (< 2 mm): the small size prevents effective spectrum capture.

NIR spectroscopy is an empirical technique: spectra must be interpreted and compared against a reference database. For this reason, individual evaluation is always advised for complex or similar samples.

In scenarios where material differences are minimal, Visum Palm™ allows for plastic analysis by creating specific classification models using advanced mathematical algorithms, improving accuracy through a second step of confirmatory analysis.

Create and Maintain Your Own Plastic Library - Plastic Analysis

Our field experience confirms that plastic sample variability is vast, whether by polymer type, shape, colour, coating, or origin (virgin, post-consumer, or recycled). Although the built-in library is regularly updated, covering all possible combinations is not feasible.

Therefore, each device comes with the Visum Master™ SMART PC software, allowing end users to:

Expand the existing library with their own samples.
Continuously update it without needing technical spectroscopy knowledge.

Below is an example of how a personalised library is created or updated, involving spectrum acquisition of different classes and variations in shape, colour, and surface characteristics—followed by assigning the correct material name.

^{Plastic analysis Visum Master™: Development or updating of an identification or classification library with Visum Master™ SMART.}

This empowers recyclers and manufacturers to independently build a robust, up-to-date, and process-representative library tailored to their specific needs.

Conclusion

Visum Palm™ provides a practical, accurate, and versatile solution for plastic analysis, identification and classification in industrial environments. Its portability, ease of use, and compatibility with different sample types—from waste and pellets to flakes and parts—make it a valuable asset for both laboratories and production floors.

While NIR technology has certain limitations—particularly with black plastics, highly filled materials, or specific formulations—the ability to create custom libraries and classifications using Visum Master™ SMART makes this system adaptable to nearly any production context.

In a world where traceability and correct material sorting are increasingly critical, Visum Palm™ stands as a strategic tool for companies aiming to enhance their recycling processes, quality control, or fast polymer identification workflows.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

Real-time cooking degree monitoring of gummies with Visum Raman In-Line™

Blending process monitoring with in-line NIR spectroscopy

Digitalization 13 September 2024

European Commission Highlights IRIS Technology Solutions for its Innovative Role in the AIDPATH Decentralized Advanced Therapy Production Project

IRIS Technology Solutions is proud to announce that we have been recognized as a “Key Innovator” by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar for our contributions to the AIDPATH project. This recognition highlights our innovative development of a monitoring strategy for optimal measurement of selected parameters in bioreactors, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), soft-sensors, and machine learning algorithms.

AIDPATH (Artificial Intelligence-driven, Decentralized Production for Advanced Therapies in the Hospital) is a high-impact EU-funded consortium dedicated to advancing the next generation of personalized medicine using gene-engineered immune cells at EU hospitals through AI technology. The project focuses on T cells modified to express a synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T), a revolutionary treatment in hematology and oncology, with potential applications for infections and autoimmune diseases. AIDPATH aims to address the complexities of traditional CAR-T therapy, which is hindered by centralized manufacturing and inflexible clinical use schemes. By integrating patient-specific data and biomarkers, AIDPATH uses AI to enable flexible manufacturing and optimize CAR-T cell products, improving anti-tumor potency and reducing costs and resource utilization in hospitals.

Advanced Monitoring Strategy for Bioreactors

In this project, IRIS Technology Solutions played a pivotal role by developing a monitoring strategy that allows for the optimal measurement of selected parameters in bioreactors. Bioreactors are essential in bioprocessing as they provide the environment needed for biological reactions to occur, such as for the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels and other bio-based products. In the case of AIDPATH, the bioreactor performs a so-called “perfusion” process which, starting from a small number of CAR T-cells taken from a patient, grows a much larger amount, which are then reintroduced into the patient for immunotherapy cancer treatment. However, maintaining optimal growth conditions within the bioreactor is a complex task that requires precise monitoring of variables such as pH, temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations.

We tackled this challenge by designing a system capable of monitoring these parameters in real time, adapting dynamically to changes and ensuring that the bioreactor’s conditions remain optimal for the biological processes involved. One of the key achievements was our development of a control system that provides alerts based on the variations in these parameters. The system was programmed to follow specific control rules and thresholds to ensure expected behaviors during in-line monitoring, making it more efficient and reliable than traditional systems.

