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Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
The ORACLE
TM
Universal Fat Analyzer offered by CEM utilizes proprietary nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
signal gathering to accurately measure the fat content of any product without the need for method development.
The ORACLE is the first rapid, non-destructive technology able to provide a primary fat analysis, as opposed to
the secondary analysis techniques employed by other rapid technologies (i.e. NIR, FT-IR, FT-NIR, and traditional
TD-NMR). Once a sample is dried to remove any free moisture that may cause interference, the ORACLE then
conditions the sample to an optimal temperature using a stand-alone heater block or the internal QuikPrep
TM
heater. The NMR then sends a pulse of radio-frequency energy through the sample, causing any hydrogen protons
specific to fat molecules to generate a response signal. This signal is recorded and calculated to represent the
percent of total fat in the sample, typically taking less than 45 seconds for the entire process.
The ORACLE consists of an NMR magnet to perform the fat analysis, an electronics box (listed as processor box)
for controlling and storing system settings and data, and may also include a SMART 6 Moisture/Solids Analyzer
for rapid moisture analysis and sample drying prior to testing in the magnet. The ORACLE utilizes a touchscreen
for intuitive testing and data maintenance, and employs the use of internal diagnostics to ensure full system
functionality.
ORACLE is the first rapid fat analysis system that requires no method/channel development and directly analyzes
fat/oil in food samples. The system is rapid (45 second analysis), requires no solvents or chemists, and prevents
operator to operator error and is not prone to potential issues encountered during wet reference chemistry. Since
ORACLE is a direct technique and measures the entire sample, there are no costly method recalibrations or
method development required. Once installed, the ORACLE is ready to accurately and repeatably measure fat/oil in
any unknown food sample.
Despite the word “nuclear” in the name, NMR does not use or generate radiation. The word “nuclear” in NMR
refers to the instrument’s ability to analyze the nuclei of the sample.
