The food and beverage industry uses nitrogen in packaging and the preservation of the quality of the food materials. Nitrogen outcompetes Air in packaging, and this is due to the fact that nitrogen assists in the conservation of different products by reducing cases of oxidation and bacterial activities. Furthermore, nitrogen is also used in the carbonation of beers and soft drinks that are commonly consumed by people all over the world. This is because it is chemically inactive and, therefore, suitable for creating the best conditions in transferring food production and preservation.
If we talk about traditional methods, nitrogen gas used to come in high-pressure cylinders or liquid nitrogen tanks. However, the current trend is to use PSA nitrogen generators that create nitrogen in-house, as and when it is required.
Now, let’s take a closer look at PSA nitrogen generators in the food and beverage space, their uses, and the advantages that may be useful for you. These generators keep in track, how the products’ taste, texture and other physical properties are to be maintained.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Importance of Nitrogen Generator in the Beverage Industry
- 1.1 How PSA Nitrogen Generators Work
- 1.2 What Is Food-Grade Nitrogen?
- 1.3 Benefits of Using PSA Nitrogen Generators
- 1.4 Nitrogen in Beverage Packaging
- 1.5 Nitrogen Plants: Scaling Up for Larger Operations
- 1.6 Partnering with Absstem for all your Nitrogen Solutions
- 1.7 Case Study: Impact of Nitrogen on Beverage Shelf Life
- 2 Conclusion
The Importance of Nitrogen Generator in the Beverage Industry
Nitrogen Gas has the function of maintaining the taste, texture as well as other physical qualities of the beverages. The amount of oxygen available in the air impacts the drinks by altering the redox state of the products and, consequently, the flavors, colors and nutritive values of the products. Therefore, by employing the method of replacing oxygen with nitrogen, the producers or manufacturers can guarantee that their products last longer.
How PSA Nitrogen Generators Work
Beverage industry is one of the major markets for PSA nitrogen generators as it uses Pressure Swing Adsorption to generate nitrogen on site. These generators use two vessels that are filled with carbon molecular sieves. When compressed air passes through one of the vessels,oxygen and other gasses are separated from Nitrogen via adsorption ,. The result is high purity of the nitrogen stream with purities up to 99.9990%. The reliability of such work in general can be estimated to be 99% depending on the specified parameters.
What Is Food-Grade Nitrogen?
Food-Grade Nitrogen is an odorless gas that is low in oxygen which is used in packaging food items to prevent the oxidation of the food.
This gaseous nitrogen of high purity has to be
At least 99% nitrogen
With no more than 1% oxygen,
No more than 300 ppm of carbon dioxide
No more than 10 ppm of carbon monoxide
Benefits of Using PSA Nitrogen Generators
Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of nitrogen generated by the PSA nitrogen generator is cheaper than nitrogen cylinders or liquid nitrogen. These systems once installed have the capability to generate nitrogen on a continuous basis and thereby cut down operational and logistical expenses to a great extent.
On-Demand Supply: The synthesis of nitrogen on-site as and when required reduces the probability of mishaps that may be occasioned by handling and transporting of gas cylinders.
Consistency and Quality: The PSA nitrogen generators ensure that the manufacturing unit has a steady stream of nitrogen which is of high purity and is crucial in the production of various products as well as conforming to industry standards.
Nitrogen in Beverage Packaging
Nitrogen Generator for beverage industry is utilized in various stages of beverage production, including packaging. In the context of food packaging, nitrogen gas serves several critical functions:
Prevents Oxidation: Nitrogen purging of the headspace of beverage containers helps to eliminate oxygen that would otherwise come into contact with the product thus causing oxidation. This is especially the case for products such as beer and wine since oxidation can affect the taste of the product.
Maintains Carbonation: In carbonated beverages, nitrogen aids in the preservation of the carbonation level; the beverage will remain fizzy until it is consumed.
Enhances Shelf Life: Nitrogen is used in packaging to help the beverages have a longer shelf life. Research shows that utilization of nitrogen can extend the shelf life of a product by 50% to 100% if the product is packaged using nitrogen flushing than if it was not.
Prevents Package Deformation: Oxygen removal also causes package deformation and nitrogen avoids this factor from taking place. This is important for the aesthetic and physical appearance of the packaging to the customers as well as the durability of the packaging.
Nitrogen Plants: Scaling Up for Larger Operations
For larger beverage producers, installing a PSA nitrogen plant might be more practical than using Nitrogen cylinders. A PSA nitrogen plant can supply nitrogen to multiple production lines and facilities, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply.
Partnering with Absstem for all your Nitrogen Solutions
Partner with Absstem for all your nitrogen requirements. Our nitrogen generating systems are of the highest quality and guarantee the best for your enterprise. To know more about our products, Visit our website.
Case Study: Impact of Nitrogen on Beverage Shelf Life
A notable case study involved a major soft drink manufacturer that integrated nitrogen flushing into its packaging process. The results were impressive: the company reported a 75% reduction in product returns due to spoilage and a 60% increase in shelf life. This not only improved customer satisfaction but also reduced waste and associated costs.
Conclusion
PSA Nitrogen Generators must be a go to for any food and beverage manufacturing company. manufacturers can take advantage of the properties of nitrogen gas and enhance the quality of goods, their shelf life, and decrease expenses. Regardless of whether your company is a small craft brewery, or a large-scale soft drink manufacturer, it is in your best interest to invest in nitrogen generation technology for the preservation and enhancement of your beverages.
Nitrogen is widely used in the industry for packaging and preservation purposes of the beverages. With consumers becoming more selective with the quality and freshness of the products they consume, the use of PSA nitrogen generators and nitrogen plants will continue to rise. This for businesses translates into not only cost reduction but also being able to offer quality products in a market where quality is key.
| Read More:- How PSA Nitrogen Generators Benefit the Food Industry |
References:
Unveiling the potential for an efficient use of nitrogen along the food supply and consumption chain
