Nitrogen can be used in manufacturing, industrial, commercial and retail applications, making it a pretty versatile gas. One of the many ways nitrogen has benefited our lives is through its use in the food storage industry. Food storage with nitrogen is imperative.
In the food storage and packaging industry, nitrogen plays a critical role in preserving the product’s freshness, flavor and texture. N2 gas is a clean, dry and inert gas (which means it’s very safe when handled properly) that can reduce or eliminate the presence of oxygen (which is an essential factor in the decay of organic matter).
With some exceptions, food and beverages that are purchased in grocery stores were likely packaged days or even weeks before they arrived on the shelves. In order to maintain the food’s quality while in the packaging facility, and preserve its quality even after it’s shipped, packaging facilities rely on optimized storing methods – which often include the use of nitrogen gas.
With food storage with nitrogen, nitrogen displaces the presence of oxygen, but it can also be used in blanketing applications, which is a process in which the interior of the packaging is padded with nitrogen gas to prevent crushed and broken food products like crackers, chips and other more fragile items.
Produce can also be effectively preserved by using nitrogen in packaging facilities. Nitrogen can help create an atmosphere in which levels of humidity and oxygen are controlled to decelerate the ripening process in fruits and vegetables. Apples, pears, bananas, tomatoes, and so on can have significantly different flavors and textures when they are overripe. By using Nitrogen to alter the atmospheric conditions in a food processing or storing plant, these items can have a much longer shelf life and, more importantly, they can maintain their good, fresh taste for consumers to enjoy.
One of the more common and most cost effective methods for introducing nitrogen in such applications is to install a nitrogen generator from South-Tek Systems. Nitrogen generators create high purity nitrogen gas from the air we breathe, which means the supply will never run out and facility operators can free themselves from the tedious and hazardous task of storing high-pressure N2 gas storage tanks.
For more information on South-Tek Systems’ nitrogen generators, call 888-526-6284 or email us directly. You can also connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the latest advancements in nitrogen applications.
