Abstract: A magnet array for use with NMR signal acquisition apparatus uses rod-shaped magnets located at the corners of a square. The square lies in the (x-y) plane of a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and the long axes of the magnets extend generally along the z-direction such that the polarisation vectors of the magnets lie substantially in the x-y plane. The magnets are arranged to create a substantially uniform magnetic field B0 in a sample volume at the centre of the polygon. The widths of the magnets are less than the length of the sides of the square so that there is a gap between magnets allowing lateral access in the x-y plane to the sample volume. Each magnet may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to change one and/or both the B0 field direction and magnitude in the sample volume. At least one magnet may be displaceable in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal axis to change one and/or both the B0 field direction and magnitude in the sample volume.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging technique is applied to objects undergoing translational motion for analysis of objects on a conveyor passing through an imaging unit. The objects are passed through the imaging module at a predetermined velocity (v), in which there is provided: a spatially uniform, constant magnetic field (B0) substantially parallel to the direction of the velocity (v); a linear magnetic field gradient (Gz) substantially parallel to the direction of the velocity (v); and a radiofrequency field (Bz) pulse transverse to field B0. Selected nuclear magnetic resonance parameters from said objects are then detected for subsequent imaging and analysis.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic technique is applied to objects undergoing translational motion for chemical analysis of objects on a conveyor passing through a detector module. The objects are passed through the detector module at a predetermined velocity V, in which there is provided a spatially uniform, constant magnetic field B0, substantially parallel to the direction of the velocity v and a radio frequency field B1 pulse transverse to the field B0. Selected nuclear magnetic resonance parameters from the objects passing through the detector module are then used to determine chemical composition or changes therein.