Innovation through AI-Powered Soft-Sensors

A standout innovation that contributed to this recognition was our integration of AI-powered “smart-sensors” within the monitoring system. Unlike the traditional approach that provides information based on a small number of hard sensors with a PID controller, our smart-sensors apply AI technologies (Fuzzy and Consensus Based algorithms) and advanced statistical techniques (Bollinger, sliding window), to aggregate the data from a larger and more varied set of hard sensors and convert it into actionable insights.

These smart-sensors have been designed to support decision-making by providing real-time insights into the bioreactor’s performance. For instance, instead of simply reporting temperature fluctuations, the soft-sensors analyze the behavior over time and relate it to the trends from other hard sensors. This approach allows for a more holistic feedback to the human expert operator of any significant changes within the bioreactor, ultimately leading to more efficient bioprocesses and higher yields.

Additionally, the soft sensors are integrated in the SCADA type interface (called COPE in AIDPATH) which displays the soft sensor outputs and alerts in real time on a dashboard which is easily interpretable by the human expert operator. Furthermore, the smart sensors are completely parameterizable (soft coded) by the end user, an advantage when calibrating the system for new use cases. Data analytics and machine learning can be used to further fine tune the control parameters and data processing rules.

Being recognized by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar underscores IRIS Technology Solutions’ leadership in advanced process monitoring and AI applications. This recognition not only acknowledges our efforts but also opens opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships with other innovators, businesses, and academic institutions. It highlights our commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications and impact.

Moreover, the Innovation Radar platform provides visibility to potential customers, investors, and partners seeking innovative solutions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. As part of this platform, IRIS is poised to attract new interest and expand its network within the scientific and industrial communities.

Being named a “Key Innovator” by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar is a significant achievement that reflects our dedication to technological advancement and innovation, as well as the hard work and commitment of our team. We look forward to continuing to drive innovation in advanced process monitoring, artificial intelligence, and beyond.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

Control of the coating process of granular forms by NIR spectroscopy

monitoring of the pellet coating process

Control of the coating process of granular forms by NIR spectroscopy

In the pharmaceutical industry, there are many granular formulations that are coated to achieve a sustained or controlled release of the drug or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) over time, a clear and well-known example being Omeprazole. In this paper we will discuss these extended release formulations and how it is possible to optimize the release time and potency analyses during the coating process using NIR spectroscopy.

Pelletisation process and traditional analysis

During the pelletisation process of modified release dosage forms, the correct application of the coating (e.g. an enteric release coating intended to prevent gastric digestion or degradation) will determine the subsequent efficacy of the drug and the mg/API release time of the drug and therefore controls are carried out throughout this process to ensure the quality and thus the expected pharmacological action.

Currently, this control is performed during the coating process with samples obtained from the coating equipment at different times and analysed in the laboratory using the analytical technique of HPLC or liquid chromatography and dissolution testing to demonstrate that the release of the active ingredient(s) is satisfactory. Both methods require sample preparation prior to analysis, require specialised personnel and consumables (materials), in addition to the duration (hours) of a dissolution test, whose main objective is to determine the bioavailability of the drug, meaning the relative amount of the drug that has entered the general circulation after administration, and the rate at which this access has occurred.

Therefore, the major problem with traditional analytics is that it is time-consuming to obtain the results and therefore does not allow for timely rectification of the coating process in case of failures or, in the frequent case of stopping the process for sampling, there is a risk that the quality of the semi-product will be altered.

An alternative and very effective tool that allows real-time monitoring of the coating process is NIR technology, since the spectral signature of each pellet can be related to its coating conditions, dosage and release times without the need to resort to traditional methods.

Development of an NIRS method for predicting release time and potency

In order to develop a predictive model for the real-time determination of release times and potency (mg API/g pellet) that is released at 1, 4 and 7 hours, we worked in coordination with a major Spanish pharmaceutical laboratory and the portable NIR spectroscopic analyser Visum Palm™ manufactured and marketed by IRIS Technology Solutions S.L.

