Edible Oil Analysis

Density and concentration measurement

In edible-oil-analysis R&D and QC, accurate density measurement is essential for tasks such as verifying concentrations and ensuring blend consistency. Anton Paar offers a range of benchtop and compact density meters for these purposes. The DMA 4002, 5002, and 6002 modular benchtop density meters use U-Pulse technology based on the patented Pulsed Excitation Method to deliver four-, five-, and six-digit results in just 20 seconds. They combine automation, large storage capacity, and full compliance with international standards. 

The DMA 502/1002 compact digital density meters are ideal for small sample volumes, providing reliable three- to four-digit precision, flexible sample handling, and automatic compensation for ambient conditions. Integration with AP Connect ensures secure data storage and regulatory compliance.

Viscosity and thermal behavior

Kinematic viscosity and thermal properties are key factors in edible oil analysis affecting processing, frying behavior, and product performance. The SVM automatic kinematic viscometer series provides rapid viscosity measurements at storage and cooking temperatures, ensuring consistent oil quality from refining through bottling. For applications such as frying oils, margarine, shortening, and specialty oils, Julia DSC offers precise thermal profiling of oils and fats, allowing manufacturers to optimize melting, crystallization, and polymorphic behavior.

Oxidation, flash point, and hexane residue control

As the shelf life and freshness of edible oils rely on oxidation resistance, monitoring oxidation and solvent residues plays an important role in ensuring stability and safety. The RapidOxy 100 accelerates oxidation tests, delivering results in minutes rather than days – crucial in edible oil analysis workflows. Producers can evaluate antioxidant effectiveness, optimize packaging, and ensure stability for oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, and olive oil. 

While hexane extraction enhances yield efficiency, it also requires rigorous monitoring of residues to meet safety and regulatory standards. The Pensky-Martens PMA 500 Flash Point Tester is fully compliant with ISO 15267, quickly detecting hexane residues after solvent extraction to safeguard oil quality during refining.

Safety and authenticity testing

Testing the safety and authenticity of edible oils helps maintain regulatory compliance and consumer trust. Anton Paar’s Multiwave microwave digestion platform prepares samples for trace element analysis via ICP-MS, ensuring that heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic remain within safe limits. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), microwave-assisted saponification enables efficient sample preparation for gas chromatography (GC) analysis, preserving oil quality while detecting contaminants introduced during roasting or other processing steps. High-value oils, such as olive oil, can be authenticated using Cora Raman spectroscopy, which provides a fast, non-destructive method to verify composition and detect adulteration. Additionally, Abbemat refractometers can determine the refractive index and iodine value, offering essential insights into oil purity, fatty acid composition, and the degree of unsaturation to monitor both nutritional quality and oxidative stability.

Process instruments for edible oil analysis

Reliable inline monitoring is essential in edible oil analysis for refining, blending, and filling processes. Anton Paar’s L-Cor Coriolis mass flow and L-Dens density measurement sensors provide real-time process data to improve efficiency and ensure consistent quality. The L-Cor Coriolis mass flow meter delivers accurate mass flow and density values for continuous monitoring, enabling precise dosing, blending, and product transfer. The L-Dens density meter determines product density and concentration directly in the process line, supporting applications such as concentration measurement, product identification, and process control. By combining these inline solutions, producers can reduce sampling, minimize waste, and maintain full control over edible oil production at every stage.