SERVOFLEX Mini Food Pack 5200 Portable Benchtop Controlled Atmosphere Analyzer
| Brand | Servomex |
|---|---|
| Origin | UK |
| Model | 5200 Food Pack |
| Detection Principle | Paramagnetic (O₂), NDIR (CO₂) |
| Measurement Range | O₂ 0–25% vol, CO₂ 0–100% vol |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% O₂, ±0.3% CO₂ (full scale) |
| Resolution | 0.01% |
| Data Storage | 200 measurement records |
| Interface Languages | English, French, German |
| Output | RS232 |
| Power Options | AC adapter + rechargeable Li-ion battery |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, ISO 9001 certified manufacturing |
| Sensor Lifetime | >5 years (O₂), >10 years (CO₂) |
| Calibration Tracking | Password-protected timestamped log |
| Alarm | User-configurable concentration thresholds |
Overview
The SERVOFLEX Mini Food Pack 5200 is a compact, benchtop-controlled atmosphere analyzer engineered specifically for quality assurance in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP) environments across food processing, retail logistics, and cold chain validation facilities. It employs dual-sensor gas analysis architecture: a high-stability paramagnetic sensor for oxygen quantification and a proprietary non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detector with long-life optical source for carbon dioxide measurement. Unlike electrochemical or zirconia-based O₂ sensors—prone to drift, cross-sensitivity, and limited service life—the paramagnetic principle delivers inherently linear, zero-drift response over time without consumables or electrolyte replacement. Similarly, the NDIR module utilizes a thermally stabilized broadband IR source and narrow-band optical filtering to ensure selectivity against water vapor, nitrogen, and common hydrocarbon interferences, enabling robust performance in humid or variable-pressure headspace sampling conditions.
Key Features
- True dual-gas capability: Simultaneous or independent measurement of O₂ (0–25% vol) and CO₂ (0–100% vol) with trace-level resolution (0.01%) and full-scale accuracy of ±0.1% for O₂ and ±0.3% for CO₂.
- Non-consumptive sensing architecture: Both O₂ and CO₂ sensors operate without chemical reagents, membranes, or replaceable cells—minimizing lifecycle cost and eliminating routine sensor replacement schedules.
- Integrated data integrity framework: Password-protected calibration tracking logs record date, operator ID (optional), and environmental conditions at each calibration event—supporting GLP/GMP audit readiness and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.
- Field-deployable design: Dimensions of 245 × 180 × 120 mm and weight under 2.8 kg enable operation on production line benches, QC labs, or mobile inspection carts; rechargeable Li-ion battery provides ≥8 hours continuous use.
- Intuitive multilingual interface: Backlit LCD display with menu navigation in English, French, and German; configurable alarm thresholds trigger visual/audible alerts upon exceeding user-defined O₂ or CO₂ limits.
- RS232 serial interface standard: Enables direct connection to LIMS, SCADA systems, or custom QA databases; supports ASCII-formatted output with timestamp, gas values, and status flags per measurement cycle.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 5200 Food Pack accommodates rigid and flexible packaging formats—including vacuum-sealed trays, pouches, flow-wrap films, and metal/aluminum cans—via optional accessories: stainless-steel can puncture probes with integrated septum seals, and a built-in diaphragm pump for semi-automated headspace extraction (flow rate: 150–300 mL/min). All sampling interfaces comply with ASTM F2054 (Standard Test Method for Determining Headspace Oxygen Content in Flexible Packaging) and EN 13720 (Packaging—Determination of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Modified Atmosphere Packages). Instrument design conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), with CE marking valid for EU market deployment. Manufacturing adheres to ISO 9001:2015 protocols, and firmware supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures when paired with validated host software.
Software & Data Management
While the analyzer operates autonomously via onboard firmware, its RS232 port enables seamless integration with Servomex’s optional PC-based DataLink software (v3.2+), which provides real-time graphing, statistical process control (SPC) charting (X̄-R, Cpk), batch reporting, and CSV export compliant with internal QA templates. All stored measurements include embedded metadata: sample ID, operator code, ambient temperature/pressure (if external probe connected), and calibration verification status. Audit trail functionality records every configuration change, including alarm threshold edits and language selection—retained for minimum 12 months per internal memory buffer. Data export supports ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.2 requirements for result traceability and uncertainty documentation.
Applications
- MAP process validation during packaging line commissioning and routine maintenance intervals.
- Shelf-life studies requiring periodic headspace gas composition monitoring under accelerated aging protocols (e.g., ISO 22000 Annex H).
- Supplier qualification audits where third-party packaging must meet contractual O₂/CO₂ specifications (e.g., ≤0.5% O₂ in red meat trays).
- Root cause analysis of premature spoilage incidents linked to gas barrier failure or seal integrity defects.
- Regulatory submission support for novel packaging materials seeking EFSA or FDA GRAS determination based on residual gas stability data.
FAQ
What calibration gases are required for routine verification?
A certified two-point calibration kit (0% O₂ / 100% N₂ and 21% O₂ / balance N₂) plus 10% CO₂ in N₂ is recommended annually or after 200 measurements—per ISO 17025 Clause 6.6.
Can the instrument measure other gases such as nitrogen or argon?
No—this model is optimized exclusively for O₂ and CO₂ quantification in food-grade MAP applications; nitrogen is inferred by difference only when total gas volume is known and no other gases are present.
Is the built-in pump suitable for low-permeability barrier films?
Yes—the diaphragm pump generates sufficient vacuum (≤50 mbar) to extract representative headspace from high-barrier laminates (e.g., EVOH or SiOx-coated PET) without compromising seal integrity.
How is sensor drift compensated during extended operation?
Automatic zero stabilization occurs during standby mode using internal reference cells; paramagnetic O₂ detection exhibits <0.02% FS/year drift, while NDIR CO₂ modules maintain baseline stability via thermal compensation algorithms.
Does the device support remote firmware updates?
Firmware upgrades require local connection via RS232 and Servomex-certified utility software; no over-the-air (OTA) capability is implemented to preserve regulatory compliance and data integrity controls.
