Linde LLC, Brtidgweater, N.J., USA, this week introduced a fast and more reliable process to detect leaks in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The high-speed, inline MAPAX® LD leak-detection system was introduced to the North American market for the first time at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2017.

The patented MAPAX LD system is ideal for packaged meat, poultry, seafood, and prepared foods packaged with tray sealers or thermoforming machines. It tests packages inline and can achieve 100% sampling at speeds up to 120 packages per minute.

The inline MAPAX leak-detection system offers high accuracy in real-time. It works by adding a small volume of hydrogen as an indicator to the modified atmosphere mixture at the package sealing stage. The MAPAX LD sensor detects for the gas after the sealed packages travel into the leak-detection unit. Linde supplies MAPAX modified-atmosphere packaging gases including nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to the food industry.  

"The MAPAX LD system represents the most advanced technology available to ensure the safety of food products while at the same time improving the speed and quality of packaging operations," said Erik Fihlman, program manager for Prepared Foods, Linde LLC.  

  

Inline testing is a major advantage over other leak-detection methods such as needle- or immersion testing, which may rely on statistical sampling but typically checks only a single package for each batch or test period. With such offline test systems, if a leak is detected, the entire batch is lost, which can result in excessive waste and downtime.

In contrast, the MAPAX LD system offers non-destructive package testing. Because testing is inline, if a package leak exists due to a pinhole, tear, or defect in the seal, a visual alarm signals so issues can be immediately resolved or investigated. A defective item can be removed from the production line with minimal interruption to the process flow. MAPAX LD also identifies faulty settings on a machine if, for example, several leaks are found consecutively.

Linde LLC supports the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the advancement of food safety. Linde has a Food Safety Management System in place for all bulk CO2 plants and air separation facilities supplying the food and beverage industry in North America. In June 2012, Linde became the first supplier to certify all of its CO2 plants to a benchmarked GFSI scheme, FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification).