HITECH
INSTRUMENTS
A member of the MTL Instruments Group
technical datasheet
MAPtest 3050 analyser
Food packaging atmosphere analyser
•t Proven technology from gas analyser
experts
•t Suitable for all O2 – CO2 – N2 mixtures
•t Auto calibration
•t Choice of sampling
•t Datalogging and download software
Applications
•t Food packaging
•t Modified atmosphere packaging
(MAP)
•t Controlled atmosphere packaging
(CAP)
•t t quilibrium modified atmosphere
E
packaging (EMAP)
Modified atmosphere packaging is a
technique for extending shelf life for most food
products. It is an accurate description as the
'normal atmosphere' is approximately 80/20
nitrogen/oxygen with less than 1% carbon
dioxide. This ratio is modified in different
ways depending on the foodstuff, e.g. red
meat is packed in an oxygen rich atmosphere.
It is important to ensure that the correct gas
mixture is used to ensure the forecast shelf life
is achieved, so gas analysis must be included
in all Quality Assurance programmes.
Carbon dioxide inhibits growth of most
aerobic bacteria and moulds. Generally
the higher the level of CO2 the longer the
shelf life but excess levels can cause flavour
tainting and pack collapse. Hitech use a
thermal conductivity sensor to measure
carbon dioxide. Although non-specific (not a
problem in this strictly three gas atmosphere)
the thermal conductivity sensor is not subject
to the same degradation that can occur with
infrared sensor light sources and will require
less servicing.
Oxygen causes oxidative degeneration
of food but there are also reasons why it
might be included (e.g. maintaining colour and
respiration, inhibiting anaerobic organisms).
Hitech use a zirconia sensor which is nondepleting, fast responding and accurate
over the full range of applications. This is a
significant advantage over electrochemical
fuel cells (as used in handheld instruments)
which are slower to respond, less accurate
and require regular replacement.
Nitrogen is an inert gas and is used as the
‘filler’ gas once the other two gas levels are
optimised. Nitrogen has no dedicated sensor
and is calculated as the balance after oxygen
and carbon dioxide are measured.
A choice of sampling methods is provided.
The built-in pump can be used to withdraw a
sample from a pack using the probe supplied.
It is designed for single handed operation and
the pump can be programmed to withdraw
500-0027 Rev1 260411
www.hitech-inst.co.uk
hitechsales@cooperindustries.com
volumes from 5-90ml. Alternatively a manual
sample can be taken by syringe and injected
into a septum sample port. Using this method
sample flow is automatically detected and the
analysis automatically produced 5 seconds
after end of sample delivery.
The MAPtest 3050 is supplied with
a complete set of accessories and
consumables for both sampling methods.
1000 results are stored in the instrument and
these can be transferred to a PC using optional
MAPlog software or there is an optional stand
alone printer.
Service contracts are available and
include test and calibration certificates to
satisfy regulatory authorities.
The MAPtest 3050 is a versatile workhorse
giving you many years of use. Hitech MAP
analysers are used and recommended by
Air Products.