Determination of oxygen to optimise absorber's performance

In order to optimise the effectiveness of using Bioka sachets, it is critical to select the right size sachet for each application. Different sachets remove different quantities of oxygen, so it is important to know the amount of oxygen that needs to be eliminated from the packaging.

1. How to measure the headspace in a products packaging

The volume of headspace can be found by subtracting the mass of the product from its volume. In doing this we are assuming that mass can be changed directly to volume, i.e. 10g = 10ml

Mass of finished package = m _{Product + Package} (g)

Volume of finished package = V_{Product package} (ml)

V_{product package} is determined by measuring the water displaced when the product and packagingare immersed, e.g.

1. The weight of the full container is taken
2. The product is placed in the full container and water is displaced
3. Product is removed
4. Displaced water measured = weight A - weight B = V_{Product package}

V_{Product package} = water displaced (ml or g)

The volume of headspace of package =

2. How to estimate the volume of oxygen to be removed

The percentage of oxygen in the headspace of the package is dependent on:

• The method of packaging and
• The oxygen likely to permeate packaging during shelf life.

The volume of oxygen originally in the package =

The volume of oxygen likely to permeate package =

• A = Surface area of package (m²)
• P = Permeability of the packaging material (mls/m²/d)
• t = Shelf-life of the product (d)

The volume of oxygen needed to be absorbed =

The Bioka sachet capable of exceeding this value is the one required. A margin of error has to be built in to allow for the imprecision of the calculation, for the variation in barrier performance of the package with humidity and for any imperfections in seal integrity.

• Bioka oxygen absorbers
• Oxygen and food quality
• Benefits
• Applications
• Easy to use
• Safe