The data provided by the laboratory consists of the NIR spectra of several batches of two drugs based on, on the one hand, an antihistamine which, for confidentiality reasons, we will refer to as “DS”, and on the other hand, a form of vitamin B6 which, for the same reasons, we will refer to as “PH”. In both cases, the active substance was part of the coating of the pellets constituting the vehicle.

The spectra of the pellets were acquired at different times of the coating process, from both wet and dry samples and, in parallel, the respective sample was subjected to the usual analyses in these cases to determine the drug release at 1, 4 and 7 hours and the potency mg PI/g.

The predictive models developed on the basis of the spectral data showed that it is not necessary to dry the samples for the acquisition of the spectra – so the control can be performed directly on the wet sample, saving time and handling – and that there is a clear relationship between the NIR spectra, the power and the release times of 1h, 4h and 7h, as we will see below.

PH compound - Coating process and NIR spectroscopy

^{Table 1: Quality parameters of the prediction models for the release at 1, 4, 7 hours and the potency in the samples with different stages of the PH coating process. The * symbol indicates that the model was built by using the average NIR spectra of the replicates of each sample.}

^{Figure 1: Regression curves for PH a) All samples; b) Batches 1,3,4 y 7; c) Mean spectra of batches 1,3,4 y 7; d) Batch 7.}

DS compound

^{Table 2 shows the quality parameters of the models for the analysis of wet DS samples. All samples were studied simultaneously: samples from batches 6, 8 and 10 together, and batch 6 separately. Batches 6, 8 and 10 were chosen for the study of a set of batches because they had the largest number of samples. In addition, batch 6 was chosen for individual analysis as it contained the most samples with the optimal release parameters for the case study.}

^{Table 2: Quality parameters of the prediction models for the release at 1, 4, 7 hours and the potency in the samples with different stages of the DS coating process.}

Figure 2 shows the regression curves resulting from the study for the active substance DS. The values of the quality parameters for the DS models show, in general, a good correlation. As an observation, it is noted that the error increases when data from different batches are used, probably because the process conditions of each batch are different due to the fact that the data come from the development and fine-tuning phase of the production process. The prediction of the release at 7 hours is worse than that of the other parameters, probably because the end of the release process has been reached in many cases before that time.

_{Figure 2: Regression curves for DS a) all samples; b) Batches 6, 8 y 10; c) Mean spectra of batches 6, 8 y 10; d) Batch 6.}

Prediction of dry samples

^{Table 3: Quality parameters of the prediction models for the dry samples of DS batch 6 and PH batch 7.}

The prediction models of the dry samples for individual batches of PH and DS show a good correlation. It should be noted that the prediction error is due to the few validation samples used.

^{Figure 3: Regression curves for Dry simples of a) DS batch 6 y b) PH batch 7.}

Conclusions - Coating process and NIR spectroscopy

There is a clear correlation between NIR spectra with release times of 1h, 4h and 7h, as well as with potency, for both DS and PH, although it is slightly worse for PH.
In the case of the 7h release, the correlation seems a bit weaker, possibly because it is close to the maximum release (at the release plateau) or due to differences in the pH of the samples.
The different batch production conditions affect the robustness of this correlation, an inherent variability factor because the samples come from the development phase of the production process (fine-tuning phase) and not from the NIRS method.
Individual batch tests show a good correlation for both wet and dry samples. Since the results in both cases are similar, it can be concluded that drying is not necessary to correlate the studied parameters (release time and potency) with the NIR spectra.
Finally, from the analysis of the results analysed, it can be concluded that NIR spectroscopy can be used to optimise the control of the coating process of granular forms and that, from a technical point of view, it is a robust and evidence-based method. However, for all the cases evaluated in this document, definitive models have to be made once the production process has been fully developed.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

RESCHAPE PROJECT: RESHAPING SUPPLY CHAINS FOR POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT

As a consequence of the recent global pandemic, value chain processes have had to be completely transformed. This has raised concerns about social, economic and environmental trends and their related impact on the way supply chains are organized. In this context, the ReSChape project will analyze and assess the effect of social, economic and environmental disruptions in order to provide a compilation of recommendations and proposals for new policy scenarios, including a web-based digital tool.

