Sec. 5.57. Near‑Infrared Grain Analyzers[^1]

# A. Application

**A.1. ‑** This code applies to near‑infrared (NIR) grain analyzers;
that is, devices used to indicate the constituent values (other than
moisture content) of grain using near‑infrared reflectance or
transmittance technology. These instruments may analyze either whole
grain or ground grain samples. The code consists of general requirements
applicable to all NIR analyzers and specific requirements applicable
only to certain types of NIR analyzers, grain types, or grain
constituents. In addition to meeting the requirements of this code, a
whole grain NIR analyzer that displays a measured moisture value must
also comply with the requirements of the Grain Moisture Meters Code.

(Added 2001)

**A.2. ‑** This code does not apply to devices used for in‑motion
measurement of grain constituent values.

**A.3. Calibrations. ‑** The National Type Evaluation Program
Certificate of Conformance (CC) shall indicate the native moisture basis
of each calibration. The \"native\" moisture basis is the default
moisture basis of the sealable constituent calibration (or constituent
calibration pair when a non‑displayed moisture calibration is also
involved). If an NIR analyzer uses a self‑generated moisture measurement
internally but does NOT display or record a moisture value, the moisture
calibration shall be considered to be a part of the constituent
calibration. For such calibrations, the CC shall state: \"Includes
non‑displayed moisture calibration.\" Changes to any part of such
calibrations shall require changes to the CC.

(Added 2001)

**A.4. ‑** See also Sec. 1.10; General Code requirements.

# S. Specifications

**S.1. Design of Indicating, Recording, and Measuring Elements.**

> ***S.1.1. Digital Indications and Recording Elements.***

(a) *Analyzers shall be equipped with a digital indicating element.*

(b) *The minimum height for the digits used to display constituent
    values shall be 10 mm.*

(c) *Analyzers shall be equipped with a communication interface that
    permits interfacing with a recording element and transmitting the
    date, grain type or class, constituent values, the moisture basis
    for each constituant value (except moisture), and calibration
    version identification.*

> (Amended 2001)

(d) *A digital indicating element shall not display, and a recording
    element shall not record, any constituent value before the end of
    the measurement cycle.*

(e) Constituent content shall be recorded and displayed as percent of
    total mass. The moisture basis shall also be recorded and displayed
    for each constituent content result (except moisture). If a whole
    grain analyzer that is calibrated to display results on an \"as is\"
    moisture basis does NOT display or record a moisture value, it must
    clearly indicate that results are expressed on an \"as is\" moisture
    basis. Ground grain analyzers must ALWAYS display and record a
    moisture measurement for \"as is\" content results (except
    moisture).

> (Amended 2001)

(f) *An analyzer shall not display or record any constituent value that
    is beyond the operating range of the device unless the constituent
    value representation includes a clear error indication (and recorded
    error message with the recorded representation).*

(g) If an NIR analyzer is used to determine a moisture value, either to
    determine the moisture of an \"as is\" constituent content
    measurement or to convert from one moisture basis to another, the
    moisture measurement must be concurrent with the measurement of
    other constituents.

> (Added 2001)
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.1.2. Selecting Grain Class and Constituent. -** Provision shall
> be made for selecting, and recording the type or class of grain and
> the constituent(s) to be measured. The means to select the grain type
> or class and constituent(s) shall be readily visible and the type or
> class of grain and constituent(s) selected shall be clearly and
> definitely identified in letters (such as HRWW, HRSW, etc. or PROT,
> etc.). A symbol to identify the display of the type or class of grain
> and constituent(s) selected is permitted provided that it is clearly
> defined adjacent to the display. Minimum acceptable abbreviations are
> listed in Table S.1.2. Meters shall have the capability (i.e., display
> capacity) of indicating the grain type using a minimum of four
> characters in order to accommodate the abbreviations listed in Table
> S.1.2.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.1.3. Operating Range. ‑** An analyzer shall automatically and
> clearly indicate when the operating range of the device has been
> exceeded. The statement of the operating range shall be specified in
> the operator\'s manual and shall operate as follows:*

(a) *The ambient temperature range over which the analyzer may be used
    and still comply with the applicable requirements shall be
    specified. The minimum temperature range shall be 10 C to 30 C. No
    constituent value may be displayed when the temperature range is
    exceeded. An appropriate error message shall be displayed when the
    temperature of the analyzer is outside its specified operating
    range.*

(b) *The constituent range at the moisture basis specified in Table
    N.1.1. shall be specified for each grain or seed for which the
    analyzer is to be used. A constituent value may be displayed when
    the constituent range is exceeded if accompanied by a clear
    indication that the constituent range has been exceeded.*

> (Amended 2001)

