How Nitrogen Generators Are Transforming Food Packaging
With changes in lifestyle, urbanization and need for easy carry options, demand for packaged food in in rise continuously. The India Food & Beverage Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 35.93 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 49.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period (2024-2029). The food packaging industry in India is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.With this demand, quality of packaging and ability to retain packaged material in good condition is becoming key.
Packaging gas is used widely in food packaging to slow down the food deterioration process and to improve longevity. Typically Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide and nitrous oxide are used as a packaging gas but Nitrogen has a long history of use as a packaging gas in various food industries.
How Nitrogen Works as a Packaging Gas : -
Nitrogen is well known as inter gas. When nitrogen is introduced into a package, it drives out oxygen and any moisture present. By modifying the atmosphere inside the package, food packaging with nitrogen preserves quality, slows down spoilage and extends the products' shelf life.Nitrogen also cushions and protects delicate foods inside the package from being crushed during handling. Nonetheless, the amount of nitrogen used should provide enough protection but not too much to allow space for additional expansion due to pressure changes in transit and during storage.
Which Nitorgen is used in Food Packaging –
Like other food additives, nitrogen has gone through rigorous safety assessment before it is ascertained as safe for food use.Food-grade nitrogen has a high concentration of nitrogen (i.e. not less than 99%). In contrast, non-food-grade nitrogen may not achieve the intended functions and may contain impurities, and is therefore not suitable for food use.
What is Nitrogen Generators -
A nitrogen generator is a device used to produce nitrogen gas (N?) from the air. It typically separates nitrogen from the oxygen and other gases in the atmosphere through various technologies. The main purpose of a nitrogen generator is to provide a reliable and cost-effective source of nitrogen gas for industrial, commercial, and scientific applications, without the need for storing or transporting liquid nitrogen.
Key Methods of Nitrogen Generation:
- Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA):
- This is the most common method used in industrial nitrogen generators.
- PSA works by using a material (typically zeolite) that selectively adsorbs oxygen, allowing nitrogen to pass through.
- The process involves alternating between two adsorber beds: one adsorbs oxygen while the other releases it, ensuring continuous nitrogen production.
- Membrane Separation:
- In membrane nitrogen generators, compressed air is passed through a membrane that separates the gases based on their molecular size and diffusivity.
- Nitrogen, being less permeable, is collected as the primary output, while oxygen and other gases pass through the membrane.
- Cryogenic Distillation:
- This method involves cooling air to very low temperatures until it liquefies, and then separating the components based on their different boiling points.
- Nitrogen is separated from oxygen and other gases by distillation, but this method is typically used in large-scale industrial applications.
Out of all, PSA Nitrogen Generators are commonly used due to its cost effectiveness, capability to meet on demand supply and environmental benefits.
How Airox can provide Food Grade Nitrogen –
Airox technologies is one of the leading name, in the field of PSA Nitrogen Systems. Our systems are designed to provide continuous flow of nitrogen at desired concentrations for various commercial markets.Typically with AirSep nitrogen plant we can provide Nitrogen with 99.9-99.99% product concentrations.
Our Nitrogen Generators most efficient and reliable generators available today. With their proprietary mufflers, these units also achieve the lowest sound levels in the industry.
To learn more - https://airoxtechnologies.com/Nitrogen-Generator-in-india