APPLICATION OF NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY TO THE BEET SUGAR-INDUSTRY

Studies on near infrared (NIR) analysis of sugarbeet brei and factory materials (juices, syrups, pulp) have been conducted annually since 19 92 by the authors. Development of statistical models for NIR analysis of these materials allows successful prediction of standard analyses, such as polarimetric sucrose (Pol) and refractometric dissolved solids (RDS) contents. This paper relates development of NIR analyses in bee t sugar factories and laboratories, and discusses problems related to differences in beet quality and in analytical methodology.