Modified Air Packaging, or “MAP,” is a process in which food is packaged in such as way as to preserve taste, texture and freshness. MAP is primarily used in the food packaging industry; however, modified air packaging can also be used in other areas such as the pharmaceutical industry.
How does MAP work?
This common practice involves modifying the composition of the internal atmosphere of a package to create an environment best suited for that product’s preservation. The process often begins with lowering the amount of oxygen and re-balancing the atmosphere with another gas. Oxygen can be a threat to perishable food, as its presence can allow the growth of aerobic organisms and bacteria, speed up oxidation reactions, and just generally threaten the overall freshness and quality of the product. However, there are some products that would actually spoil more quickly if oxygen was removed completely. For instance, in the case of fruit and vegetables, the absence of O2 can result in anaerobic respiration, with speeds up senescence (aging) and spoilage. In most cases, oxygen is used at low levels (between 3-5%) for best results.
In addition to lowering the amount of oxygen, MAP also involves replacing the oxygen with another type of gas that will be more conducive to preservation. Nitrogen gas is a popular choice for MAP, as it is considered safe and economical.
A few products that use or have used nitrogen gas for MAP include…
- Nuts
- Potato chips
- Fruit and vegetables
- Pasta
- Cheese
- Red meat
- Seafood
Using Nitrogen Generator for MAP
Using a nitrogen generator for the MAP process is the most efficient way to utilize N2 gas. Nitrogen Generators produce high purity N2 gas on demand by separating the N2 molecules from the surrounding air we breathe. This allows the manufacturer to have a generator on site that can produce a steady supply of Nitrogen to be used whenever the need arises. This also eliminates the need for storing or handling high pressure N2 gas cylinders or relying on costly contracts from gas companies.
If you’d like to know more about nitrogen generators and the many other industrial applications they can enhance, contact South-Tek Systems today. South-Tek Systems is a leading designer and manufacturer of nitrogen generators.
What makes South-Tek stand out?
Using their unique Flow Verification Program, clients of South-Tek Systems can be matched up with the most appropriate sized nitrogen generator for their needs, whether it’s for MAP, laboratory atmosphere control, fire safety, or any other application where nitrogen can be used, South-Tek likely has a machine that will suit your company’s specific requirements.
Call 888-526-6284 today to speak with a South-Tek representative, ask questions, and get a quote on your next N2 Generator.
Additional Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modified_atmosphere
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