Integrated printer makes pack analysis easier, says Witt

Witt gas analysers for the food industry are used for inline continuous analysis or for random sampling using a needle to monitor Modified Atmospheres Packaging (MAP) for accurate data storage of food products.

MAP is seen as a reliable and cost effective alternative to refrigeration or preservatives to ensure perishable foods remain fresh and attractive. It replaces the normal atmosphere in the pack by a specified gas mix, the main components of which are oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

The modified atmosphere in the package helps prevent the growth of microbiological organisms and bio-chemical reactions and the consequent spoilage of goods.

The technology is increasingly popular with packaging companies who need to maintain the quality of fresh food such as sandwiches, fresh pizzas and meats.

Due to the requirements of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) all packages have to be tested for leaks during production.

Carl Long, general manager at the UK subsidiary, Witt Gas Techniques, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the development of a printer-integrated analyser was customer driven.

He said the design enhancement will make access to data documentation easier for end users.

“Up until now any data required to be printed had to be transmitted via ​USB​ to a PC or a remote printer. Now this new integrated printer allows the user to have ‘on the spot’ access to printed data,”​ according to the supplier.

The company said the print out contains data on the gas being measured, the product being packed, the data and time as well as minimum and maximum alarm activation.

“The printer can be set to print at regular intervals from every ten seconds up to every 30 minutes. If printed data is not required the printer can easily be switched to the standby mode,” ​it added.

Long said that the printer integrated analysers are available throughout Europe and cost £700 (€860) per unit.