Solid Fat Content SFC NMR Analyzer – PQ001

It is one of the characteristics of fat that it will change consistency with higher and lower temperatures, from more or less solid to liquid. The Solid Fat Content (SFC) defines the percentage of the solid parts of fats at certain temperatures.

The traditional dilatometry methods for SFC determination are slow, irreproducible and require additional chemicals. Direct measurements of SFC by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) provides quick and accurate determination of SFC value.
Solid Fat Content determination by NMR is based on direct ratio measuring between the solid and liquid parts of the sample.

After excitation of the sample by powerful 90o RF pulse FID (Free Induction Decay) is detected. FID is the signal accompanies relaxation process of hydrogen proton magnetic spins back to equilibrium state after disturbing. FID contains contributions from both solid and liquid parts. The protons of liquid content are more rapid in comparison with protons of solid. It provides more fast signal decay from solids than from liquids. Thus, these contributions can be distinguished.

Fig.1 Liquid and solid fat NMR signal

The SFC value is determinated by taking two measuring points on FID. FID amplitude at point S corresponding to total solids plus liquids and at point L corresponding liquids only The specific ratio can be found using equation shown on Fig. 1. This ratio is considered as the SFC value.

An F-factor (f) allows prediction of FID amplitude value immediately after RF pulse as it is impossible to obtain initial NMR signal amplitude directly during so-called dead-time. Dead-time is a short time period caused by the decay of powerful RF pulse in resonance circuit of NMR sensor. F-factor (<2)increases the measurements accuracy and is determined during calibration procedure.

The volume of the sample is 1-3 ml. SFC measurements cycle for 4 point melting curve using special container for samples and tempering:

 Fig.2 PQ001 SFC NMR Analyzer for solid fat content test process

 Fig.3 Cocoa Butter SFC Test

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