(c) *For whole grain analyzers only, the temperature range shall be
    specified for each grain or seed for which an analyzer is to be
    used. The minimum temperature range for each grain shall be 10 C to
    30 C. No constituent value may be displayed when the temperature
    range is exceeded. An appropriate error message shall be displayed
    when the temperature of the grain sample exceeds the temperature
    range for the grain. The requirements of this subsection (c) are not
    applicable to ground grain analyzers.*

(d) *For whole grain analyzers, the maximum allowable difference in
    temperature between the instrument environment (ambient temperature)
    and the sample for which an accurate constituent determination can
    be made shall be specified. The minimum temperature range shall
    cover at least 10 C. No constituent value may be displayed when the
    maximum allowable temperature difference is exceeded. An appropriate
    error message shall be displayed when the difference between the
    ambient temperature and the sample temperature exceeds the specified
    difference. The requirements of this subsection (d) are not
    applicable to ground grain analyzers.*

> *\[Nonretroactive and effective as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.1.4. Operating Temperature:***

(a) An analyzer shall not display or record any usable values until the
    internal operating temperature necessary to meet tolerance
    requirements has been attained, or the analyzer shall bear a
    conspicuous statement adjacent to the indication stating that the
    analyzer shall be turned on for a time period specified by the
    manufacturer prior to use.

(b) *If an instrument does not meet tolerance requirements because there
    is an upper internal operating temperature limit that could be
    exceeded when operating within the ambient temperature range
    specified by the manufacturer, then a means of sensing and
    indicating an over‑temperature condition must be provided.*

*\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*

> ***S.1.5. Value of Smallest Unit. ‑** The display shall permit
> constituent value determination to both 0.01 percent and 0.1 percent
> resolution. The 0.1 percent resolution is for commercial transactions;
> the 0.01 percent resolution is for calibration purposes only, not for
> commercial purposes.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*

**S.2. Design of NIR Analyzers**

> ***S.2.1. Minimum Sample Size. ‑** Analyzers shall be designed to
> measure constituent values of representative size grain samples. The
> minimum allowable sample size used in analysis shall be 20 g.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> **S.2.2. Electric Power Supply.**
>
> ***S.2.2.1. Power Supply, Voltage and Frequency. ‑** An analyzer that
> operates using alternating current must perform within tolerance
> requirements over the line voltage range 100 V to 130 V and over the
> frequency range of 59.5 Hz to 60.5 Hz.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.2.2.2. Power Interruption. ‑** A power interruption shall not
> cause an indicating or recording element to display or record any
> values outside the applicable tolerance limits.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.2.3. Level Indicating Means. ‑** Analyzers shall be equipped with
> a level indicator and leveling adjustments if its performance is
> changed by an amount greater than the tolerance requirement when the
> instrument is moved from a level position into a position that is out
> of level in any upright direction by up to 5 percent (approximately 3
> degrees). The level‑indicating means shall be readable without
> removing any instrument parts requiring a tool.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> ***S.2.4. Environmental Conditions. ‑** Instrument optics and
> electronics must be protected from exposure to dust by either sealing
> these areas or by protecting them with a dust filtration system
> suitable for the removal of air‑borne grain dust.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> **S.2.5. Calibration Transfer and Verification.**
>
> ***S.2.5.1. Calibration Transfer.** - The instrument hardware/software
> design and calibration procedures shall permit calibration development
> and the mathematical transfer of calibrations between instruments of
> like models.*
>
> ***Note:** Only the manufacturer or the manufacturer\'s designated
> service agency may make calibration transfer or slope adjustments on
> near-infrared grain analyzers and, except for instrument failure and
> repair, only during a prescribed period of time during the year. This
> does not preclude the possibility of the operator installing the
> manufacturer-specified calibration constants or standardization
> parameters under the instructions of the manufacturer or the
> manufacturer\'s designated service agency. Nor does it preclude
> operator bias adjustments when made under the conditions specified in
> UR.2.8.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive and effective as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> (Note added 1995) (Amended 1995)
>
> ***S.2.5.2. Calibration Version. ‑** An instrument must be capable of
> displaying either calibration constants, a unique calibration name, or
> a unique calibration version number for use in verifying that the
> latest version of the calibration is being used to make constituent
> determinations, and that the appropriate instrument settings have been
> made for the calibration being used.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\].*
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> ***S.2.5.3. Calibration Corruption. ‑** If calibration constants are
> digitally stored in an electronically alterable form, the analyzer
> shall be designed to make automatic checks to detect corruption of
> calibration constants. An error message must be displayed if
> calibration constants have been electronically altered.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\].*
>
> ***S.2.6. Provision for Sealing. ‑** An event logger is required in
> the device; it must include an event counter (000 to 999), the
> parameter ID, the date and time of the change, and the new value of
> the parameter (for calibration changes consisting of multiple
> constants, the calibration version number may be used rather than the
> calibration constants.)*
>
> *A printed copy of the information must be available through the
> device or through another on‑site device. The event logger shall have
> a capacity to retain records equal to twenty‑five (25) times the
> number of sealable parameters in the device, but not more than 1000
> records are required. (Note: Does not require 1000 changes to be
> stored for each parameter.)*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> (Amended 1997)

