Market Profile: Handheld NIR
Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become one of the more widely utilized analytical methods for both laboratory and process applications as a result of its ability to characterize a wide range of compounds, and the relative ease with which samples can be analyzed. These characteristics are now leading to the rise of the market for handheld and portable NIR instruments.
Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become one of the more widely utilized analytical methods for both laboratory and process applications as a result of its ability to characterize a wide range of compounds, and the relative ease with which samples can be analyzed. These characteristics are now leading to the rise of the market for handheld and portable NIR instruments.
Portable NIR Spectroscopy Market, 2006
As in the overall laboratory NIR market, agriculture and food applications are by far the largest area of application for handheld NIR instruments. Their portable nature allows their use for characterizing the ripeness of crops such as grapes on the vine while they are still growing. In contrast to the larger laboratory NIR market, however, the use of handheld and portable NIR in the polymers and plastics industry is sizable and growing rapidly because of several recent instrument introductions that are being sold primarily to the carpet recycling industry. The high price of petroleum is now making the carpet recycling industry much more economically viable. Another major area of application for handheld and portable NIR is in the pharmaceutical industry for incoming raw materials inspection on the dock, which eliminates the time needed to send samples to the laboratory.
The overall market for handheld and portable NIR spectroscopy was worth approximately $12 million worldwide in 2006, representing only a small fraction of the more than $200 million laboratory NIR market. However, the handheld and portable market is expected to see on the order of 20% growth in 2007, and should see solid double-digit growth for a number of years to come.
The foregoing data were based on SDi's market analysis and perspectives report entitled Edition Global Assessment Report, 9th Edition: The Laboratory Life Science and Analytical Instrument Industry, September 2006. For more information, contact Stuart Press, Senior Consultant, Strategic Directions International, Inc., 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 641-4982, fax: (310) 641-8851, www.strategic-directions.com.
Portable and Wearable Spectrometers in Our Future
December 3rd 2024The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.
Q&A: Portable FT-IR Empowers On-Site Food Quality Assurance
February 1st 2024Exploring the transformative capabilities of handheld Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers, Luis Rodriguez-Saona of The Ohio State University emphasizes their pivotal role in ensuring food integrity and safety across the entire supply chain.
Portable Raman Spectrometers: How Small Can They Get?
June 1st 2023There is a growing desire among spectroscopists for having instruments small enough to be taken to the sample, as opposed to bringing the sample to the instrument. The result is that Raman spectrometers are becoming more miniaturized. Because these instruments come at a lower cost and offer distinct advantages over traditional spectrometers, the expectation is that a rapid expansion of when these instruments are applied will come forthwith. We offer a preview of how future miniaturized Raman spectrometers might look.
