NIR Spectroscopy vs Wet Chemistry: Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare NIR spectroscopy against Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, and Karl Fischer side by side. Speed, cost, accuracy, and application suitability at a glance.

This interactive tool compares near-infrared spectroscopy against traditional wet chemistry reference methods across five key dimensions: analysis speed, per-sample cost, destructive vs non-destructive testing, operator skill requirement, and regulatory acceptance for grain, feed, and food applications.

Methods Compared

• Kjeldahl Nitrogen — the AOAC-approved gold standard for crude protein in grain and feed; 2–3 hours per sample, reagent-intensive.
• Soxhlet Extraction — reference method for crude fat in oilseeds and pet food; 4–8 hours, requires hexane and solvent recovery.
• Karl Fischer Titration — moisture reference for dried ingredients and feed; 15–30 minutes, chemically accurate but single-analyte.
• NIR Spectroscopy — simultaneous moisture, protein, fat, and starch in under 60 seconds; no reagents, non-destructive, suitable for at-line and on-line use.

Use this comparison to make the ROI case for NIR installation in your grain elevator, feed mill, dairy lab, or food quality department.