Nitrogen is a vital component in maintaining the freshness and extending the shelf life of food. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is the process in which nitrogen replaces ambient air in food containers, keeping oxygen and other gases away from the food, thus slowing down its degradation.
This is why a reliable and steady supply of food grade nitrogen is essential for the food and beverage industry. It ensures that chips remain crispy, coffee retains its flavor, and wine remains tasty.
What is Food Grade Nitrogen Purity?
So, what exactly does “food grade nitrogen” mean? It refers to compressed air or industrial gases, like nitrogen, that meet strict quality standards to ensure that they do not contaminate the food they come into contact with. This is crucial in order to protect consumers from ingesting any harmful substances.
The objective of ensuring high food grade nitrogen purity is to prevent contaminants such as moisture, particles, microorganisms, and oil residue from coming into contact with food. This helps preserve the food and prevents the growth of mold or fungi.
Why Air Treatment Matters
We are all aware of the potential problems that contaminants and oxygen can cause in food. That’s why we cover food, wrap it in tin foil or plastic wrap. We also understand the damage that moisture—the most common contaminant—can do when it interacts with food items like flour or sugar. Effective air treatment is the only way to guarantee a food safe nitrogen supply.
Technical Specifications: Purity Requirements by Food Type
Different products require different levels of nitrogen. Our food grade nitrogen solutions are customizable to meet the specific needs of your production line:
| Food Category | Recommended Nitrogen Purity | Key Benefit |
| Coffee & Espresso | 99.9% – 99.99% | Preserves volatile oils and delicate aromas. |
| Snacks & Potato Chips | 99.5% | Prevents oil rancidity and provides “pillow” protection. |
| Wine & Beer | 99.9% – 99.99% | Prevents oxidation and maintains flavor profile. |
| Fresh Meat & Poultry | 99.5% (MAP Mix) | Inhibits aerobic bacteria and maintains color. |
| Dry Fruits & Nuts | 99.5% | Prevents insect infestation and fatty acid oxidation. |
Two Ways to Obtain Food Grade Nitrogen
1. Purchasing from a Supplier
The first option is to purchase gas from a supplier, but this can be expensive and comes with logistical challenges and supply limitations. Additionally, the heavy and pressurized nitrogen containers pose occupational safety hazards.
2. On-Site Nitrogen Generation
The second method is on-site generation using a food grade nitrogen generator. This is a more cost-effective approach, provides a reliable supply, and allows you to control the purity of the nitrogen produced.
- Cost Efficiency: On-site generation can reduce nitrogen supply costs by 30–50% compared to purchased gas.
- Safety: It eliminates the occupational hazards of handling high-pressure cylinders (e.g., leakage risks, transportation accidents).
How Our Nitrogen Generator for Food Production Factory Works
To generate nitrogen on-site, you need a generator and a compressor. The compressor compresses ambient air and sends it to the generator, which separates the nitrogen from other gases, especially oxygen.
It is crucial to filter out contaminants early in this process, as air always contains impurities. Otherwise, the quality and purity of the nitrogen will be compromised, which can be detrimental to the food. Various organizations, including the ISO, the Safe Quality Food Institute, and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), have identified compressed air as a potential threat to food safety.
Minnuo’s Advanced Air Treatment Products
Fortunately, there are numerous methods to eliminate contaminants. Minnuo offers a range of air treatment products to ensure the production of food safe nitrogen:
- Coalescing Filters: Remove wet particulates and oil aerosols.
- Sterile & Dust Filters: Eliminate particulates and microorganisms.
- Adsorption Filters: Used to eliminate oil vapor.
- Desiccant Dryers: Our PH HE series eliminates moisture, which poses the greatest threat by volume, using solid desiccant to avoid the disadvantages of loose beads.
All our filters are fully tested and qualified according to the latest ISO8573 and ISO12500 standards.
Why Choose Our Nitrogen Generators for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)?
Our nitrogen generators for modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) are designed for the high-volume needs of modern food production factories.
- Reliability: Ensure your nitrogen generators for food packaging never run out of gas during peak production.
- Compliance: Our nitrogen generators for food industry use meet EU E941 and JECFA standards for food additives.
- Versatility: Suitable for everything from potato chips and nuts to coffee beans and wine bottling.
FAQ: Common Questions on Food Grade Nitrogen
Q1: What purity level of nitrogen is required for food packaging?
A1: Purity requirements depend on the food type. For fried snacks and baked goods, 99.5% food grade nitrogen is sufficient. High-sensitivity products like roasted coffee or wine need 99.9%–99.99% purity to preserve flavor and aroma.
Q2: How to ensure on-site generated nitrogen meets food safety standards?
A2: The key is strict air treatment. Equip your system with coalescing filters, sterile filters, and desiccant dryers. Ensure equipment meets ISO 8573-1 and FDA 21 CFR standards for food contact.
Q3: Is on-site generation more cost-effective than food safe liquid nitrogen?
A3: Yes. On-site generation eliminates delivery fees, tank rentals, and the 1% daily evaporation loss common with food safe liquid nitrogen storage, saving up to 50% in total costs.
Q4: What maintenance is required for a food grade nitrogen generator?
A4: Replace air filter elements every 2,000 hours, calibrate purity sensors monthly, and conduct quarterly purity tests. Minnuo systems include intelligent monitoring to alert you to these needs.
Q5: Can food grade nitrogen be used for all types of food packaging?
A5: It is ideal for dry/semi-dry foods. For high-moisture foods like seafood, nitrogen is often combined with CO₂ in a hybrid MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) setup to better inhibit bacterial growth.
Partner with Minnuo for Food Grade Nitrogen Solutions
Minnuo is your trustworthy partner in air treatment and nitrogen generation. To learn more about our food grade nitrogen solutions, reach out to our experts today.
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