ReSChape has been funded by the European Commission under the HORIZON-CL2-2021-TRANSFORMATIONS-01 call; and coordinated by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Riserche (CNR). The international consortium is made up of 9 partners from 5 European countries, in addition to the United Kingdom, including universities, research centers and SMEs.

IRIS Technology Solutions is one of the partners and leads the digital visualization strategy of the project. With the specifications and needs detected and assessed by the different stakeholders of the consortium, IRIS will create a dynamic web module for data sharing and impact assessment of different socially based parameters in a number of Supply Chains. Specifically, a framework will be designed and implemented to integrate and make available the most important results of the analytical tools developed, and a web module will give access to selected results to different types of stakeholders. Specific access profiles will be created taking into account the information needs of different users, such as industrial companies, trade and social unions and policy makers.

ReSChape's main objectives are:

To analyse social, economic, and environmental changes and disruptions (including COVID) and evaluate their impact on Supply Chains (SCs), identifying related challenges in terms of the relationship between countries, the configuration of the network and the impact on employment.
To study and propose a set of SC models for the evolution of global SC integrating strategies like resource efficiency, closed-loop, and humanitarian as a way to increase EU resilience and sustainability, digitalization will be studied as a way to establish new paths for social inclusion considering the needs of urban and rural areas.
To develop Innovative tools for monitoring and assessing sectoral trade patterns and defining mechanisms to evaluate the relationship between disruptions, like pandemics, and global value chains taking into consideration the impact on employment, economic growth, incomes, etc., also in the long term.
To develop innovative policy scenarios with recommendations for future global value chains based on Key horizontal issues impacting several sectors and will provide recommendations for EU, national and sectoral strategies, policy measures and targeted actions aimed at shaping fair, inclusive and sustainable trade patterns and SCs.

The ReSChape project has been distributed in 5 different Work Packages:

Project Management
Global Trends and Innovative Supply Chain Models
Impact of New Supply Chain Models on Social Indicators
Elaboration of policy scenarios
Dissemination and Communication

ReSChape is planned to last 36 months, starting in October 2022 and ending in October 2025.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

Real-time NIR grain analysis

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is a valuable analytical tool for real-time analysis of the chemical composition of a wide variety of products, including those of agricultural origin. In this article, we will address the application of NIR technology for grain analysis and in particular of two varieties of wheat grains: soft (Triticum aestivum) and hard (Triticum durum), as well as yellow corn (Zea Mays).

Grain analysis with continuous or portable NIR technology

The quality of food products depends directly on the quality of the raw materials used. Therefore, assessing their composition, purity and physicochemical characteristics is of interest to the food industry.
In grain analysis, NIR spectroscopy plays a crucial role in providing detailed information on several parameters simultaneously, with moisture being one of the critical factors in assessing grain quality. However, this technique also makes it possible to analyse other key parameters such as protein, fat, fibre, ash and starch content, thus offering a more rigorous control according to established quality criteria.
NIR spectroscopy differs from other techniques in that it is non-destructive, which means that measurements can be made continuously without compromising the integrity of the batch or sample under analysis. In addition, results are obtained in a matter of seconds, streamlining grain analysis, quality control processes and allowing instant decision making compared to conventional wet chemistry analysis.

Below we will look at two ways of performing NIR grain analysis, either fully automated and continuous on the production line or by means of a portable analyser, useful for analysis in the field, in the raw material reception warehouse or in discontinuous processes.

Continuous and real-time grain analysis: wheat and corn grains

A Visum NIR In-Line™ (900-1700 nm) continuous analyser was used to develop the grain calibration model and 30 calibration samples and 7 validation samples were used from each class. In addition, duplicate reference analyses were obtained from each sample to mitigate the inherent error in the primary method of analysis. For moisture analysis, a thermogravimetric moisture meter HE53 (Metler Toledo) was used, protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method and fat content was determined by the Soxhlet method.

The table below shows the main results and figures of merit of the soft grain (TB) and durum grain (TD) wheat for the parameters moisture and protein expressed as % dry matter. In addition, the results for fat and moisture of yellow corn are also shown. It is important to clarify that the same calibration is useful and groups both wheat classes into a single family or method of analysis. No significant spectral differences were observed for their individual treatment.

