| Total Solutions for Food and Beverages |
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MATHESON offers a complete line of gas products and
related products to serve the Food and Beverages industry.
The following table summarizes the gas applications and relevant gases used in
each. A wide variety of gas supply modes and application equipment options are
available. We will work with you to design an efficient and cost-effective
solution that meets your specific application requirements.
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| Gas Applications used in Food and Beverages |
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Gas Application |
Gases Used |
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Blanketing:
The use of gas to maintain an inert atmosphere above a liquid or powdered
product inside a storage tank, silo, reactor, process equipment or other
vessel. The inert gas will help prevent product degradation from moisture and
oxygen, control volatile emissions, and safeguard against fires and explosions. |
Carbon
Dioxide
Nitrogen |
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Food
Freezing/Chilling:
The cryogenic properties of liquid gases are used for the freezing and chilling
of food products. Liquid gases can achieve a lower temperature and provide a
faster cool down rate than mechanical refrigeration systems. The use of
cryogenic spiral, tunnel, immersion or batch freezer for food freezing, or snow
horn or bottom injection system for chilling, will generally result in
increased production, reduced dehydration losses, reduced bacteriological
activity, increased shelf life, and improved efficiency versus mechanical
freezers. |
Liquid
Carbon Dioxide
Liquid Nitrogen
CO2 vs LIN Freezing
Cryogenic freezing vs Mechanical
Batch freezer
Mini-batch freezer
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Controlled
Atmosphere Storage:
A technique used to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables or enhance ripening by
modifying the gaseous composition of the atmosphere in which the food products
are stored. The atmosphere is closely monitored and precisely controlled to
maintain the desired gas proportions of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and
ethylene throughout the storage period. |
Carbon
Dioxide
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Ethylene |
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Grain Fumigation:
The use of oxygen deficient atmosphere to kill 100% of all life stages (eggs,
larvae, pupae, and adults) of insects which have infested agricultural
commodities such as grain, flour, oats, rice and tobacco in silos and
warehouses. The process requires that the commodity remain sealed in a carbon
dioxide or nitrogen atmosphere for at least four days. |
Carbon
Dioxide
Nitrogen |
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Modified
Atmosphere Packaging:
The use of pure gas and/or gas mixtures to prolong the shelf life of raw fresh
and processed foods by retarding/inhibiting the spoilage mechanisms that affect
product quality. During packaging the air is purged or evacuated from the
interior of the package, replaced with a gas or gas mixture, and quickly
sealed. Selection of the correct gas or gas mixture is dependent on such
factors as food product, whether it is raw or processed and packaging material. |
Carbon
Dioxide
Nitrogen
Nitrogen/Carbon Dioxide Mixture
Nitrogen/Carbon Dioxide/Oxygen Mixture |
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pH Control:
The use of carbon dioxide to control the pH levels of alkaline wastewater,
cooling water, drinking water, and industrial process water systems. Carbon
dioxide, a mildly acidic gas, will lower the pH of alkaline effluents without
storage, handling and safety problems associated with strongly acidic
chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. |
Carbon
Dioxide |
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Sparging:
The use of Nitrogen reduces the concentration of dissolved gas (usually oxygen)
in a liquid, or to fluff a product. Desolved oxygen removal generally results
in increased shelf life and prevents oxidation, discoloration, and flavor and
aroma loss. |
Nitrogen |
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Undercover
Gassing:
Nitrogen flushes out oxygen from the headspace of lidded containers immediately
before sealing. This technique can extend the shelf life of oxygen sensitive
products. Undercover Gassing can be used with liquids, solids and powders
packaged in cans, jars or bottles. Examples include canned nuts canned
condensed milk, and bottled beer. |
Nitrogen |
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| Related Products used in Food and Beverages |
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| As a total solutions provider, MTG also offers the
following products and services in support of the following functions within
the Food and Beverages facilities: |
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Gases, gas mixtures, and equipment for modified
atmosphere packaging, fumigation, sterilization and pest control. |
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Laser
gases and equipment for marking "best before" dates on metal cans. |
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Welding
and Cutting Gases, equipment and consumables used to maintain the
production facilities and machinery. |
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Safety
Equipment for workers such as personal protective gear, work clothing and first
aid. |
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Propane
to fuel forklifts and heating. |
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Recommended Gas Mixtures for Food and Beverage
Packaging |