***S.3. Accessory Equipment.** When the operating instructions for a NIR
analyzer require accessory equipment separate from and external to the
analyzer, such equipment shall be appropriate and complete for the
measurement.*

*\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*

> ***S.3.1. Grinders. ‑** The make and model of grinder used for ground
> grain NIR analyzers must be specified by the manufacturer and required
> as auxiliary equipment in the determination of constituent values for
> applicable grain types.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*

***S.4. Operating Instructions and Use Limitations. ‑** The manufacturer
shall furnish operating instructions for the device and accessories that
include complete information concerning the accuracy, sensitivity, and
use of accessory equipment necessary in obtaining a constituent value.
Operating instructions shall include the following information:*

(a) *name and address or trademark of the manufacturer;*

(b) *the type or design of the device for which the operating
    instructions are intended to be used;*

(c) *date of issue;*

(d) *the kind or classes of grain or seed for which the device is
    designed to measure constituent values; and*

(e) *the limitations of use, including but not limited to constituent
    range, grain or seed temperature, kind or class of grain or seed,
    instrument temperature, voltage and frequency ranges,
    electromagnetic interferences, and necessary accessory equipment.*

*\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*

# N. Notes

**N.1. Testing Procedures.**

> **N.1.1. Field Inspection. ‑** Whole grain samples shall be used as
> the official field inspection standards. Five samples per grain type
> or class shall be used to check instrument performance. Each sample
> will be analyzed once. One of
>
> the samples will be analyzed an additional four times to test
> instrument repeatability. For ground grain instruments, the ground
> sample will be repacked four times. A new grind is not required. Test
> results must be converted to the standard moisture bases shown in
> Table N.1.1. before applying the tolerances of Table T.2. Test results
> on whole grain analyzers that produce results on an \"as is\" basis
> without displaying or recording a moisture value shall be converted to
> the standard moisture bases shown in Table N.1.1. using sample
> moisture values determined with the facility\'s moisture meter (which
> must be certified for commercial use).
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> Constituent values shall be assigned to test samples by the Grain
> Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). Tolerances
> shall be applied to individual sample measurements, the average of
> individual measurements on each of the five test samples, and the
> maximum difference (range) in results for five analyses on one of the
> test samples.
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> **N.1.2. Standard Reference Samples. ‑** Reference samples used for
> field inspection purposes shall be clean and selected to reasonably
> represent the constituent range. These samples shall be selected such
> that the difference between constituent values obtained using the
> GIPSA standard reference method and an official GIPSA NIR grain
> analyzer does not exceed one‑half of the acceptance tolerance shown in
> Table T.2. for individual test samples or 0.375 times the acceptance
> tolerance shown for the average of five samples.
>
> (Amended 2001)

# T. Tolerances

**T.1. To Underregistration and to Overregistration. ‑** The tolerances
hereinafter prescribed shall be applied to errors of underregistration
and errors of overregistration and shall be based on constituent values
expressed at the moisture bases shown in Table N.1.1.

(Amended 2001)

**T.2. Tolerance Values. ‑** Acceptance and maintenance tolerances shall
be equal. Tolerances for individual samples and the average for five
samples are as shown in Table T.2.

## UR. User Requirements

**UR.1. Installation Requirements.** - The NIR analyzer shall be
installed in an environment within the range of temperature and/or other
environmental factors specified in the operating manual.

**UR.2. User Requirements.**

> **UR.2.1. Operating Instructions. ‑** The operating instructions for
> the NIR analyzer shall be readily available to the user, service
> technician, and weights and measures official at the place of
> installation. It shall include a list of accessory equipment if any
> are required to obtain constituent values, and the type or class of
> grain to be measured with the NIR analyzer. If an NIR analyzer has the
> capability, the user is permitted to select the moisture basis to be
> used on any measurement.
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> **UR.2.2. Other Devices not used for Commercial Measurement. ‑** If
> there are other NIR analyzers on the premises not used for trade or
> determining other charges for services, these devices shall be clearly
> and conspicuously marked \"Not for Use in Trade or Commerce.\"