^{* Table 1: Analysis of common wheat, durum wheat and yellow corn. Main figures of merit resulting from the Visum NIR In-Line™ continuous analyser.}

Grain analysis with NIR spectroscopy is also important in animal feed manufacturing to optimise diets and yield. In the agri-food sector, the NIR technique offers numerous advantages over wet chemistry methods, mainly due to the immediacy of the result and the possibility of being able to make technological decisions on the spot, even more so if we consider the introduction of these systems such as the Visum NIR In-Line™ analyser in production lines that allow continuous monitoring of the entire product flow to ensure the ideal conditions of the process and the product, mitigating any deviation with phytosanitary consequences that may affect the safety of an entire batch, as far as moisture is concerned.

A portable NIR alternative for grain analysis

On many occasions, mainly due to the conditions and environment where grain analysis is to be performed, it can be of great use to work with a portable NIR grain analyser such as the Visum Palm™. This device, which works in the same spectral range (900 – 1700 nm) as the continuous analyser we saw earlier, is capable of determining in less than 3 seconds different parameters of interest in all types of grains, cereals and oilseeds.

Some of its main advantages, especially for field grain analysis, are:

It is a self-contained analyser (embedded computer and touch screen). It does not need to be connected to any external device, tablet or smartphone to operate.
It has a sample measurement area of 10 mm in diameter and illumination of 50 mm in diameter, which allows mitigating the heterogeneities present and obtaining more chemical information from each sample.
Unlike most portable NIR grain analysers on the market today, it has a spectral resolution of 3 nm or 256 pixels, i.e. two to three times higher, allowing spectra, and therefore results, of high reliability and quality to be obtained.
It includes factory libraries for different grain types.
And it is supported by external Visum Master™ PC software, so that the end user can develop their own NIR calibrations and extend them in an automated, AI-assisted way. In this way, the user is not dependent on third-party libraries and has full autonomy to strengthen and extend his calibrations for new parameters or products according to his current or future needs.

We hope you found this article on grain analysis with NIR technology useful. For further information, we invite you to contact us by email at info@iris-eng.com.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

Plastic identification, verification and classification using Visum Palm™

identificación, verificación y clasificación

Plastic identification, verification and classification using Visum Palm™

In this article we will address the problem of classification and plastic identification using the Visum Palm™ handheld NIR analyser as an agile, real-time and non-destructive technique useful in different processes, whether in the recycling of post-industrial plastic, in the analysis and classification of post-consumer plastic, in the identification of polymeric raw materials for their industrialisation, or even in areas of research and development of new plastic.

In all these cases, near infrared spectroscopy is presented as a valuable tool used for the characterisation of plastic compared to traditional methods of analysis.

Identification and sorting is important in plastic recycling and in manufacturing when using recycled plastic, as in both cases it must be ensured that the plastic materials are as pure and clean as possible because low levels of impurities can significantly affect the quality and performance of a recycled batch.

Although there are several portable NIR analyzers on the market, it is important to consider the spectral range that the equipment works with, the size of the measurement area (spectrum acquisition) and the spectral resolution (the quality of the spectrum obtained). The new Visum Palm™ analyser has a measuring area of 10 mm diameter, operates in the spectral range 900-1700 nm with a resolution of only 3 nm (↓ nm = ↑ spectral resolution). It is a self-contained device with an embedded computer and touchscreen and therefore does not need to be connected to a computer or smartphone to work with it.

Análise de forragens e espectroscopia nir

The new Visum Palm™, which includes a polymers library, allows readings and determinations to be made at the line without the need for sample preparation in less than 3 seconds. It is also possible to use it as a laboratory device as it has a support base that allows the attachment of different sample holders for the analysis of pellets, flakes or plastic up to 2 mm.

The factory library included in the analyser has the following classes: PMMA, PE, PC, PETG, EVA, PVC, PET, PU, PS, ABS, PA, PP, VIN, PLA, PBT, PMP, POMC, PPS, PVA, PPSU, EMA, PHBV, PAEK, PBAT, PBS, TPES, TPS, MABS, HIPS, MBS, SBC, PCL, PEEK, PHB, SAN, PI, PB.

