Introduction - CEM ORACLE Operation Manual

Introduction

The ORACLE 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). Using the ORACLE, a sample is dried to remove any free moisture that may cause interference, then
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conditioned to an optimal temperature using a stand-alone heater block or the internal QuikPrep 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 glass-capacitance
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.
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