NIR Biomass Moisture Measurement via PLSR
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a non-destructive, fast, and accurate method to measure the moisture content of lignocellulosic biomass like unused forest biomass and sweet sorghum, which are prone to deterioration, requiring a method with low construction costs and a simple process.
Innovation Solution
A method using near-infrared spectroscopy that involves preprocessing the near-infrared spectrum through second derivative transformation and partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis to construct a moisture content prediction model, along with a sample compressor to compress the biomass and obtain the spectrum without separate density measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional moisture content measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process is destructive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/thermal measurement methods (oven drying, mechanical compressors) with near-infrared spectroscopy. The NIR probe detects moisture content through optical absorption characteristics of water molecules in the near-infrared region, enabling non-destructive, rapid measurement without physical sample destruction or prolonged heating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical phase transition properties of water molecules in the near-infrared region. Water molecules have specific absorption bands in the near-infrared spectrum (1500-2500 nm) due to overtone vibrations, allowing moisture content detection through spectral analysis without phase change of the sample.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then moisture content can be measured, but the biomass sample is destroyed and cannot be used further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical/thermal measurement systems with optical detection. The NIR probe measures moisture content through non-contact optical absorption, completely avoiding physical destruction of the biomass sample, allowing the same sample to be used for subsequent analysis or utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical 'copy' of the sample's moisture characteristics through near-infrared spectroscopy. Instead of physically analyzing or destroying the sample, the system captures spectral information that represents moisture content, preserving the original sample intact.
3Measurement precision
If separate sample collection for density measurement is performed, then accurate moisture content measurement can be achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the moisture content measurement function into a single integrated NIR probe system that directly analyzes the biomass sample without requiring separate density measurement steps. The probe simultaneously captures spectral information needed for moisture content determination, eliminating the need for additional sampling and processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The NIR probe serves as a universal measurement device that can directly determine moisture content without requiring separate specialized equipment for density or other sample characterization. The single optical measurement system performs multiple functions, simplifying the overall measurement process.
4Measurement precision
If complex measurement processes are used, then measurement accuracy improves, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical, thermal, and chemical measurement systems with a relatively simple optical detection system. The NIR probe uses cost-effective optical components and software algorithms to achieve accurate moisture content measurement, significantly reducing construction and operational costs compared to traditional multi-step measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical spectral information as a 'copy' of moisture characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive physical sample processing, laboratory equipment, and complex measurement infrastructure. The spectral data can be captured and analyzed using portable, cost-effective NIR instruments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-destructive, quick, and accurate moisture content measurement of lignocellulosic biomass, reducing data variation with sample density and eliminating the need for sample collection, while maintaining the integrity of the biomass for further use.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a near-infrared spectrum of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method of measuring moisture content of lignocellulosic biomass and sample compressor for measuring the same. The method of measuring the moisture content of lignocellulosic biomass comprises: (a) supplying a sample containing a lignocellulosic biomass; (b) acquiring the near-infrared spectrum of the sample; (c) mathematical preprocessing of the near-infrared spectrum; (d) Regression analysis (PLSR) of the mathematically pretreated near-infrared line spectrum by partial least squares method to construct a moisture content prediction model; and (e) obtaining the moisture content of the sample using the moisture content prediction model. According to the present disclosure, there is no data variation according to the density of the sample, the amount of the sample is not reduced because there is no sample collection for density measurement, and it is non-destructive and has the effect of quickly measuring the moisture content.