Package oxygen permeability testing
Oxygen permeability testing of finished packages, done in a completely new way. The PermMate is a highly versatile system for oxygen permeability testing of complete packages and bottles. A wide variety of industries, especially the food and beverage industry, can benefit from the test results for better shelf life prediction and thereby choose the right packaging solution in terms of the oxygen barrier for a specific product. (Without over- or underestimating).

The advantages of the PermMate
The PermMate is based on an innovative and patented concept meaning that it is able to test an almost unlimited number of packages more or less simultaneously. The normal limitations of comparable products are 1-8 packages.

The PermMate is controlled via an PC software package, which makes it easy to perform the permeability test. An important feature of the PermMate is the ability to determine the volume of the packages to be tested. The PermMate directly determines the oxygen permeability of the package.

Ambient Oxygen Ingress Rate (AOIR) - How does it work?

Measuring principle
The idea behind the PermMate system is that if a package with low internal oxygen content is left at ambient oxygen level (20.9%) for a period of time, the oxygen level inside the package will increase. If the package is leak free this increase will be due to the permeation through the material.

Based on that assumption, and considering other parameters related to the type and design of the specific package, it is easy to calculate the permeability of the package; this is also known as the AOIR (Ambient Oxygen Ingress Rate).

Step-by-step measuring process
Measuring the oxygen permeability of a package is done in an easy 6-step process* with the PermMate. Each step is automated and controlled by the PermMate and its user-friendly PC software. The user is guided through each step with the help of software prompts.

1. Create a new test sample.

2.Determine the volume of the package, using the automatic volume detection function.

3. Flush the package with nitrogen to the desired starting level, e.g. 0.2% O₂.

4. Let the package stabilise in a temperature/humidity stable environment.

5. Make at least two oxygen content measurements in the package – leaving the package in a stable environment between the measurements.

6. Calculate the oxygen permeability of the package.


Applications and users

The PermMate has a wide appeal: