λ
Real-Time NIR Measurement

Precision moisture
measurement for
demanding processes

The QN-100 delivers continuous, non-contact near-infrared moisture measurement for bulk solids, powders, and granular materials — giving you accurate, real-time data directly on the production line without interrupting the process.

QN-100 NIR Sensor
Live
4.23%
Moisture Content
Status
Running ✓
Firmware
NIR v2.07
Temperature
32.4 °C
4–20 mA Out
8.14 mA
±0.05%
Measurement accuracy
3
NIR filter channels
3×
4–20 mA analogue outputs
IP65
Sensor enclosure rating
Why QN-100

Built for the demands of real industrial environments

The QN-100 combines high-accuracy NIR optics with a practical, engineer-friendly design. From the integrated touchscreen HMI to the auto-balance optical setup routine, every aspect is built to make installation, calibration, and daily operation as straightforward as possible — without compromising on measurement performance.

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Non-Contact NIR Measurement

The QN-100 uses near-infrared light to measure moisture content without touching the product. No moving parts in contact with the process means no wear, no contamination risk, and no process interruption.

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Real-Time Continuous Output

The sensor delivers a continuously updated moisture reading with a configurable damping filter for stable output. Three 4–20 mA analogue outputs feed directly into your control system for closed-loop drying or mixing control.

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Integrated HMI Touchscreen

A built-in colour touchscreen displays live moisture readings, a 60-minute scrolling trend chart, and full calibration and system configuration — all on the sensor itself, no separate panel required.

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Multiple Fieldbus Protocols

Supports Profinet, Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT — making integration with virtually any industrial PLC or DCS straightforward. Protocol is specified at the time of order.

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Up to 3 Measurement Channels

In addition to moisture, the QN-100 can be configured to simultaneously measure up to two additional components — including oil content, coat weight, or basis weight — using the same NIR optical system.

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Rugged IP65 Enclosure

The IP65-rated sensor housing is suited to dusty, humid, and washdown environments. The optical window is manufactured from robust sapphire or borosilicate glass for long service life.

Applications

Trusted across a wide range of industries

The QN-100 is installed across a broad range of manufacturing sectors wherever accurate, continuous moisture measurement of bulk solids or powders is critical to product quality and process efficiency.

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Food & Beverage

Moisture control in cereals, grains, snacks, baked goods, and food ingredient processing lines.

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Animal Feed

In-line moisture measurement during pelleting, drying, and cooling in compound feed and pet food manufacture.

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Chemical & Pharma

Precise moisture monitoring in pharmaceutical granules, chemical powders, and active ingredient drying processes.

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Building Materials

Real-time moisture measurement of sand, aggregates, minerals, and cement raw materials in quarrying and processing.

♻️

Plastics & Recycling

Moisture measurement of plastic granules and recycled material prior to extrusion or moulding to prevent defects.

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Biomass & Energy

Continuous moisture monitoring of wood chips, wood pellets, and biomass fuels for quality and calorific value control.

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Milling & Flour

Moisture optimisation during wheat tempering, flour milling, and grain conditioning for consistent product quality.

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General Industry

Suitable for any bulk solid or granular material drying process where moisture content must be continuously monitored.

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Tobacco

Precise moisture measurement during tobacco leaf processing, conditioning, and drying to maintain product quality and compliance.

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Paper

Continuous moisture monitoring of paper pulp and finished sheets during production and drying to ensure consistent product quality and prevent moisture-related defects.

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Converting

Real-time moisture measurement during paper converting, laminating, and coating processes for consistent finish quality and dimensional stability.

Ready to see the QN-100 in action?

Speak to our applications team to find out how the QN-100 can improve consistency and reduce waste in your process.

QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor

Technical Specifications

Full technical specifications for the QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor — designed for continuous, non-contact moisture measurement in industrial bulk solids and powder processes.

Product Overview

QN-100 NIR Moisture Sensor

The QN-100 is a rugged, industrial-grade near-infrared moisture sensor designed for continuous, real-time measurement of moisture content in bulk solids, powders, and granular materials. Using precision NIR filters, the sensor measures the characteristic absorption of moisture in the near-infrared spectrum without any contact with the product.

The integrated HMI touchscreen provides live readings, a 60-minute trend chart, and full on-sensor calibration and configuration. Three 4–20 mA analogue outputs and a choice of industrial fieldbus protocols — Profinet, Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT — ensure straightforward integration into existing control architectures. The IP65-rated sensor housing is built for the demands of continuous industrial operation.

At a Glance
TechnologyNear-Infrared (NIR)
Measurement ModeNon-contact, diffuse reflectance
Primary OutputMoisture (%)
Accuracy±0.05 % (typical)
Analogue Outputs3 × 4–20 mA
Enclosure (Sensor)IP65 (NEMA 4)
Supply Voltage230 VAC or 24 VDC
FieldbusProfinet / Profibus / EtherNet/IP / Modbus / EtherCAT

Real-World Applications

The QN-100 is deployed across diverse industrial processes and integration points, delivering accurate moisture measurement where it matters most.

