ASTM International Sub Committee F02.40 on Package Integrity has approved a new ASTM International standard (F 2418-08) that covers a procedure for determination of the oxygen concentration in the headspace within a sealed package without opening or compromising the integrity of the package.
The oxygen content of a package’s headspace is an important determinant of the packaging protection afforded by barrier materials. Oxygen content is a key contributor to off-flavors and spoilage of various products ranging from chemicals, food and pharmaceuticals.
According to the new standard, the method determines the oxygen concentration in the headspace of a closed package; and as the method is non-destructive, the headspace can be monitored over time on individual samples to insure that results of storage studies such as shelf life testing are correctly interpreted
This standard ability has application in:
- Package permeability studies
- Leak detection
- Efficacy of the MAP packaging process
- Storage studies
OxySense®, the leading supplier of non-invasive oxygen monitoring systems to the packaging industry, is the only company to offer a complete line of systems that fully comply with this new standard. OxySense’s line includes the OxySense™ 210T headspace and dissolved oxygen analyzer; the OxySense™ 4000B fully integrated oxygen analyzer, the new OxySense OxyOTRTM OTR/Permeation System and the OxySentry™ MAP Monitoring System for MAP process monitoring.
“The continuing emphasis on product efficacy and safety along with the need to develop more effective and less costly packaging make it increasingly important for packaging material suppliers, package designer and packers to be able to determine how their products perform in the real world over time,” noted Peter Gerard, president and CEO of OxySense, “The OxySense line offers packaging labs this capability.”
With a single OxySense system, a lab can perform headspace analysis, dissolved oxygen studies, film and finished package permeation studies, and all in real time under real world conditions. Sub committee F02.40 on Package Integrity Test Methods is a subcommittee of ASTM Committee F02 on Flexible Barrier Packaging. Committee F02 is one of 139 ASTM International technical standards-writing committees.
Established in 1898, the “…ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy.”
For more information visit our Web site, http://www.oxysense.com or contact: John Ryan at
(214) 575-7600 ext 200.
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OxySense®, Inc. (http://www.oxysense.com) is the international leader in non-invasive real-time oxygen measurement systems for packaging and processing in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with manufacturing in Las Vegas, Nevada, OxySense® is represented by distributors worldwide.