Headspace Gas Analyzers
The importance of headspace gas analysis for quality control in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
In packaging terms, the headspace refers to the internal volume of a package that is not occupied by the product. The atmosphere in this space is termed the headspace gas. Headspace analysis is the measurement of this headspace gas. Headspace gas analysis is a key part of the quality control process for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries for products that have been packaged in a modified atmosphere.
Headspace analysis ensures that the residual oxygen within the headspace gas does not exceed certain defined limits: excessive oxygen within the headspace can result in the growth and proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria or moulds, which causes spoilage and results in a lower shelf-life of the product. Headspace analysis usually focuses primarily on oxygen measurements, but in many cases CO2 measurement is also important.
How does headspace analysis work?
To carry out headspace analysis, packages are removed from the production line for testing. A thin needle is inserted into the package and a pump draws a small sample of precise volume of headspace gas into the analyzer equipment. The headspace gas comes into contact with a sensor that can measure the concentration of residual oxygen or carbon dioxide in the headspace gas sample.
The headspace analysis equipment – the headspace gas analyzer – provides a reading of the concentration of the gas that is being measured. In cases where products are coming off a line very rapidly, the speed at which headspace analysis can be carried out can be an important factor. In these situations it is much more efficient for an operator to be able to carry out a headspace gas analysis on a sample in, say, five seconds than in 30.
For certain products in transparent foil containers, it may be possible to use an optical oxygen detector to carry out headspace analysis in a non-invasive way.
Dansensor’s testing equipment for headspace analysis to ensure MAP product quality
MOCON Europe (Dansensor) offers a range of different solutions for headspace analysis of MAP products across all relevant industries and sectors:
- Dansensor® CheckPoint 3
- Dansensor® CheckMate 3
- Dansensor® OpTech
Dansensor CheckPoint 3 is our brand new portable headspace analyzer with the newest sensor technology and a low cost of ownership.
Furthermore the Dansensor CheckPoint 3 offers a good deal of benefits and features, among others a long-lasting sensor, data collection/transfer via WiFi and statistic data analysis.
Dansensor CheckMate 3 is ideal for larger production facilities and customers with a demand for high accuracy quality control. With Dansensor CheckMate 3 it is possible to set up a complete workflow for headspace analysis of packages, bottles and pharmaceutical products. It has an easy-to-use barcode option that enables the collection of vital data such as batch number, packaging line, package type and the operator’s name, and is available with a high accurracy Zirconia sensor for oxygen measurements down to ppm range.
Dansensor OpTech-O2 Platinum gives the operator the ability to measure oxygen in a non-invasive manner through a transparent foil.
Headspace analysis in MAP packaging with high carbon dioxide concentrations
As well as residual oxygen measurements for headspace gas analysis, Dansensor CheckPoint, Dansensor CheckPoint II and Dansensor CheckMate 3 can also have the option to test for both O2 and CO2, to improve quality control by ensuring that the headspace gas mixture is correct.
In summary
In seeking to advance sensing technology, MOCON Europe (Dansensor) has developed equipment for MAP headspace gas analysis for every application:
- Accurate residual O2 headspace gas analysis
- O2 headspace gas analysis in the presence of high CO2
- Robust, portable headspace gas analyzers
- Dedicated O2/CO2 headspace gas analyzers
- MAP audit applications
- MAP quality control
For further information about any of these headspace analysis products, please visit the relevant web page on the menu on the left, or contact MOCON Europe (Dansensor): details provided on the Contacts page on the menu bar above.