Textron And Case Develop In-Field NIR Grain Analyzer
How It Works
Applications
About Textron And Case
How It Works (Back to Top)
In the analyzer, near-infrared sensor (NIR) technology measures light waves. These are then used to analyze varying levels of oil and protein. NIR has been an accepted standard for grain analysis in laboratories for many years. However, NIR instruments are usually delicate and costly. Because of this, they are used mainly by expert technicians in laboratory environments.
By utilizing some of Textron System's advanced optics technology, Case and Textron Systems have created a compact, solid-state NIR system that can be used in harsh environments for a significantly reduced cost. Case and Textron Systems have worked closely with industry expert Milestone Technology and technology partner DSquared Development to bring the grain analyzers to market.
The grain analyzer will be integrated into Case's Advanced Farming Systems combines. Already in prototype field testing, the analyzer will provide farmers with point-of-harvest information, empowering them to manage their crop production and crop marketing more precisely. These systems performed well in field trials conducted during the 1997 and 1998 harvests.
Applications (Back to Top)
NIR technology is currently used in many fields including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petrochemicals, and agriculture. The architecture of this technology allows it to be easily adapted to many applications within these industries.
"In the past, growers and storage elevator operators relied on a small number of samples to evaluate marketing and production decisions," says Jim Stoddart, VP of strategy and business development at Case. "The low cost of this technology makes it possible to economically get highly accurate data where it wasn't possible before."
Although initially designed for use on combines, the grain analyzer can easily be adapted for use on storage elevators, feeding systems and processing plants, providing benefits to businesses throughout the crop-use channel.
"Increasingly, it will be to the farmer's advantage to deliver identify-specific grain," says Phil Williams of the Canadian Grain Commission. "Being able to identify protein levels on the farm is much more efficient. You'll be able to bin different grades of grain directly from the combine." This may change the way growers are compensated for crop-content attributes.
About Textron And Case (Back to Top)
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion global, multi-industry company with operations in aircraft, automotive, industrial, and finance. Textron has a workforce of over 64,000 employees and major manufacturing facilities in 23 countries. Textron Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a leading supplier of advanced systems, components, and materials for defense, aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Case Corp. is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer, and distributor of agricultural and construction equipment. The company had 1998 revenues of $6.1 billion, and its products are sold through a network of about 4,900 independent dealers and distributors in more than 150 countries. Case Capital Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, services a portfolio of $7 billion of agricultural and construction equipment financing and leasing contracts.
For more information, call Maureen Collins at Textron Systems at 978-657-2482 or call Roger Zuehl at Case Corp. at 414-636-6705.