Packaging gas
A packaging gas is used to pack sensitive materials such as
Their E numbers are included in the following lists in parentheses.[2]
Inert gases
These gas types do not cause a chemical change to the substance that they protect.
- argon (E938), used for canned products
- helium (E939), used for canned products
- nitrogen (E941), also propellant
- carbon dioxide (E290), also propellant
Propellant gases
Specific kinds of packaging gases are
- chlorofluorocarbons known as CFC (E940 and E945), now rarely used because of the damage that they do to the ozone layer:[3]
- dichlorodifluoromethane (E940)
- chloropentafluoroethane (E945)
- nitrous oxide (E942), used for aerosol whipped cream canisters (see Nitrous oxide: Aerosol propellant)
- octafluorocyclobutane (E946)
Reactive gases
These must be used with caution as they may have adverse effects when exposed to certain chemicals. They will cause oxidisation or contamination to certain types of materials.
Volatile gases
Hydrocarbon gases approved for use with food need to be used with extreme caution as they are highly combustible, when combined with oxygen they burn very rapidly and may cause explosions in confined spaces. Special precautions must be taken when transporting these gases.[4]
See also
References
- ^ "The purity of gases". Cleanroom Technology 21 June 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
- ^ "Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers". Food standards agency 26 November 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
- ^ Spectrum Laboratories : Chemical Fact Sheet - Cas # 75718
- ^ "Amendment to Directive 96/77/EC on purity criteria of food additives". Food standards agency 27 June 2002. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
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