Extend and develop your own library with Visum Master™

Visum Master™ is a computer software that allows the end user to create, extend and strengthen their own identification, classification and quantification methods or libraries without the need for a specialist or technical knowledge of spectroscopy, making the analyser a truly open system to meet present and future analysis needs (new polymer classes, new suppliers, etc.).

As shown below, it is possible to incorporate spectra of new samples within an existing class or to incorporate new classes and thus keep the library as robust and up-to-date as possible in order to be able to classify or identify plastic.

Plastic identification

It is a working method that allows the plastic identification analysed within the library available in the analyser. The result obtained, as can be seen below, is the type of polymer with the highest similarity and the following (from highest to lowest similarity).

_{Image 1: Visum Palm™ screen performing plastic identification}

Plastic identification screen visum palm

Polymer Verification

As with plastic identification, it is based on a mathematical procedure of similarity but it allows choosing a type of material to be analysed within the identification library to confirm its identity. The result of the verification analysis is PASS / FAIL. In case of a negative result (FAIL), it provides the class corresponding to the type of plastic analysed. Both cases are shown below.

Plastic classification

In contrast to plastic identification analysis, classification uses machine learning algorithms to accurately analyse and classify samples that are spectrally very similar to each other, where a double check is necessary to determine the polymer class (PET/PETG, for example). Through the Visum Master™ software, the user can create his own classification libraries for the most problematic cases.

As a result of the analysis, the user obtains the corresponding class.

In conclusion, NIR spectroscopy is a very valuable and effective tool for plastic identification or classification and, although not covered in this article, it is also useful for manufacturers of plastic and new formulations to quantify blends. The open nature of the analyser through the Visum Master™ software makes the Visum Palm™ analyser an open, self-contained system that can continuously introduce new samples, spectra and generate different libraries without the need for a specialist.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

IRIS Technology Solutions at Alimentaria FoodTech 2023

At the end of September, IRIS Technology Solutions presented at Alimentaria FoodTech trade show 2023 Barcelona the various real-time quality and process control solutions for the industry that the Catalan company manufactures and markets under the Visum® brand.

Alimentaria-FoodTech is the machinery, technology and ingredients show that integrates the food processing and preservation value chain. It is a transversal fair that serves the food and beverage production industry from raw materials to commercial distribution.

Visum® Solutions

Visum® solutions optimize and digitize quality control on different production lines. They operate on the basis of NIR, Raman, Hyperspectral and Machine Vision spectroscopy, providing real-time information for decision making and rectification of production processes. In addition, trade show participants were able to see first-hand the new Visum Palm™ handheld NIR analyser.

The new Visum Palm™ analyzer has an innovative and ergonomic design, as well as the possibility to perform analysis at any time and place without the need to connect it to any external electronic device. This is possible because it incorporates an embedded touch screen and computer, which allow all the routine functionalities of the device.

In addition, it has the Visum Master™, this software, unlike the most common modeling and calibration software on the market, with which the user has to have certain technical knowledge about chemometrics or entrust such a task to a third party.

It allows to perform calibrations in an automated and agile way only by incorporating spectra and references (quantitative or qualitative), in addition to other functionalities.

Shealthy Project

IRIS Technology Solutions has also presented at FoodTech the European SHEALTHY project, which seeks to evaluate and develop an optimal combination of non-thermal sanitization, preservation and stabilization methods to improve safety (inactivation of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms) while preserving nutritional quality (up to 30%) and extending shelf life (up to 50%) of F&V products. By combining and modulating non-thermal technologies with minimal processing operations, SHEALTHY’s approach will finally be able to meet today’s growing consumer demand for healthy food.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

New Visum Palm™ AI-assisted handheld NIR analyser

IRIS Technology Solutions introduces the latest version of its Visum Palm™ portable NIR analyser to complement its Visum® range of real-time process analysers for industry.

The new Visum Palm™ is a fully portable NIR spectrophotometer that allows real-time analysis of different substances, products or mixtures, without the need for traditional laboratory and sampling techniques, allowing industry to obtain results on the spot to make decisions or correct production process parameters.

