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MOCON’s OpTech O2 platinum analyzer uses platinum fluorescent material to measure oxygen transmission rates for various beverage, biopharmaceutical and food products. Coupled with electronics, the analyzer accurately measures perforated flexible packaging structures, as well as high-barrier alternatives. Optional film cells come in two sizes: 50 and 100 cm2 (12 and 500 cc). The cell’s sensor responds to the concentration of oxygen. As such, the smaller cell accommodates high-barrier structures, and the larger cell is suited for perforated materials. Typical applications for these flexible packaging structures include food, pharmaceutical and medical disposables where barrier and other key performance attributes are critical to reaching shelf-life goals. When testing materials, the cell is sealed off, and the oxygen permeating the test film is accumulated and monitored automatically by the sensor. The fluorescence is read by the unit’s detector, making it suited for non-destructive permeation analysis, headspace and dissolved oxygen analysis, and leak determination in flexible and rigid packaging. The system can measure oxygen down to 10 ppm and an increased range from 0.001 to 25% O2. The platinum material is stable over a long period, not sensitive to ambient light, and less temperature sensitive than other chemistries, increasing the accuracy of the reading. The optical reader employs a visible light to read the platinum fluorescence up to a distance of 15 mm.
Tim Studt Editor in Chief