+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| **Table T.2. Acceptance and    |         |        |       |         |
| Maintenance Tolerances**       |         |        |       |         |
|                                |         |        |       |         |
| **for NIR Grain Analyzers**    |         |        |       |         |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| Type of Grain                  | Cons    | Indi   | Av    | Range   |
|                                | tituent | vidual | erage | for     |
|                                |         | S      | for   | Five    |
|                                |         | amples | Five  | Retests |
|                                |         |        | Sa    |         |
|                                |         | (pe    | mples | (p      |
|                                |         | rcent) |       | ercent) |
|                                |         |        | (per  |         |
|                                |         |        | cent) |         |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| Durum Wheat, Hard Red Spring   | protein | 0.60   | 0.40  | 0.40    |
| Wheat, Hard Red Winter Wheat,  |         |        |       |         |
| Hard White Wheat, Soft Red     |         |        |       |         |
| Winter Wheat, Soft White Wheat |         |        |       |         |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| Soybeans                       | protein | 0.80   | 0.60  | 0.60    |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
|                                | oil     | 0.70   | 0.50  | 0.50    |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| Two-rowed Barley               | protein | 0.70   | 0.50  | 0.50    |
|                                |         |        |       |         |
| Six-rowed Barley               |         |        |       |         |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| Corn                           | protein | 0.80   | 0.60  | 0.60    |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
|                                | oil     | 0.70   | 0.50  | 0.50    |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
|                                | starch  | 1.00   | 0.80  | 0.80    |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+
| (Amended 2001)                 |         |        |       |         |
+--------------------------------+---------+--------+-------+---------+

### UR.2.3. Printed Tickets. ‑

(a) *Printed tickets shall be free from any previous indication of
    constituent or grain type selected. The printed ticket shall
    indicate constituent values and the moisture basis associated with
    each constituent value (except moisture). If the analyzer is
    calibrated to display results on an \"as is\" moisture basis and
    does NOT display or record a moisture value, the ticket must clearly
    indicate that results are expressed on an \"as is\" moisture basis.*

> (Amended 2001)

(b) *The customer shall be given a printed ticket showing the date,
    grain type or class, constituent results, and calibration version
    identification.* *If the analyzer converts constituent results to a
    manually entered moisture basis, the \"native\" concentration and
    the \"native\" moisture basis must appear on the printed ticket in
    addition to the converted results and the manually entered moisture
    basis. If the manually entered moisture basis is intended to be the
    moisture value for an \"as is\" constituent concentration
    measurement, that moisture value must have been obtained on the same
    sample and must have been measured on a moisture meter certified for
    commercial use. The information presented on the ticket shall be
    arranged in a consistent and unambiguous manner. The ticket shall be
    generated by the near‑infrared grain analyzer system.*

> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003\]*
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> **UR.2.4. Grinders. ‑** Place grinders in a separate room from the NIR
> analyzer to avoid instrument contamination. If a separate room is not
> available, the grinder may be in the same room with the NIR analyzer
> provided the grinder is not placed within 1 meter of the air intake on
> the NIR.
>
> **UR.2.5. Sampling. ‑** Samples shall be obtained by following
> appropriate sampling methods and equipment. These include, but are not
> limited to grain probes of appropriate length used at random locations
> in the bulk, the use of a pelican sampler, or other techniques and
> equipment giving equivalent results. The sample shall be taken such
> that it is representative of the lot. If an NIR analyzer permits user
> entry of the moisture value for an \"as is\" constituent measurement,
> that moisture value must have been obtained on the same sample and
> must have been measured on a moisture meter certified for commercial
> use.
>
> (Amended 2001)
>
> **UR.2.6. Level Condition. ‑** If equipped with a level indicator, an
> analyzer shall be maintained in a level condition.
>
> **UR.2.7. Operating Limitation. ‑** Constituent determinations shall
> not be made when the difference in temperatures between the grain
> sample and the instrument environment (ambient temperature) exceeds
> manufacturer recommendations.
>
> **UR.2.8. Slope and Bias Adjustments.** ‑ Bias changes shall be made
> only on the basis of tests run on a current set of Standard Reference
> Samples (SRS) traceable to GIPSA Master Instruments.[^2] A written
> explanation and record of all calibration changes, including those
> changes made by a manufacturer or the manufacturer\'s designated
> service agency, shall be maintained. The log shall indicate the date
> and magnitude of changes in bias and slope constants and the
> instrument serial number. A Calibration Adjustment Data Sheet for each
> log entry shall be available for inspection upon request by the field
> inspector. Data Sheets shall be retained by the user for a period of
> no less than 18 months following any calibration adjustment. The Data
> Sheet must show: Date of test and adjustment, serial number of the
> instrument, calibration identification, the nature of the adjustment,
> the unique identification number and source of sample sets used, and,
> for each sample in the set, reference values, initial instrument
> results (except in the cases of instrument failure and repair), and
> instrument results after calibration adjustment or instrument repair.
>
> (Amended 1995)

[^1]: The Near Infrared Grain Analyzer Code was updated from a tentative
    code to a permanent code in 2002, effective January 1, 2003.

[^2]: Established error must be known.