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FAQ – How Do I Measure Chlorophyll in Edible Oils?

Answer

Chlorophyll in edible oils is typically measured using transmission spectrophotometry at 630 nm, 670 nm, and 710 nm according to AOCS Cc 13d-55. The Vista® L2 is HunterLab's preferred solution because it combines chlorophyll analysis, color measurement, and haze evaluation in a single instrument platform while providing enhanced performance through its extended 710 nm wavelength capability.

How Much Does Vista L2 Cost?

The Vista® L2 starts at approximately $14,965.

Vista® L2 combines:

  • Chlorophyll analysis
  • Color measurement
  • Haze measurement
  • Industry-standard liquid color scales

within a single instrument, often eliminating the need for multiple analytical systems.

What Is the ROI?

Though exact numbers vary significantly by customer and production volume, organizations commonly achieve savings through:

  • Improved refining process control
  • Reduced off-spec production
  • Improved product consistency
  • Faster quality decisions
  • Reduced laboratory variability
  • Reduced customer complaints
  • Reduced need for separate haze instrumentation

Many organizations achieve payback within 6–18 months through improved quality control and refining efficiency.

Best Practices

  • Follow AOCS Cc 13d-55 methodology.
  • Use clean optical cells.
  • Maintain consistent path lengths.
  • Remove bubbles before measurement.
  • Standardize the instrument regularly.
  • Measure representative production samples.
  • Trend chlorophyll values over time.
  • Correlate chlorophyll measurements with refining performance and product quality.

Trend analysis is often more valuable than evaluating individual measurements in isolation.

Special Circumstances

Chlorophyll and Haze Can Influence Results

In edible oils, measured absorbance may be influenced by both:

  • Chlorophyll concentration
  • Light scattering from suspended particles
Examples include:
  • Wax crystals
  • Insoluble contaminants
  • Product instability
  • Refining byproducts

Changes in measured absorbance may not always indicate changes in chlorophyll concentration alone.

Why 710 nm Matters

Vista® L2 extends measurement capability to 710 nm. At this wavelength, absorption from most color compounds becomes minimal, allowing scattering effects to be evaluated more independently from color absorption. This provides:

  • Improved separation of color and haze
  • Better chlorophyll analysis
  • Improved trend monitoring
  • Greater confidence in process decisions

The result is a more complete understanding of both product color and clarity.

Why Measure Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is one of the primary pigments responsible for the green coloration observed in many vegetable oils and edible oils. Monitoring chlorophyll levels helps manufacturers:

  • Evaluate crude oil quality
  • Monitor refining effectiveness
  • Improve process control
  • Maintain product consistency
  • Support quality grading programs
  • Improve customer acceptance

Because chlorophyll directly influences product appearance and refining efficiency, objective measurement provides a more reliable alternative to visual evaluation.

Key Takeaway

Chlorophyll measurement is an important quality control tool for edible oil manufacturers. Vista® L2 supports AOCS chlorophyll analysis while providing enhanced separation of chlorophyll absorption and haze effects through its 710 nm measurement capability, helping manufacturers improve refining control, product consistency, and overall product quality.

Do you need more information? Submit a ticket and a support team member will reach out to you soon!

To learn more about Color and Color Science in industrial QC applications, click here: Fundamentals of Color and Appearance

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