Gas delivery systems are used in a wide range of industries and applications. They are used to safely decrease the pressure from high-pressure cylinders to supply various instruments and tools in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and R&D facilities. In this article, we explore how gas delivery systems can help enhance the production of modified atmosphere packaging.
Why Choose a Gas Delivery System?
Instead of standard premixed gas cylinders, gas delivery systems allow for gas delivery in repeatable blends using precision thermal mass flow controllers. Using a gas delivery system offers enhanced flexibility in meeting the range of processing needs.
Gas delivery systems work by mixing gases automatically, leading to precise gas calibration standards, gas blends, or atmospheres used in production. Environics’ gas blenders are extremely accurate and repeatable, ppb concentrations for both single and multi-point calibration.
Why is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Important?
Modified atmosphere packaging is an important element in the transport of perishable goods around the globe. The process involves using food-grade gases to prolong the shelf life of the foods within. This means that foods can be transported many thousands of miles without sacrificing product quality.
Gas delivery systems are used to change the atmosphere inside the packaging materials. They are a crucial part of quality control, allowing food to be transported without large increases in bacteria levels. The controlled atmosphere storage can extend the shelf life by weeks in some cases, preserving the appearance, taste, and texture of the foods without impacting their nutritional value. This preservation leads to a secure and profitable supply chain for perishable goods.
Which Gases do Gas Delivery Systems Provide for MAP?
The most common blend used in modified atmosphere packaging is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Carbon dioxide is the most commonly used as it inhibits the growth of microorganisms, thus slowing down the degradation. Since oxygen is known for increasing the deterioration of products, nitrogen is used as a filler gas to replace oxygen and maintain the shape of the packaging.
When oxygen is present in food packages, lactic acid is produced, leading to senescence. Using less oxygen inhibits this lactic acid production. Items such as raw meat can degrade very quickly when exposed to oxygen and as such, it is critical that the air inside meat packaging is taken out and replaced with CO2 and nitrogen gas.
Gas Mixing Solutions from Environics
At Environics, we are experts in finding gas mixing solutions that suit your applications. Our Series 3000 is a gas mixing and delivery system that can create MAP gas mixtures. Our gas distribution systems can provide mixtures of gases on-site, decreasing the costs associated with frequent re-purchasing of prepared gas cylinders.
Our innovative technology means that the user can have precise control over the gas blends and the blends are highly repeatable. They are maintained by precision thermal mass controllers meaning there is consistency for all MAP applications, reducing overall wastage.