Conveyor Integration

Conveyor Integration

Direct in-line moisture measurement of finished products on drying conveyor systems with integrated process feedback and control.

Hopper Monitoring

Hopper Monitoring

Real-time moisture measurement through transparent optical window for in-silo quality control and batch release decisions.

Precision Sensor Head

Precision Sensor Head

Ruggedised optical and electronic design engineered for stable operation in demanding industrial environments with reliable long-term performance.

Technical Dimensions

Complete engineering drawings and dimensional data for installation planning, integration design, and procurement specifications.

QN-100 Technical Dimensions and CAD Drawings
Full Specifications

Detailed Technical Data

Performance
Measurement Range0 to 30 % Low Moisture, 30 to 90% High Moisture
Accuracy±0.05 % moisture (typical)
Repeatability±0.02 % moisture (1σ, stable conditions)
Resolution3 decimal places
Response TimeConfigurable (damping filter 1 - 10 s typical)
Update Rate10 Hz internal; output updated continuously
Calibration MethodTwo-point laboratory reference
Stored CalibrationsUp to 256 product calibrations
Optical / NIR
TechnologyNear-infrared (NIR), diffuse reflectance
Light SourceTungsten halogen lamp
Lamp Life> 20,000 hours (typical)
Filter 1Reference channel
Filter 2Moisture measurement channel
Filter 3Reference channel
DetectorPbs photodetector
Standoff Distance250–450 mm from window face
Electrical
Supply Voltage230 VAC 0r 24 VDC
Power Consumption< 30 W (sensor + HMI combined)
Analogue Outputs3 × 4–20 mA (isolated)
AO Resolution16-bit DAC
AO Accuracy±0.1 % full scale
Digital Outputs3 × NPN/PNP, 24 V DC
Digital Inputs4 × 24 V DC
ProtectionReverse polarity, overvoltage protected
Environmental & Physical
Operating Temperature0 to +60 °C
Storage Temperature-20 to +70 °C
Humidity10 to 90 % RH, non-condensing
Enclosure (Sensor)IP65 (NEMA 4)
Enclosure (HMI)IP54 (NEMA 12)
HMI Display7″ colour TFT touchscreen
CertificationsCE marked, RoHS compliant
Communications & Fieldbus
HMI InterfaceIntegrated 7″ colour touchscreen; USB service port
Fieldbus OptionsProfinet, Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT (specify at order)
Ethernet10/100 BaseT, RJ45 connector
IP ConfigurationStatic IP or DHCP, configurable via HMI
Data EndiannessBig-endian or Little-endian (configurable via HMI)
Process DataUp to 3 measurement values available on fieldbus

Interested in the QN-100?

Our applications team is on hand to discuss your process, recommend the right configuration, and arrange a demonstration.

Resources

Downloads

Technical documentation and marketing materials for the QN-100 NIR moisture sensor.

Downloads & Resources

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Technical Datasheet

Complete specifications, performance data, electrical and environmental ratings, communications, and fieldbus options.

Download PDF →
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Product Brochure

Overview, key features, typical applications, and advantages of the QN-100 NIR moisture measurement system.

View Brochure →

Need Technical Support?

Our applications team is available to answer questions about the QN-100, discuss your specific process requirements, or arrange a demonstration.

Who We Are

About Absorption Systems

Specialists in near-infrared measurement technology for industrial process applications.

Our Story

Absorption Systems was founded with a focus on bringing accurate, practical near-infrared moisture measurement to industrial production environments. From the outset, our goal has been to develop instruments that are not only technically capable but genuinely easy to use and integrate on the production line.

Over the years we have developed and refined our NIR sensor range, building a portfolio of products trusted by manufacturers across food and beverage, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and building materials. The QN-100 represents the latest generation of our sensor technology — combining high-accuracy NIR optics with an integrated HMI and modern industrial communications.

We work closely with our customers from initial application assessment through to installation, commissioning, and ongoing support. Every QN-100 is backed by our applications expertise and commitment to long-term performance in the field.

Our Values

Precision

We design and build instruments to the highest standards of optical and electronic precision, because accurate measurement is the foundation of good process control.

Reliability

Our sensors are built for the realities of industrial production — rugged enclosures, robust optics, and components selected for long service life in challenging environments.

Partnership

We work alongside our customers to understand their process, configure the right solution, and provide commissioning and support to ensure the installation performs from day one.

Innovation

We continue to invest in NIR measurement research and product development, evolving our sensor capabilities to meet the changing needs of modern manufacturing.

Let's work together

Whether you have a specific application in mind or just want to understand how NIR moisture measurement could benefit your process, we'd be happy to talk.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Whether you have a technical question, want to discuss an application, or would like to arrange a demonstration — we're here to help.

We'd love to hear from you

We welcome enquiries from process engineers, production managers, and system integrators working across a wide range of industries. Get in touch to discuss your application and find out how the QN-100 can work for you.

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Email
sales@absorptionsystems.co.uk
📞
Phone
+44 (0)7927 132812
📍
Address
Absorption Systems Ltd, UK
🌐
Website
www.absorptionsystems.co.uk

Send us an enquiry

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