Details: Category: Dansensor

Leak Detectors for Seal Integrity

Seal Integrity is a vital aspect of quality control in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

The importance of a leak detector for seal integrity

Sealing integrity is possibly the single most important element of quality control in MAP; if a package’s seal integrity is compromised, a leak will cause loss of the protective atmosphere and the shelf life of the food will be reduced, resulting in costly returns.

Headspace Gas Analyzers

The importance of headspace gas analysis for quality control in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

In packaging terms, the headspace refers to the internal volume of a package that is not occupied by the product. The atmosphere in this space is termed the headspace gas. Headspace analysis is the measurement of this headspace gas. Headspace gas analysis is a key part of the quality control process for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries for products that have been packaged in a modified atmosphere.

Gas Mixers for 2 or 3 Gasses

Gas mixtures in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a method of packaging food or other products, such as beverages or pharmaceuticals. This is done in a way that increases the shelf-life of the product and prolongs the product’s freshness and appearance.

Particular mixtures of gases are carefully selected depending on the product. Red meat, for example, requires elevated concentrations of oxygen in the modified atmosphere so that it can maintain its colour; other products are packaged in low-oxygen atmospheres to reduce the growth rate of microorganisms such as bacteria and moulds.

Typically the three main gases used in MAP are carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2). In all cases the gases used are approved for food product use. Gas mixers, sometimes called gas blenders, are used to create the appropriate gas mixture.

Online Gas Analyzers for Gas Packaging Machines

On-line gas analyzers: moving from quality control to quality assurance for MAP

In MAP, quality assurance is key. Producers must be confident that their modified atmosphere packaging equipment is working correctly and that their gas mixing system is delivering the correct protective atmosphere to ensure the prolonged shelf-life of food or other products such as beverages or pharmaceuticals. Control of the gas flushing process is therefore vital.