Abstract

A mathematical model for gas diffusion processes in MAP systems was built. The model was applied to MAP systems containing CO2, O2, and N2 with nonrespiring foods. The validation study was done with gelatin, and simulation trials were carried out utilizing Hake (Merluccius australis) fillets. Experimental results confirmed the proposed mathematical model and its numerical solution. The prediction errors obtained in the validation study were under 5%; the same was true with the simulation trials whose errors were always lower than 5%. Both the simulation trials and validation study demonstrated that MAP systems reach equilibrium after a short period of time if film permeability is low.