How to Choose a NIR Grain Analyzer: Comparing Granolyser, Granolyser HL, IAS-5100 and IAS-3120
NIR analyzers provide a fast way to determine key quality parameters of grain and processed agricultural products. However, different models are designed for different applications, sample types and operating conditions.
Which analyzer is best for a laboratory, grain intake facility or processing plant? Let’s look at the capabilities of four models and identify the tasks each one is suited for.
Pfeuffer Granolyser — for rapid analysis of whole grain
Pfeuffer Granolyser is a benchtop NIR analyzer designed for quality control of cereals, oilseeds and pulses.
The analyzer measures a 600 ml whole-grain sample without prior grinding. Analysis takes less than 20 seconds, during which the instrument performs 1,500 individual scans of the sample.
Depending on the crop and installed calibration, it can determine:
- moisture;
- protein content;
- starch;
- oil content;
- gluten;
- sedimentation value.
Granolyser is suitable for: incoming grain inspection, quality assessment of batches during storage and shipment, and routine laboratory testing at grain elevators and processing facilities.
It is a good choice when the main requirement is fast analysis of whole grain and access to its key quality parameters.
Pfeuffer Granolyser HL — for grain analysis and test weight determination
Pfeuffer Granolyser HL offers the capabilities of the Granolyser with the additional function of determining grain test weight.
Test weight indicates the mass of a given volume of grain and is used to assess grain plumpness and commercial quality. This parameter is important when receiving, classifying and evaluating grain batches.
Granolyser HL is suitable for: laboratories and businesses that need to monitor key grain quality parameters and determine test weight using one instrument.
IAS-5100 — for portable whole-grain analysis
IAS-5100 NIR Analyzer is a portable instrument designed for rapid quality control of cereals and oilseeds directly at the sampling location.
It allows measurements to be taken outside a stationary laboratory, including at grain elevators, warehouses, intake facilities and production sites.
Depending on the crop and calibration, the analyzer determines key quality parameters, including moisture, protein and oil content.
IAS-5100 is suitable for: on-site grain inspection, preliminary batch assessment and situations where measurements need to be performed at different locations across a facility.
IAS-3120 — for grain and processed product analysis
IAS-3120 NIR Analyzer is designed to work with a wider range of sample types. In addition to grain, it can analyze ground and powdered materials.
Depending on the installed calibrations, the analyzer can be used to test:
- cereal grains;
- flour and bran;
- oilseed meals and cakes;
- feed raw materials and selected types of animal feed.
The available parameters depend on the sample type and calibration.
IAS-3120 is suitable for: laboratories and businesses that need to monitor not only raw grain but also processed agricultural products.
Comparing NIR analyzers
| Model | Main application | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pfeuffer Granolyser | Whole-grain and seed analysis | Rapid measurement of key parameters |
| Pfeuffer Granolyser HL | Grain analysis and test weight determination | Additional test weight measurement |
| IAS-5100 | Portable whole-grain analysis | Portable design |
| IAS-3120 | Grain and processed product analysis | Handles ground and powdered samples |
Which analyzer should you choose?
- For routine laboratory analysis of whole grain — Pfeuffer Granolyser.
- For grain analysis with additional test weight determination — Pfeuffer Granolyser HL.
- For on-site measurements at the sampling location — IAS-5100.
- For testing grain, flour, bran, oilseed meals and other processed products — IAS-3120.
What should you consider before purchasing?
When choosing a NIR analyzer, it is important to check not only its intended application but also the available calibrations. These determine which crops and parameters the instrument can analyze.
It is also worth confirming in advance:
- which sample types are supported;
- which parameters are available for each crop;
- whether the required calibrations are included in the configuration;
- whether sample preparation or grinding is necessary;
- where the analysis will take place — in a laboratory or directly at the production site.
Conclusion
Each model has its own area of application. Granolyser is designed for rapid whole-grain analysis, Granolyser HL additionally determines test weight, IAS-5100 is convenient for portable testing, while IAS-3120 can also analyze processed products.
Within the 3S Company product range, particular emphasis is placed on the Pfeuffer Granolyser and Granolyser HL analyzers — solutions for efficient laboratory grain quality control. The right model depends on the facility’s requirements, the crops being tested and the parameters that need to be measured.