A Model to tune Modified Atmosphere Conditions of Powdered Infant Formula Packaging. Issue 2 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Hong Jiang; An, Duck Soon; Lee, Dong Sun
• Is Part Of: Journal of food process engineering. Volume 40:Issue 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.12380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-8876

Abstract

Abstract: In order to estimate the pressure change of modified atmosphere (MA) packaging for powdered infant formula flushed with a mixture of CO2 and N2 during distribution and marketing, a mathematical model of the gas state law was established based on the solubility of CO2 in the product experimentally determined as a function of temperature (463–2, 615 mg/kg/atm for 40 to −17C). The developed model was verified using comparisons between measured and estimated values and was used to find the pressure differential across the barrier package wall, which may provide the proper strategy for MA packaging. The MA packages initially flushed with high levels of CO2 and stored at a low temperature were estimated to result in lower package pressure, which could dictate the desired range of proportion of CO2 for different combinations of altitude and temperature. Optimum flushing solutions at the product filling stage were found, which accounted for shrinkage, equilibrated mechanical balance or expansion from the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the package under any given geographic conditions. The following results were found: any MA combinations are acceptable at low altitude and low temperature; specific MA compositions consisting of more CO2 and less N2 at higher altitude and temperature should be applied at locations of intermediate altitude and moderate temperature; vacuumization is required at high altitude and high temperature. Practical Applications: The developed model of CO2 absorption and mass balance for MA packaging of powdered infant formula can foresee potential risks of shrinkage or expansion due to the difference between its pressure and ambient pressure under various possible distribution conditions. This model allows the manufacturers to select suitable CO2 /N2 proportions at packaging operation under target markets of different altitudes and temperatures.