Choosing the right oxygen absorber size is critical for effective food preservation. Using an absorber with insufficient capacity means oxygen will remain, leading to spoilage, while an oversized absorber is simply wasteful. This guide, from a leading oxygen absorber supplier China, will walk you through the process of calculating the appropriate size for your needs.

Understanding CC Capacity

Oxygen absorbers are rated by their capacity to absorb oxygen, measured in cubic centimeters (cc). This rating indicates the volume of oxygen the packet can neutralize before becoming saturated. Common sizes range from 30cc to 2000cc and beyond. The key to selecting the correct size is matching the absorber's capacity to the amount of oxygen present in your sealed container.

Determining the Volume of Oxygen in Your Container

The amount of oxygen in a sealed container is primarily determined by the volume of 'headspace' – the empty space not filled with food. Oxygen constitutes approximately 20.9% of the air in our atmosphere.

Step 1: Calculate Container Volume

First, determine the total internal volume of your storage container in cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (ml). Many containers will have this information. If not, you can often find conversion charts online. For example:

  • 1 US pint ≈ 473 ml (cc)
  • 1 US quart ≈ 946 ml (cc)
  • 1 US gallon ≈ 3,785 ml (cc)

Step 2: Estimate Headspace Volume

Estimate the volume of air in the headspace. This can be challenging as it depends on the density and shape of the food product. As a rule of thumb:

  • For finely packed foods (e.g., flour, powders): Assume about 30-35% of the container volume is headspace.
  • For foods with larger particles or voids (e.g., pasta, dehydrated fruits, nuts): Assume about 50-60% of the container volume is headspace.
  • For very dense products or those packed tightly: You might estimate as low as 10-20% headspace.

A more conservative approach, often recommended by manufacturers, is to use the total container volume as a basis for calculating oxygen removal needed, especially if you're unsure about estimating headspace. This ensures you have enough capacity even if there are slight leaks or if the food settles.

Step 3: Calculate Required Oxygen Absorber Capacity

Multiply your estimated headspace volume (or total container volume for a conservative approach) by 0.209 (for 20.9% oxygen). For simplicity and safety, many recommend multiplying by 0.21 or even higher if you are unsure of the headspace. Then, choose an oxygen absorber packet or combination of packets that meets or slightly exceeds this calculated capacity.

Example:

You have a 1-gallon Mylar bag (approx. 3785 ml) filled with dried pasta. Assuming 50% headspace, the headspace volume is 3785 ml * 0.50 = 1892.5 ml. Since 1 ml = 1 cc, you need an absorber with at least 1893 cc capacity. It would be prudent to use a 2000cc absorber to be safe.

Tips for Using Our Absorbers

When you buy oxygen absorbers online from us, you'll find a range of sizes perfect for any application. We offer 100cc oxygen absorbers for food storage, as well as larger options. Always ensure your packaging is airtight before introducing the absorbers. Unused packets should be resealed immediately. For expert advice on how to use oxygen absorbers for dry food or specific food items, refer to our product guides.

Your Trusted Partner for Preservation

As a dedicated oxygen absorber manufacturer wholesale, we provide reliable, high-quality products. We offer competitive oxygen absorber price per piece and can accommodate bulk orders. If you need food grade oxygen absorbers for sale or require custom oxygen absorber packaging, we are here to help you build a robust long shelf life food packaging solution.

Properly sizing your oxygen absorbers is fundamental to achieving the best results in food preservation. Trust our expertise and quality products to keep your food fresh and safe.