The new generation Visum Palm™ brings with it an innovative design and a radical change in the way users experience NIR technology, now assisted by AI with the Visum Master™ software, so that each manufacturer can automatically create their own predictive models or calibrations according to their control and analysis needs.

Design, autonomy and robustness

The Visum Palm™ handheld nir analyser offers an innovative and ergonomic design, as well as the possibility to perform analysis at any time and place without having to connect it to any external electronic device. This is possible because it incorporates an embedded touch screen and computer, which enable all the routine functionalities of the device.

The Visum Palm™ operates in the 900 to 1700 nm range, as this is the band that best combines availability of chemical information with price and technological maturity. It operates mainly in diffuse reflectance mode, for which it has specially designed and patented optics to extract as much information as possible from the sample. Specifically, it has a large illumination area (50 mm diameter) and a collection area of 10 mm. These features differentiate it from similar analysers in terms of its suitability for analysing heterogeneous samples, which is most often the case in real working conditions. In cases where heterogeneity is more evident, the device is configurable to calculate and report the average of a given number of repetitions.

The Visum Palm™ handheld NIR analyser is IP65 compliant, making it resistant to dust, moisture and water. It is also rugged enough to be carried and tested almost anywhere indoors or outdoors and even comes with a stand for desktop or tabletop use.

A new AI-assisted user experience

Unlike most common modelling and calibration software on the market, which requires the user to have some technical knowledge of chemometrics or entrust the task to a third party, Visum Master™ PC-based software makes NIR technology even more accessible by automating pre-processing, multivariate analysis algorithm selection and validation. This allows any user to generate models by simply inputting spectra and references (quantitative or qualitative) for routine real-time analysis to replace traditional analysis.

The new software also allows to extend and edit pre-existing models, synchronise with the portable analyser to import spectra, export models, download measurement results, automatically generate analytical method validation reports and audit reports for GMP environments, and to check the metrological performance of the device in a guided manner when needed.

For industry and GMP environments

While NIR technology has a myriad of applications in numerous industries such as plastics, food, chemical, agribusiness, wood, biofuels, to mention the most relevant but not the only ones; it is for the pharmaceutical industry and GMP environments where the new Visum Palm™ device introduces significant novelties at the level of usability and functionality. It is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, allowing the generation and display of an automatic Audit Trail report, the record of all device activity, where comments and observations can be incorporated. It also allows the user to automatically generate the analytical method validations developed and perform metrological checks of the device when required and download the results at a later date.

“NIR technology today must be easy to use and understand, and at the same time it must give the user the freedom and autonomy to exploit it to the full and facilitate their day-to-day work. Technology must be an enabler. We will continue to take further steps in terms of automation and new functionalities because we are convinced that this is the right way forward and what the industry and the people in it need”, says Oonagh Mc Nerney, Director of IRIS Technology Solutions, S.L.

The new Visum Palm™ handheld NIR analyser is now available here, where you can also find technical information about the device, videos and contact IRIS Technology Solutions, S.L. for a demonstration or specific enquiry.

By IRIS Technology Solutions

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Raman Spectroscopy in Liposome Diafiltration Process

Raman Spectroscopy in Liposome Diafiltration Process

Raman Spectroscopy and the Visum Raman In-Line™ System

Quantification of Residual Ethanol by Raman Spectroscopy

Development of the Predictive Model with Visum Master™

Results and Evaluation of the Raman Predictive Model for Residual Ethanol

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RESCHAPE PROJECT: RESHAPING SUPPLY CHAINS FOR POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT

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ReSChape's main objectives are:

The ReSChape project has been distributed in 5 different Work Packages:

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Real-time NIR grain analysis

Grain analysis with continuous or portable NIR technology

Continuous and real-time grain analysis: wheat and corn grains

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Plastic identification, verification and classification using Visum Palm™

Extend and develop your own library with Visum Master™

Plastic identification

Polymer Verification

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IRIS Technology Solutions at Alimentaria FoodTech 2023

IRIS Technology Solutions at Alimentaria FoodTech 2023

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New Visum Palm™ AI-assisted handheld NIR analyser

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