Nitrogen generators for food & drink processing
Nitrogen generators play a vital role in food and beverage manufacturing, enhancing product quality and boosting efficiency. Widely used across the food industry to control oxidation and maintain freshness, nitrogen supports key processes such as extending shelf life, preserving flavour, and protecting product integrity.
The PEAK Gas i-Flow series of generators offer a cost‑effective and reliable alternative to gas cylinders, dewars, and bulk liquid deliveries, giving F&B manufacturers consistent access to high‑purity, food‑grade nitrogen tailored to their applications.
What is food grade nitrogen?
Most industry guidance defines food grade nitrogen having a very high purity (in the EU, this must be above 99%), with very low levels of moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants. The regulatory standards ensure that it is safe for direct contact with food and drink materials. Nitrogen is crucial for modern food processing as an inert, safe, non-reactive gas that doesn’t affect food’s taste or color.
Nitrogen use in food and beverages
Food grade nitrogen plays a vital role in improving efficiency across a range of food and beverage processing applications from pet food manufacturing to wine making. It is widely used to extend shelf life and maintain product quality by displacing oxygen and preventing spoilage. Common methods include Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), blanketing bulk materials, and using nitrogen as a propellant for aerosols. Nitrogen also supports processes such as creating textures, purging tanks, and removing moisture and contaminants.
Key applications of nitrogen include:
Blanketing for controlled atmosphere storage and transport
Inerting to prevent oxidative reactions
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Packaging form filling and reinforcement
Purging and sparging to remove contaminants, moisture, and oxygen
Product aeration
Why choose a nitrogen generator for food & drink manufacturing?
Peak Gas Generation systems are engineered to provide reliable, high-purity gas. Switching nitrogen supply to on-site generation is not only sustainable but will also benefit your company’s bottom line.
Lower costs
Factor out ongoing & inconvenient supply costs from product packaging
Greater control
Gain greater control & flexibility over your production scheduling
Reliable supply
Never miss a production deadline due to inconsistent nitrogen delivery
Improved efficiency
Optimize operational efficiency by increasing processing line productivity
How is nitrogen added to food packaging?
Nitrogen is added to food packaging through a process called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), where machines flush out oxygen from the package and replace it with high-purity nitrogen before sealing. This process prevents spoilage, oxidation, and crushing, thereby extending shelf life for foods like chips, nuts, and coffee.
Nitrogen for the wine industry
Similar to nitrogen for food packaging, the main purpose of nitrogen in the winemaking process is to remove and prevent oxygen from coming into contact with the wine. This is to prevent oxidation which spoils a wine, which is why it important that food grade nitrogen is used. Oxidation is the reason why after a bottle of wine has been opened, it is only palatable for a few days – the longer a wine is exposed to oxygen, the less drinkable (more sour or vinegar-like) it becomes.
Nitrogen flushing is another use for nitrogen in the wine production process. Wine is moved between barrels and vessels as part of the soutirage process (preventing sediment from forming). The hoses used to move the wine between vessels are flushed with nitrogen, to remove any oxygen which could come into contact with the wine and cause oxidation.
Working with Peak has been very straight forward with no hassles, issues or complications. The logistics are far easier now as we do not have the headache of empty bottles.
Peak Gas food grade nitrogen gas generators
Peak Gas Generation's PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) nitrogen generators deliver a reliable, on‑demand supply of high‑purity nitrogen for processes like MAP packaging, product blanketing, tank purging, carbonation support and freshness preservation.
Engineered for continuous operation in hygiene‑critical environments, our systems provide long service life, minimal maintenance, and highly efficient performance, helping producers protect product quality and reduce dependency on bulk gas deliveries.
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Coupled with world-class aftercare and technical support -from initial consultation to commissioning and beyond-, we are on hand to support you and be a valued partner in your success.