Abstract: A particulate foodstuff in a production line is compacted and caused to travel past a measuring device in a continuous stream. As the stream moves by the measuring device, the latter exposes successive portions of the stream to near infrared light having a spectrum of wavelengths. Each portion is exposed for less than 100 milliseconds. The stream reflects light and at least part of the reflected light is detected by sensors which generate signals. The signals are statistically averaged to yield, in conjunction with calibration values, average concentrations for the constituents of the foodstuff.

Abstract: A new NIR measuring process and apparatus which can measure both floury commodities and whole kernels, and other constituents of pourable foodstuff products in-line. A large number of individual measurements are made with a measuring time per individual measurement of less than 100, preferably 50, milliseconds and these are statistically averaged by a computer. A rotating filter principle as well as the diode array principle can be used. For grain products, the protein, water and ash content can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. The measured values are directly usable, for the control and regulation of corresponding foodstuff parameters.