The Science Behind Oxygen Absorbers
In the quest to keep food fresh and extend its shelf life, oxygen absorbers have become an invaluable tool in food preservation. These small packets, often found in the packaging of various food products, work diligently to remove oxygen, which is a primary culprit in the degradation of food. But what exactly is the science behind these powerful little oxygen scavengers, and how do they contribute to the longevity of food storage? Let's delve into the mechanisms that make oxygen absorbers a must-have for anyone looking to keep their food fresher for longer.
Understanding Oxygen Absorbers
Before we unpack the science, it's essential to understand what oxygen absorbers are and how they function within food storage.
What is an Oxygen Absorber?
An oxygen absorber, also known as an oxygen scavenger, is a small packet containing iron powder and other materials that react with oxygen to effectively remove it from a sealed environment. The primary goal of an oxygen absorber is to maintain a low-oxygen atmosphere, thus preserving the quality and shelf life of the food by slowing down the oxidation process.
The Role of Oxygen in Food Spoilage
Oxygen is one of the main factors that contribute to the deterioration of food. It's responsible for the processes of oxidation and aerobic microbial growth, which can lead to spoilage, rancidity, and the loss of certain nutritional properties. By removing oxygen, you inhibit these processes, thereby preserving the food's quality, flavor, and nutritional value.
Oxygen absorbers are specialized materials that are commonly used in food packaging to remove oxygen from the packaging environment and to maintain the freshness and extended shelf life of packaged food items. Understanding the correct amount of oxygen absorber is very important during packaging and storage, as it affects how well the packaging preserves the food's nutritional value, texture, and aroma.
They are primarily used in food packaging to prevent oxidation, which can cause spoilage, discoloration, and the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. These absorbers are widely used in the food industry for preserving dried foods, such as grains, nuts, dried fruits, jerky, etc.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Oxygen Absorbers
Type of Food Being Stored
The type of food plays a significant role in determining the amount of oxygen absorber required. Foods with higher fat content or those that are more prone to spoilage may require larger or additional absorbers.
Packaging Material
The material of the packaging also affects the efficiency of oxygen absorbers. For example, vacuum-sealed bags or Mylar bags with low oxygen permeability are more effective in conjunction with oxygen absorbers compared to regular plastic bags.
Storage Conditions
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can influence the effectiveness of oxygen absorbers. Storing food in a cool, dry place will enhance the efficiency of the absorbers.
Calculating the Correct Amount of Oxygen Absorber
Calculating the correct amount of oxygen absorber involves several steps and considerations. Here is a detailed overview of the process:
Determining the Volume of the Container
The first step in calculating the correct amount of oxygen absorber that is required is to determine the volume of the container in which the food will be stored. This can be done using the formula for volume calculation based on the shape of the container, for example, cubic volume for rectangular containers and cylindrical volume for round containers.
Calculating the Oxygen Volume
Next, you need to calculate the volume of oxygen present in the container. Since oxygen makes up about 21% of the air, you can calculate the oxygen volume by multiplying the total volume of the container by 0.21.
Determine the Correct Amount of Oxygen Absorber
To determine the volume of oxygen that penetrates into the packaging during shelf life, you need to consider the oxygen permeability of the packaging material, the surface area of the packaging, and the shelf life of the packaged food. The oxygen permeability of the packaging material is typically provided by the supplier and is usually measured in units of cubic centimeters per square meter per day (cc/m²/day).
The surface area of the packaging material can be measured directly or calculated using the formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism. The shelf life of the packaged food is typically specified by the manufacturer or determined through testing and experimentation.
Using these values, you can calculate the volume of oxygen that penetrates into the packaging during the shelf life. This is done by multiplying the oxygen permeability of the packaging material by the surface area of the packaging and the shelf life. For example, if the oxygen permeability is 10 cc/m²/day, the surface area is 1000 cm², and the shelf life is 6 months, the volume of oxygen that penetrates into the packaging during the shelf life would be:
10 cc/m²/day × 1000 cm² × 183 days (6 months) = 183,000 cc
This value represents the total volume of oxygen that penetrates into the packaging during the shelf life and must be taken into account when determining the correct amount of oxygen absorber needed.
Selecting the Right Oxygen Absorber
Oxygen absorbers come in various capacities, typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Common sizes include 100cc, 200cc, 500cc, and 1500cc. To determine the appropriate size, match the calculated oxygen volume with the corresponding oxygen absorber capacity.
For example, if your container has a volume of 10 liters (10,000 cubic centimeters), the oxygen volume would be 2100 cubic centimeters (10,000 x 0.21). You would then choose oxygen absorbers that can handle a total of 2100 cc. This might mean using multiple absorbers to reach the desired capacity.
Sorbchem India is the leading manufacturer and supplier of premium quality Oxygen Absorbers that can be applied across various applications to enhance the shelf life of products and maintain optimal storage conditions.