GB 29202 Gas Chromatography for Nitrogen, Food Additive

Detection target

Determination of Nitrogen Content in Food Additives

Introduction

Nitrogen (N₂) is an important food additive (processing aid) and packaging gas in the food industry, primarily used for gas filling, preservation, and protection during food packaging and processing. Due to its inertness, odorless, colorless nature, and its status as a major component of the atmosphere, it is widely used in the packaging of puffed foods, edible oils, dairy products, etc. By displacing oxygen, it slows down oxidation and inhibits microbial growth, thereby maintaining food quality and taste. Because it usually escapes from the food after use, leaving little or no residue, and does not chemically alter the food itself, it is widely recognized internationally as a safe method of preservation and protection.

The main tests involve checking its purity and filling ratio in food packaging, as well as ensuring strict adherence to the usage guidelines for processing aids, to guarantee its effectiveness and prevent risks introduced by impurities or improper use.

Overview

This solution conforms to the GB 29202 National Food Safety Standard Food Additive – Nitrogen. Zirconia is used as the detector in the gas chromatograph. The components to be measured in the sample gas—hydrogen, oxygen, methane, and carbon monoxide—are separated by the chromatographic column and then enter the detector, generating corresponding chromatographic peak signals. Quantitative analysis is then performed using the external standard method. This standard applies to food additive nitrogen produced by cryogenic air separation nitrogen generation, pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generation, membrane separation nitrogen generation, and small-scale specialized nitrogen generators.

Apparatus

GB 29202 Gas Chromatograph for Nitrogen, Food Additive

Configuration