Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method

The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Method, an official method approved by the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC), is a non-destructive technique used to accurately determine the moisture content of various materials, including grains, seeds, and food products.

How does NMR Work?

The NMR method harnesses the magnetic properties of hydrogen nuclei (protons) in water molecules. When exposed to a strong magnetic field, these protons align with the field and absorb energy from radiofrequency (RF) pulses. The amount of energy absorbed is directly proportional to the number of hydrogen nuclei and, therefore, to the moisture content of the sample.

Key Advantages of NMR

• Non-Destructive: Unlike moisture meters or oven drying, NMR does not require sample preparation or destruction, allowing for multiple measurements on the same sample.
• Accurate and Reliable: It provides highly precise and repeatable moisture measurements, covering a wide range of moisture levels.
• Versatile: The NMR method can analyze various sample types, such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and powders.
• Fast and Efficient: Moisture determination takes only a few minutes per sample, making it a practical and efficient technique for large-scale testing.

Benefits of Using NMR

* Improved quality control by ensuring accurate moisture measurements
* Reduced sample preparation time and costs
* Optimized storage and processing conditions of moisture-dependent materials
* Enhanced product shelf life and stability
* Compliance with industry standards and regulations