Small Oxygen Gas Stream Analyzer

Published: November 09, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS, MN | MOCON, Inc., has introduced an extremely small gas stream analyzer (GSA) for online form-fill-seal food packaging applications with continuous gas flushing. The GSA Model 102 is 7.5 x 4.3 x 2.3 inches, making it one-third the size of most gas flush analyzers. It weighs less than two lbs. According to MOCON, the key to the size reduction lies in proprietary sensor technology.

Until now, the size and weight of the online gas analyzers made them difficult to retrofit onto existing form-fill-seal units.

A GSA Model 102 D also is available. This model features a separate LED display showing the actual reading—as well as sending the data to the equipment's control panel, which has been programmed to take specific action when readings exceed the acceptable target level. The Model 102 functions in a similar way, but works through the package machinery's control systems and display.

Gas flushing is desired in a variety of food applications where carbon dioxide or nitrogen is flushed into the package to displace oxygen so that shelf life is extended. Typical applications include meats, coffee, nuts, snack foods, fruits and vegetables, etc.

GSA 102 also comes with two patented processes: CalSmart and FlowSmart. CalSmart enables the user to choose the time and frequency that the GASA automatically calibrates. FlowSmart monitors the in stream gas flow to ensure than an adequate gas sample is being collected. Should a disruption occur, the instrument will trigger an alarm alerting the operator. See mocon.com.