A shelf-life solution

US instruments and services provider Mocon, which has a laboratory based in Melbourne, has released technology for measuring oxygen transmission rates (OTR).

The OX-TRAN Model 2/22 L is designed for those who want to push the shelf life envelope by reducing oxygen permeation of packages.

New enhancements mean test times are reduced significantly, depending on barrier levels, and the repeatability specification has been improved 2.5 times over the industry-standard OX-TRAN Model 2/21 L.

“By obtaining more precise data about oxygen transmission through packaging materials, companies will be better able to predict, and in some cases extend, their product shelf life,” said Mocon's Karsten Kejlhof.

“The information also will be a useful in helping to manage material costs versus shelf life expectations.”

The OX-TRAN Model 2/22 L is designed to operate at a lower cost of ownership by eliminating several common maintenance expenses. The install wizard allows for step-by-step user installation and the gas-saver feature automatically reduces consumption when the system is idle. In addition, many safety features have been added to increase component lifetime.

Barrier films can be accurately and repeatably measured down to 0.005 cc/(m2 • day) at precise temperature and relative humidity conditions.

Automation features include relative humidity (RH), temperature, pressure, flow and testing. These are set via the integrated, intuitive touch screen which enables new operators to accurately execute with as little as 10 minutes of training. When testing film with unknown characteristics, the auto test feature determines the optimal parameters and conducts the test to completion. Remote viewing and control from anywhere in the world is possible with the connectivity options.