Abstract
Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy is widely employed as a rapid technique for the evaluation of properties of biomass materials. Precision and accuracy of the instruments is an important aspect in order to minimize error in the determination of results. The objective of this publication is to determine scanning repeatability and reproducibility of the NIR spectrometer for wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.), using either a fixed scan or a rotating scan. The former presented marginally better repeatability but worse reproducibility. Samples in equilibrium with the local atmosphere versus samples of controlled and different moisture contents were also compared, and the latter performed better on the precision test but both fixed and rotating scans. As the ultimate objective of this test is the use of this method to determine variations between different moisture content, and as the rotating scan presents better reproducibility, this method was selected as the reference method for further NIR analyses focused on the variation of moisture content.
Highlights
The use of biomass as a feedstock for sustainable fuel production has faced controversy in the last years, due to the potential conflict in the use of arable land between food, animal feed and energy crops, and the increased greenhouse gas emissions from changes in land use [1].Lignocellulosic raw materials, like straws, have a high potential for biorefining while not competing with food production
As the ultimate objective of this test is the use of this method to determine variations between different moisture content, and as the rotating scan presents better reproducibility, this method was selected as the reference method for further Near Infrared (NIR) analyses focused on the variation of moisture content
Using the smaller, fixed cup consistently leads to better repeatability but worse reproducibility when compared to the rotating cup
Summary
Lignocellulosic raw materials, like straws, have a high potential for biorefining while not competing with food production. This enables the use of a secondary product of lower economic value for the manufacture of commodities including fuels, intermediates or fine chemicals, that could theoretically compete in the traditional markets [2]. Straws are crop residues consisting of dry stems and leaves left after the harvest of cereal crops. As they make up over 50% of the harvestable vegetation of each crop, they are available in large quantities. The industrial revolution brought cheaper and more efficient replacements that stripped straw of most of its commercial value. [3]
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