NIR spectroscopy and fiber optic probe for determination of alcohol, sugar and tartaric acid in alcoholic beverages

A method based on Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used for the estimation of sugar, tartaric acid and ethanol content in alcoholic beverages. Experiments were carried out with fiber optic transmission probe, coupled with FT-NIR in the region 4000-9000 cm(-1). Calibration is performed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. A comparison is made between the actual values and the predicated values. The actual values agree very well with the predicted values thereby showing the accuracy of the technique. The validity of the technique is checked by predicting the concentration of these components in unknown, real samples using the calibration curve. Feasibility of technique for on-line applications in beverage industry is assessed.