Global transit capacities enable the rapid transport of perishable goods and produce across the world, meaning that consumers can enjoy products many miles from their country of origin. This is a complicated process and storage conditions must be continuously monitored. Modified atmosphere gas mixers are integral for this process of transportation.
What is a Modified Atmosphere Gas Mixer?
Modified atmosphere gas mixers are devices used to alter the atmosphere in food packaging. They are a critical element of precise quality control, ensuring food is germfree and well-preserved. The manner in which a product is handled during processing and packaging plays a critical role in prolonging the shelf-life and maintaining food safety. Modified atmosphere gas packaging uses food-grade gases and special packaging materials in order to aid extending shelf-life and maintain food quality.
Benefits of a Modified Atmosphere Gas Mixer
Modified atmosphere gas mixers help reduce spoilage, extending the shelf-life by days or weeks in some cases. Protective gas mixtures can preserve the taste, texture, and appearance of food goods without affecting their nutritional content. This ultimately translates to a more secure and profitable global food supply chain.
What Gases are Used in Modified Atmosphere Gas Mixers?
Modified atmosphere gas mixtures usually consist of three atmospheric gases: carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), and oxygen (O₂). The most important of these gases is carbon dioxide, because it slows down the growth of microorganisms both inside packaging and within the produce itself. Nitrogen is used to replace oxygen and decrease the deterioration related to oxidation. Nitrogen also acts as a filler gas to ensure the packaging maintains its shape..
It is important to limit the oxygen content in modified atmosphere gas mixtures so as to extend the shelf life, diminishing the generation of lactic acid and slowing the process of senescence. A key use for modified atmosphere gas mixers is in meat packaging as raw meat deteriorates quickly when exposed to the atmosphere. In meat packaging, air is removed and replaced with a mixture of nitrogen, CO2, and low levels of CO to prevent the growth of spoilage organisms and limit the oxidization of lipids and proteins. Modified atmosphere packaging with high CO2 is also superior in taste and flavor to those with high O2 quantities.
How can Environics Help?
Environics’ Series 3000 Gas Mixing and Delivery system is ideal for creating modified atmosphere gas mixtures. Our system enables on-site gas mixing of 100% pure bulk gases, using distinct canisters of pure gases. This can reduce the repeated costs associated with purchasing pre-prepared modified atmosphere gas mixtures.
Our system provides precise gas mixtures for modified atmosphere packaging applications with a repeatability of 0.05%, unlike premixed cylinders. This is maintained by using precision thermal mass controllers, meaning that there is consistency batch-to-batch in high throughput food packaging applications. We also specialize in computerized gas calibration to maintain the performance of your modified atmosphere gas mixer.
The Series 3000 offers flexibility in addressing particular processes and market needs. This means food packaging gas mixtures can be tailored to suit individual goods, while the guaranteed repeatability enables great cost-savings and little wastage.
Our systems automatically blend and dilute gases to produce precise gas mixes. The Series 3000 provides a positive pressure which can be controlled to meet the requirements of downstream processes. The mixer can be configured to turn on and off in relation to the demand for gas.
An optional visual or audible alarm can also be installed to ensure the quality and safety of the food packaging gas mixers are maintained. The Series 3000 is the perfect delivery system for your modified atmosphere gas mixer needs. Contact us today to find out more.
