UK-based Witt Gas Techniques said its new KD 100-1A is an electronic gas flow control systemdesigned for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and for controlling the atmosphere when storingfruits and vegetables.
Methods of regulating the amount of oxygen in an enclosed area is used by the food industry as ameans of reducing spoilage and extending shelf life. MAP is used extensively in the food industry asa means of extending shelf life. Typically, air is removed from the space above the food as it isbeing packed by flushing the package with an inert gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
It is an increasingly lucrative technology for packaging companies currently used to providefresher food such as sandwiches, fresh pizzas and meats.
"This system can save up to 30 per cent of gas consumption by automatically regulating the gas flow until the required oxygen (O2) level is reached and its non-destructive gas analysis protects the quality of theproducts," Witt Gas claimed about the KD 100-1A.
The device uses an O2 sensor with an error range of 0.2 per cent between tests. It has an RS232 interface with ASCII-output for remote recording and transfer of line settings including date, time and the measured values.
"Reliability is a feature of this system, the gas supply is monitored by pressure switches, whereby a low gas pressure will trigger an alarm and the line is immediately shutdown," the company said.
An audible alarm is available as an optional addition. At the same time the system will compensate for pressure fluctuations in the gas supply and the speed of the line or size of packages.The machine is easy to calibrate, with low maintenance, and comes with a digital display and an integrated gas sample pump.
It is available as either 230V AC, 110V AC or 24V DC versions and can be supplied with an optional integrated mechanical or electronic gas mixer for a complete package to mix gas and control oxygen (O2) levels in oneunit, Witt Gas said.
It comes supplied with a lockable door to protect the settings and is set in a splash proof, stainless steel casing.
The gas controller can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry.