Predicting Wood Decay and Density Using Nir Spectroscopy

Variable wood chip density and extent of decay can significantly affect pulp yield and quality. Rapid methods are needed to quantify and eventually control these variables. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid technique that may be suitable for measuring these variables. In the present research, NIR spectroscopy was used to develop partial least squares (PLS) models capable of estimating basic wood density and extent of decay in wood. These methods offer a rapid means of determining wood density and extent of decay, and can be applied to routine lab analyses as well as online measurements for process control applications