Overview
SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 21296:2026 sets out a standardized method for determining the oil content in oilseeds using the automated Randall extraction technique. Developed by CEN in collaboration with ISO, this technical specification applies to oilseeds used as industrial raw materials and defines a consistent approach for measuring oil yield with solvents such as hexane or light petroleum. The method features special procedures for different seed types, notably sunflower seeds, and allows separate analysis of pure seeds and impurities. This standard is essential for laboratories, quality controllers, and manufacturers in the oilseed processing industry to ensure accurate, reproducible results that meet international requirements.
Key Topics
- Randall Extraction Method: Specifies the use of automated equipment that enables rapid and efficient oil extraction through staged immersion and solvent reflux, culminating in gravimetric determination of oil content.
- Applicability to Various Oilseeds: Covers a range of oilseeds, including sunflower, groundnuts, palm kernels, copra, soya, linseed, and rapeseed, as well as procedures for dealing with impurities.
- Moisture Determination: For sunflower seeds, an additional step determines moisture content after grinding to optimize accuracy in oil yield calculations.
- Separate Analysis of Impurities: Offers procedures for separate quantification of oil in pure seeds and in non-oleaginous and oleaginous impurities, particularly relevant for groundnuts.
- Expressed Results: Oil content is reported as a percentage by mass, with options for calculation on both the product as received and on a dry matter basis, depending on user requirements.
Applications
This standard is highly valuable for:
- Industrial Oilseed Processing: Ensures accurate measurement of potential oil yield, aiding in process optimization and financial planning.
- Quality Assurance Laboratories: Enables consistent, verifiable assessment of raw material quality, critical for trade specifications and regulatory compliance.
- Product Development: Supports research into oilseed breeding, crop improvement, and the development of value-added oilseed products.
- Regulatory and Trade Purposes: Assists in meeting international trade requirements by providing a harmonized method recognized across borders.
- Impurity Assessment: The ability to analyze pure seeds and impurities separately is beneficial for contracts and quality grading, especially for seeds with significant non-oil content.
Related Standards
For a complete oilseed analysis workflow and to ensure full compliance with industry norms, the following related standards should be considered:
- ISO 659: Oilseeds – Determination of oil content (reference method)
(SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 21296:2026 serves as an alternative, with ISO 659 as the reference for dispute resolution)
- ISO 658: Oilseeds – Determination of content of impurities
(Referenced for procedures relating to impurity handling)
- ISO 664: Oilseeds – Reduction of laboratory sample to test sample
(Specifies how to prepare samples for accurate analysis)
- ISO 665: Oilseeds – Determination of moisture and volatile matter content
(Essential for moisture corrections, especially for sunflower seeds)
- ISO 21294: Oilseeds – Recommended sampling method
(Ensures representative samples are taken for laboratory analysis)
By implementing SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 21296:2026, oilseed industry stakeholders can achieve reliable, repeatable oil content measurements, facilitating effective quality control and international trade in oilseeds and related products. The standard's alignment with recognized analytical procedures supports robust laboratory practices and product consistency worldwide.