MAP Your Food

This instrument’s specifications make it ideal for use by the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries:

• Operating Range: 0-30% O2
• Detection Limits: 0.03% O2
• Accuracy: 5% of the reading
• Minimum Response Time: <0.2 seconds
• Operating Temperature: 32°-140°F (0-60°C)

Taking measurements using MAP 1000 is simple and reliable. The OxySentry attaches to the inside wall of the flush chamber, a fiber-optic bundle is attached to the sensor through the wall of the chamber, and the other end of the bundle is attached to the MAP 1000 instrument, which can be placed in any location.

Once the instrument is activated, measurements are made automatically and displayed on a screen. The instrument is operated via the touch screen, which displays the oxygen concentration and has features including user settable alarm levels, a digital or analogue output signal and local Ethernet connectability.

Additional features include:

• A totally passive sensor that does not alter the measurement environment;
• Real-time continuous measurements;
• Factory calibrated;
• Fast response;
• Automatic data logging; and
• Monitoring of every flush fill cycle.

The real-time measuring capability of this instrument makes it possible, for the first time, to monitor the oxygen concentration on every flush and fill cycle of the packaging machine. That feature coupled with the automatic logging facility allows the user to track the oxygen concentration in every package and improves the efficiency of the packaging process.

Improved Packaging Line Efficiency

The OxySense MAP 1000 system provides an innovative, online oxygen monitoring/control system for use with vacuum/gas flushed MAP systems. Such systems can help improve the packaging line efficiency.

The system is totally passive and can rapidly and accurately provide measurements of oxygen concentration within the fill chamber. It provides real-time measurements of residual oxygen concentration. The near-instantaneous response time (<0.2 second) means quick response and reduced loss from substandard fill atmospheres.

Because the system uses direct and passive measurement (as opposed to a system that draws a gas sample from the chamber prior to measurement), the Map 1000 provides information unobtainable using conventional instruments and allows food manufacturers and packers to improve the quality of their products leading to better customer satisfaction.

Dr. Saini is vice president and chief scientist of OxySense, Inc. Reach him at [email protected].