DETERMINATION OF SOLIDS CONTENT OF FATS AND OILS BY NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method was developed for the determination of the solids content of fats and oils at various temperatures. This method is more rapid, accurate, and uni-versally applicable than the generally accepted solids fat index (SFI) by the dilatometric pro-cedure. A standard deviation of 1.0% solids, unaffected by parameter interactions and attain-able by inexperienced operators, indicates good reliability and reproducibility. The utilization of an NMR variable-tempera-ture accessory and a more precise mode of NMR tuning improves the precision and accuracy. The direct calculation of percentage of solids from the NMR signals eliminates the need for standards and compensates for the temperature variable. The results indicate that two separate labora-tories, using somewhat different methods and modes of NMR operation, agree reasonably well. © 1968 American Oil Chemists' Society.