Reliable control of Modified Atmosphere Packaging – with the new gas analysers from A.KRÜSS Optronic

Quality assurance and ever increasing consumer requirements make it necessary to control modified atmospheres in packages on a regular basis. With the new gas analysers of the MAT1000 series, A.KRÜSS Optronic offers solutions for any need.

In order to be successful on the market, manufacturers of sensitive or perishable products must be able to guarantee first-class quality over a long period of time. This applies, in particular, to the food industry but also the electronics, pharmaceutical or cosmetics industry. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) plays a decisive role in this. Typical protective gases are nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) as well as a mixture of these gases – all natural components of the ambient air but in modified concentrations that need to be checked.

Application areas of protective gases

In most food packages, the oxygen concentration is reduced while the carbon dioxide concentration is increased in order to inhibit the growth of aerobic microorganisms and oxidation processes. Other foodstuff, however, requires a certain oxygen content so it can stay fresh or keep its colour. Electronic components as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, for example, in vials or blister packages, are packaged under nitrogen in order to prevent oxidation and corrosion. In addition to preserving the quality, the modified atmosphere stabilises the packaging providing the product with a mechanical protection.

Individual solutions for any modified atmosphere

Controlling modified atmospheres in packages on a regular basis requires gas analysers that deliver fast, reliable measurement results and can be easily integrated into the work process – just like the new devices from the MAT1000 series from A.KRÜSS Optronic.

MAT1100 – the reasonably priced entry-level model for sample checks

The MAT1100 is the right choice whenever you only need to be concerned with the oxygen concentration or only nitrogen is used. Its electrochemical oxygen cell (EC) measures within the measurement range of 0.5 and 35 vol% and with an accuracy of ±0.2 vol%. The MAT1100 requires very little time to heat up and can therefore be quickly used for the occasional measurement or in case of frequent “changes of location”.

MAT1200 – the economical solution for O2 and CO2 measurements

If you need to measure the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide, then the MAT1200 will be the appropriate model. In addition to an EC cell, it features a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) for the CO2 measurement over the measuring range of 0 and 50 vol% and with a high accuracy of ±0.5 vol%. It hence covers most carbon dioxide applications in modified atmosphere packaging – at a very attractive price.

MAT1400 – the specialist for fast, high-precision oxygen measurements

The zirconium dioxide sensor (ZrO2) of the MAT1400 measures the oxygen concentration over the measurement range of 0 and 100 vol%. Especially in case of a very low concentration, it will achieve an excellent accuracy of ±0.001 vol%. The MAT1400 is therefore suitable for the inspection of oxygen-free as well as oxygen-rich modified atmospheres. It can also be used in the cold storage room from ambient temperatures of 10 °C.

MAT1500 – the all-rounder for highest standards

Fitted with a ZrO2 sensor and a NDIR sensor, the MAT1500 combines the advantages of the MAT1200 and MAT1400 and offers maximum range of application, performance and precision. The measurements are completed within only approx. ten seconds. As is the case with the MAT1400, highly precise results can be achieved with single measurements of oxygen concentrations through the min/max detection even if only a small sample volume is available.

Once the measurement is started, the sample is drawn in, and the display shows the measured values for oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as the air pressure, the gas flow and – depending on the model – the temperature of the measuring cell. Only a small sample volume is required, and stable measured values are already available after an average of five to ten seconds. Optionally, measurements can also be triggered with a foot switch allowing for a fast, fatigue-proof mode of operation when serial analyses are performed. The gas analysers of the MAT1000 series feature a self-explanatory, well-arranged user interface that allows even non-expert personnel to intuitively and quickly operate the device. A state-of-the-art TFT display ensures a clear, bright visual representation of all the information, and the integrated touch-screen completes the comfortable user experience.