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Headspace Analysis in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Vital in the food packaging industry, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is used to extend the shelf life of perishable food products by slowing the oxidation process and reducing moisture levels. This process ensures that food retains integrity, nutritional value and freshness in-line with quality control standards.

For operators in the food packaging industry, conducting regular headspace gas analysis is essential to determining the optimal gas composition and ratio within MAP packaging. To ensure the reliability of headspace gas analysis equipment, it must undergo regular calibration testing.

Air Products has many years of experience in supplying a range of non-refillable gas canisters that come ready filled with the most common mixtures used in MAP headspace analysis, as well as the capability of providing canisters with bespoke mixtures if required.

Headspace Sampling to Analyse Gas Composition

Gas composition monitoring is a crucial aspect of MAP packaging, this involves regularly assessing and controlling the levels of different gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen within the packaging environment.

Monitoring the gas composition helps to preserve the freshness and appearance of food products. Controlling the levels of gases such as carbon dioxide inhibits the growth of microorganisms that can cause food spoilage and maintains the colour and texture of fresh produce.


Gas to Product Ratio

Gas-to-product ratio is an important element of MAP packaging that is often overlooked or mistaken for gas composition.

Whilst gas composition focuses on the levels of each gas type within the packaging, gas-to-product ratio determines the actual volume of gas being introduced.

Guidelines often recommend specific gas-to-product ratios based on the type of food being packaged. For example, a common recommendation is a 2:1 ratio for carbon dioxide in relation to the volume or weight of the product.
Achieving an optimal gas to product ratio is something of a balancing act. While the goal is to create an atmosphere that preserves the product, excessive gas usage can result in a larger headspace.


Non-Refillable Canisters for Accurate Headspace Analysis

Non-refillable canisters provide a precise and controlled volume for gas sampling. This accuracy is essential for obtaining reliable data on the gas composition in the headspace of MAP packaging, ensuring that the analysis reflects the actual conditions inside the packaging. As part of our leading Experis® range, our non-refillable canisters are a user-friendly and cost-effective means of supplying the certified gas mixtures required for calibrating gas analysis equipment, offering a range of advantages, including -

Low Volume Applications
Non-refillable canisters are particularly well-suited for low-volume applications where the demand for gas sampling may not justify the use of larger, more complex systems. Their compact size and efficiency make them an ideal choice for scenarios with lower production or analysis requirements.

Portability   
Our non-refillable canisters offer convenient field applications and simple on-site testing due to their ease of use and portable size, making them accessible for a wide range of operators.

60 Month Shelf Life
Offering an average shelf life of up to 60 months, non-refillable canisters remain effective and reliable over extended periods of time. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and streamlines storage and inventory management.

Free OEM Label Personalisation
Air Products offers free Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) label personalisation to ensure that canisters can be easily identified and feature relevant product information.

Non-refillable canisters from Air Products come with a Certificate of Analysis as standard. This document provides essential information detailing the specifications of canisters and quality assurance, vital for ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Fast Supply and Delivery

Air Products is a leading supplier of calibration gases and gas control equipment.

Our large stock holding enables us to facilitate fast and efficient delivery of our non-fillable canisters to ensure that our customers have timely access to sampling equipment.

Use our intuitive product selector to find the ideal canisters for your application or to discuss other enquiries and bespoke requirements, contact our experts today.