Sugar Beet Analysis Using NIRS and LIBS for Soil Tare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining soil tare and components in sugar beets are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring significant equipment and large amounts of water, with limited representativeness and accuracy in quality control and disease detection in sugar production facilities.
Innovation Solution
A method using electromagnetic waves, specifically near-infrared spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, to analyze crop samples with soil tare adhered, allowing for automated determination of soil tare percentage and component analysis without manual handling and water-intensive processes, enabling continuous processing and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cleaning and weighing methods are used to determine soil tare, then measurement precision can be achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning and weighing processes with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). These spectroscopic methods enable non-contact, automated analysis of soil tare content and plant material components, eliminating the need for manual handling and extensive cleaning procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific spectral signatures from the plant material and soil tare mixture using NIRS and LIBS. By isolating and measuring the characteristic absorption patterns of water, organic matter, and soil components in the near-infrared and visible spectra, the system can determine soil tare percentage and plant components without physically separating or manually processing the mixture.
2Measurement precision
If manual cleaning processes are used, then accurate component analysis is possible, but equipment requirements and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cleaning equipment and water-based processing systems with spectroscopic analysis tools. NIRS and LIBS devices can directly analyze the chemical composition of plant material with adhering soil tare without requiring physical cleaning, thereby reducing equipment complexity and eliminating large water consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis approach from physical/chemical processing parameters (cleaning intensity, water volume, drying temperature) to optical parameters (near-infrared reflectance, visible light absorption). This parameter transformation enables component analysis through spectral characteristics rather than physical separation, reducing both equipment needs and resource consumption.
3Reliability
If traditional weighing and sampling methods are used, then regulatory compliance is maintained, but productivity and processing speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous spectroscopic analysis of plant material as it moves through the processing system. NIRS and LIBS measurements can be performed continuously on the conveyor belt or processing line without interrupting flow for manual sampling and weighing, thereby maintaining regulatory compliance through consistent monitoring while significantly improving processing speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow manual sampling and weighing operations with automated spectroscopic measurement systems that can rapidly analyze multiple samples sequentially or simultaneously. This substitution maintains the reliability of regulatory compliance through standardized measurement protocols while dramatically increasing processing throughput and productivity.
4Measurement precision
If manual sampling and analysis are performed, then representativeness of results is achieved, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service analysis where the spectroscopic instruments automatically measure and evaluate plant material characteristics without human intervention. The NIRS and LIBS systems can autonomously analyze soil tare content, plant components, and quality parameters, eliminating labor-intensive manual sampling and analysis while maintaining result representativeness through systematic, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functional spectroscopic systems that can simultaneously determine multiple parameters including soil tare percentage, plant material components, moisture content, and quality indicators. This universal analysis capability replaces multiple separate manual testing procedures, reducing labor requirements while maintaining comprehensive and representative results.
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
This method reduces labor and equipment needs, provides more accurate and reliable results, and allows for real-time quality control and disease detection, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of sugar production processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first analysis assembly for analyzing a crop sample (10; 20) comprising a target plant material (5) with soil tare adhered thereto, wherein the first analysis assembly is arranged to emit near-infrared electromagnetic waves towards the crop sample (10; 20), wherein the first analysis assembly is arranged to receive reflected near-infrared electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
a second analysis assembly for analyzing a crop sample (10; 20) comprising a target plant material (5) with soil tare adhered thereto, wherein the second analysis assembly is arranged to emit laser electromagnetic waves towards the crop sample (10; 20)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analyzing a crop sample comprising a target plant material with soil tare adhered thereto, in particular soiled plant material. Further, the invention relates to a method for generating first calibration data for analyzing a crop sample comprising a target plant material with soil tare adhered thereto, and an analysis assembly for analyzing a crop sample comprising a target plant material with soil tare adhered thereto. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement for analyzing a crop sample comprising a target plant material with soil tare adhered thereto, a sugar production facility, and the use of an analysis assembly in a sugar production facility. Further, the invention relates to a method for determining components in sugar beets for sugar production. Further, the invention relates to an arrangement for determining components in sugar beets, and to a sugar production facility. Further, the invention relates to a method for generating calibration data for the determination of components in sugar beets, and to a use of an analysis assembly and/or an arrangement and/or a method. Further, the invention relates to a method for detecting plant diseases in plant material and/or physiological properties influenceable by environmental stress in plant material, an analysis assembly for detecting plant diseases in plant material, an arrangement for detecting plant diseases in plant material, and a control unit for controlling an analysis assembly and/or for receiving data from an analysis assembly.