Oxygen absorbers are used in the food and pharma industry to remove oxygenfrom a compact environment.They protect dry foods from insect damage and help preserve product quality. They are used when dry foods are packaged in sealed containers.
Oxygen absorbers are small packets that contain an iron powder. The packets are made of a material that allows oxygen and moisture to enter but does not allow the iron powder to leak out. The Oxygen Absorbers are safe to place on top of the food.
Oxygen absorbers contain iron powders that perform a chemical reaction and reacts with the oxygen in the air causing the iron powder to rust. In the end, the reaction the particles are completely loaded as they get loaded. The iron powders are securely sealed into a pouch and therefore it is safe to keep with the medicines and food items. It takes almost four hours to complete the reactivity and rated maximum absorption. When it becomes warm to the touch, understand that it is ready to use.
There are many misconceptions and myths regarding oxygen absorbers. Initially, the oxygen absorbers were used commercially for packing purposes as suggested by experts. But now, they are even used at home for preserving meat and other edible products. This has given birth to many confusions concerning the amount, frequency, needs of the use of oxygen absorbers. We have listed some common myths about the oxygen absorbers so that you can use it without any concerns.
Myths and Truths about Oxygen Absorbers
- Oxygen absorbers are made of the chemical compounds – powdered iron oxides.
Truth: The truth is that pure iron powders are used to manufacture oxygen absorbers. Hence, the only activity ingredient is the iron particles in it. Whereas, the iron oxide is created during the chemical reaction when the iron begins to rust due to the presence of oxygen and it is transformed into the substance. The use of food and pharma grade is always safe to use.
- Hand warmers and oxygen absorbers are the same
Truth: Hand warmers and oxygen absorbers have an equivalent effect as well as similar purpose, but both are made of different elements. Hand warmers are made of vermiculite and contain a lot of impurities like asbestos. But oxygen absorbers are made with pure food and pharma grades of iron powders that are safer to use.
- Oxygen absorbers are available in different compositions or chemical structures.
Truth: It is true that oxygen absorbers can be manufactured in many different sizes. But it’s compositions or chemical structures remain the same. The only thing that can be altered is the cubic centimetre. The capacity of oxygen absorbers is determined by the size and not the structure.
- The pouch filled with oxygen absorbers/iron powder looks vacuum-packed after the reaction ends and oxygen has been removed.
Truth:This is the most common misconception, probably because people think that some oxygen absorbers do not work. Although this effect is witnessed most of the times, even it doesn’t that does not mean the reaction was unsuccessful. It simply means that it contains less air volume.
Conclusion
To make effective oxygen absorbers it is important to use good quality raw materials i.e. pure iron powders. The best and purest forms of iron powders are provided by the Industrial Metal Powders I Pvt Ltd, Pune India. The world most convenient source for food & pharma grades of Electrolytic Iron Powders and Reduced Iron Powders since 1974. It meets FCC specifications& made under 100% GMP & HACCP practices therefore, make it the safest and precise option to make oxygen absorbers for increasing the shelf life of food and pharma products.
