The VGA-001 measures Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen content in gas flushed food packages. This Gas Analyser was developed as a quality control device with a wide range of features and can be used with minimal training.
This Gas Analyser was developed as a quality control device with a wide range of features which can be used with minimal training. As a result, this analyser provides a key analytical solution to cover your food packaging quality control requirements.
The unit has been designed with large colour screen, lithium battery and large SD memory to drive an easy-to-use interface. With a faster CO2 sensor complimenting the industry-leading O2 sensor, the Gas Analyser swiftly and precisely measures the O2 and O2 / CO2 content of gas flushed food packaging (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). No software is required, results can be stored on the Map-Pak device or can be downloaded to a computer as a CSV (Excel) file using the USB cable provided. Alternatively, a separate, low- cost Bluetooth portable printer is available.
The easily programmable ‘Product Profile’ feature, incorporates all the important information and control features required. It is comprised of the following editable parameters for each product: Customer Name, Product Name, Weight, O2 and CO2 Alarms (High & Low), Gas Volume Setting, CO2 Response Setting for improved accuracy.
Key Features
- Accessories Provided (as standard with each unit)
Needles (5), Septa Patches (100), Hydrophobic Filters (3), Bench Mount Carry Case (1 off), USB Cable (1), Universal Mains Adapter (1), User Manual (1) & Calibration Certificate (1). - Lightweight & Portable
- Fast and Accurate O2 & CO2 readings
- Easy to use interface
- Minimal gas sample required
- Holds Calibration for one year; no interim procedures required
- Modular probe design with easy to replace parts
- Long Battery Life / Alternative mains power supply
- Sample Flow sensor for Needle blockage alarm
- Supplied with Calibration Certificate
- Recalibration service available
Typical Applications
- Meat and Poultry
- Seafood
- Pre-cooked Meats
- Dairy Produce
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Convenience Foods
- Baked Goods
- Salads
- Pasta
- Coffee
- Pharmaceuticals
- Glove Box Analysis
Calibration & Calibration Interface
The VGA-001 Gas Analyser requires an annual calibration only. There is an Ambient Calibration function available to the user to check the calibration using an air sample (O2 being 20.9% typically). The Calibration Interface can be used for checking the accuracy of the unit against a certified and known gas mixture. Using 1/8” Tubing from the gas regulator fitted to the gas cylinder can be connected and tightened to the ‘Sample In’ fitting provided on the calibration interface. The unit provides the correct flow and filtration required for performing these calibration functions and also serves as an additional Quality Control check for the gases used in the food packaging processes.
Principle Of Operation
The Gas Analyser is using a small gas sample from the gas flushed pack, measures, and records levels of Oxygen (O2) or Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The levels of gas are measured using specially customised sensors; Oxygen levels are measured by an electrochemical sensor and the Carbon Dioxide levels are measured by a nondispersive infrared sensor (NDIR). An electric pump automatically draws the gas sample from the food packaging via the sample probe into the sensor array. The O2 and CO2 particles are detected by the respective sensors and the measurements are displayed on the screen within seconds. The N2 level is then displayed as a balance gas reading.
Accuracy | O2 ± 1% (full scale) / CO2 ± 5% (of reading e.g. 20% CO2 = Accuracy of ± 1%) | Accuracy at 1% O2 & 20% CO2 | Better than ± 0.25% O2 and Better than ± 1% CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
Resolution | 0.10% | Repeatability | 1% relative to gas reading |
Measurement Methods | Electro Chemical Sensor (O2) & Nondispersive Infrared Sensor (CO2) | Measurement range | 0% to 100% in 0.1% increments |
Operating temperature | 0 to +40 Degrees Celsius | Response time | <20 seconds |
Sensor Lifetime | O2 Sensor - 2 years* CO2 Sensor - Indefinitely | Sample Gas Volume Options | Low: 6 mL Medium: 30 mL High: 50 mL |
Sample Inlet Fitting | Sturdy Nickel Plated Brass Bulkhead Connector for tubing connection | Sample Probe Fittings | User replaceable and modular design with flexible PVC Tubing |
Filters | External Hydrophobic Filter & Internal Inline Filter to protect Sensor Array | Product Profiles | 20 Programmable Product Profiles combined with Operator ID’s and Line Numbers |
Sampling Function | One button to begin sampling and automatic display of results | Purge Function | Double press button to clear sample path with larger volume of a new gas mixture |
Alarms | Customisable High & Low Alarms for both O2 and CO2 readings for each Product Profile | Calibration Interval | Once a year. Ambient Calibration option available for customer check if required. |
User Interface | 3.5” Colour Touch Screen Display | Data Storage | 10,000+ Measurements stored internally on high capacity SD card |
Data Output - PC | USB Cable (Type A Plug to Micro Type B Plug) provided. Download results to CSV file (Excel) with no software required. Wi-Fi Enabled | Data Output - Thermal Printer | Bluetooth® connection to Thermal Printer for automatic print-outs of results |
Power supply | USB Charger, 5V 2.1A with Universal AC Supply | Battery | Rechargeable Lithium Polymer High-Capacity Battery - 2500 mAh |
Operation Time | 8 Hours typically (depending on usage) | Power Saver Function | User defined auto-shutdown feature to conserve battery life (can be turned off also) |
Enclosure | ABS plastic with recessed probe holder (Wipe-clean, Strong and light-weight) | Dimensions | 190 (L) x 79 (W) x 47 (D) mm |
Weight | Combi Model: 367g / O2 Model: 337g | Approvals | CE - according to EMC 2004/108/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and EN300328. Manufactured under the auspices of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System |
Accessories Provided (as standard with each unit) | Needles (5), Septa (100), Hydrophobic Filters (3), Bench Mount Carry Case (1 off), USB Cable (1), Universal Mains Adapter (1), User Manual (1) & Calibration Certificate (1). |