9 feb 2015linde launches innovative leak detection technology to improve food packaging processlinde gases, a division of the linde group, today announced the launch of mapax ld, a pioneering technology to detect defects in modified atmosphere packaging map. mapax ld, standing for mapax leak detection, is a highspeed, nondestructive, inline unit which uses foodgrade hydrogen gas in place of visual or manual waterbased testing to identify faulty map packaging.the majority of food packaging, which is hermetically sealed using map technology, has traditionally been only sample tested for integrity rather than each individual package being evaluated. the randomness of the sample method has meant that when a defective package is discovered, the entire batch being processed since the last check has to either be repackaged or disposed of.faulty food packaging, such as poor sealing, food caught in between packaging seals, tears or even pinsized holes, can lead to increased production costs for food packager and reduced shelf life, spoilage and customer complaints for the food retailer. in serious cases, large batches of faulty packaging can even lead to potential financial penalties for food packagers and risks to consumer safety."mapax ld is unique in that it allows for the identification of defective packaging to be undertaken as part of the overall production process with a 100 percent validation rate so that each and every item is analysed, with up to a hundred checked per minute" said mark ewig, global strategic marketing & development, food & beverages, linde. "by using hydrogen gas to detect any faults in the packaging, the analysis is nondestructive versus the waterbased method where the food item is likely to be destroyed once immersed. the nondestructive method allows for the food item to be taken off the production line, defective packaging removed and then repackaged, thereby reducing food wastage."mapax ld is a patented technology used on modified atmosphere production lines for a wide range of packaged foodstuffs, from meat, poultry and fish to prepackaged salads, nuts, dried fruits and coffee. mapax ld works by adding food grade hydrogen to the mapax gas mix at the packaging sealing stage. a gas mixture incorporating up to 4 percent hydrogen can be used with no impact on the foodstuff being packaged. when hydrogen is detected by the mapax ld sensor, a visual alarm is activated, allowing the defective items to be removed from the production line with minimal interruption to the packaging process.faulty settings on the packaging machine can also be identified earlier, as when several leaks are found consecutively, production can be paused and settings corrected, reducing the risk of further defective packaging during that production run.contactsusan brownlowpublic relations manager, linde gases divisiontelephone 44 07739 456292email susan.brownlow@linde.comrachel kelly or danielle mathewshill knowlton strategiestelephone 44 207 413 3008 or 44 207 413 3432email rachel.kelly@hkstrategies.com or danielle.mathews@hkstrategies.com 
