Low resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a clean, rapid and accurate technique for the measurement of oil content and is a viable alternative to traditional wet chemical techniques which are time consuming, use hazardous chemicals and require skilled laboratory personnel.
It is easier to calibrate compared to Near Infra-red (NIR) because it is not dependent on the product matrix thus it is often possible to calibrate against 100% oil for oil determination. In addition, NMR has better sampling than NIR because signal is acquired from the whole sample (up to 150ml), and not just from the surface.
For some applications, for example seeds, it is possible to simultaneously measure moisture content provided it is < 10%.
Food and agriculture applications include:
- Oil in Snack Food
- Fat and Oil in Food
- Oil in Infant Formula/Milk Powder
- Fat in Chocolate and Cocoa Products
- Solid Fat Content of Edible Oils and Fats (AOCS/ISO standard)
- Oil and Moisture in Seeds/Grain (ISO 10565)
- Oil in Olive Paste
- Oil and Moisture in Fish Feed
- Oil in Animal Feed
- Oil in Dry Pet Food
- Oil in Jatropha seeds