Oxygen absorbers are key for extending the shelf life of your food and other stored goods. But what if you’re considering heating them? Can oxygen absorbers be heated? 

 

Heating oxygen absorbers is not advisable. It won’t restore their effectiveness and could be hazardous. The iron content in these absorbers can spark when exposed to microwave radiation, creating a fire risk. This misunderstanding often arises from practices used with silica gel, which is a different type of desiccant that can be regenerated by heating.

 

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of heat on oxygen absorbers and discover whether it’s a viable method for boosting their performance or if it could actually damage them. 

Can Oxygen Absorber Be Heated? A Quick Overview

Heating oxygen absorbers is highly discouraged. These units contain iron powder and are designed for a one-time chemical reaction that effectively removes oxygen at room temperature. Introducing heat can cause sparking risks, initiate unwanted chemical reactions, and lead to potential explosions when confined in packaging. Rather than improving their efficacy, heating them compromises their very purpose and can damage both the product and its surrounding environment.

Secure Your Products with Top-Quality Oxygen Absorbers

If you’re looking to enhance the shelf life and quality of your products, look no further than Protection Experts Australia. Our premium oxygen absorbers are designed to provide the best protection against spoilage and oxidation. Whether you’re in the food industry, pharmaceuticals or any sector that requires the utmost in preservation solutions, our products are tailored to meet your needs. 

Experience the peace of mind that comes with using industry-leading technology to safeguard your products. Call us today at +61 (2) 9945 0593 or visit our Contact Us page. Ensure the longevity and quality of your goods with Protection Experts Australia.

Why Heating Oxygen Absorbers Is Not Recommended

Oxygen absorbers are designed to maintain product integrity by chemically removing oxygen from sealed packages. Heating these absorbers, contrary to some beliefs, not only fails to restore their function but also introduces significant risks. Here, we discuss the specific hazards associated with heating oxygen absorbers.

Risk of Fire and Sparks

Heating oxygen absorbers, particularly in a microwave, poses a severe fire risk due to the iron powder they contain. This iron can spark when exposed to the electromagnetic waves in a microwave and create a potential ignition source. Such sparks can easily ignite packaging materials or other flammable substances nearby, leading to fires that can cause significant damage and pose serious safety risks.

Chemical Degradation

High temperatures can fundamentally alter the chemical structure of the iron filings within oxygen absorbers. Normally, these filings react with oxygen to form iron oxide in a controlled and safe manner. 

However, excessive heat can cause unintended reactions and lead to the release of harmful gases or the creation of other hazardous chemical byproducts. These changes not only make the absorbers unsafe but can also compromise the safety of the environment where they are used.

Compromised Effectiveness

Oxygen absorbers chemically bind oxygen at room temperature, which effectively reduces the amount of oxygen in the packaging, thereby extending the shelf life of the product. Heating these absorbers can disrupt this critical chemical reaction and render the absorbers ineffective. The heat may cause the absorbers to release already-bound oxygen back into the package atmosphere or simply deactivate the chemicals responsible for oxygen absorption.

Potential for Explosion

When sealed in airtight containers, oxygen absorbers regulate the oxygen levels to create a stable environment. However, if these packets are heated, there can be a rapid expansion of gases within the packet itself. This sudden increase in internal pressure can cause the packet to burst or explode, posing physical hazards not only to the integrity of the packaging but also to individuals handling these materials.

Damage to Surrounding Materials

Most products protected by oxygen absorbers are sensitive to temperature changes; thus, heating can degrade their quality, efficacy and safety. For example, pharmaceuticals may lose their potency, and food products might undergo undesirable chemical changes.

Legal and Safety Violations

Utilising oxygen absorbers in ways that contradict their design specifications, such as applying heat, can lead to violations of safety guidelines established by regulatory bodies. These violations can carry legal implications for manufacturers and users alike, including fines and sanctions. More importantly, such practices compromise the safety and well-being of consumers and workers.

Common Misunderstandings: Oxygen Absorbers vs Silica Gel

It’s crucial to differentiate between oxygen absorbers and silica gel desiccants. While both are used to protect goods from damage caused by moisture or oxygen, their functionalities and handling are distinct. 

Silica gel is used for moisture control and can be regenerated by heating, a process that drives off absorbed water. Unlike silica gel, oxygen absorbers do not ‘reset’ through heating. Their chemical reaction, once initiated by exposure to air, is irreversible under normal conditions. Heating does not regenerate their absorbing capabilities but instead might accelerate the degradation or cause unsafe reactions.

If you’re planning to use oxygen absorbers, check out our Oxygen Absorber Calculator to determine the right size and quantity for your needs.

Safety Tips for Using Oxygen Absorbers

Handling oxygen absorbers safely is crucial to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse. Here are some safety tips you must follow:

  1. Do Not Microwave: Avoid placing oxygen absorbers in microwaves to prevent sparks and potential fires.
  2. Proper Disposal: After their effective lifespan, dispose of oxygen absorbers in the garbage, and do not attempt to burn or puncture them.
  3. Keep Away from Children and Pets: Due to their small size and chemical contents, ensure they are stored out of reach.
  4. Follow Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal use and safety.
  5. Avoid DIY Experiments: Do not attempt to regenerate or alter oxygen absorbers at home.

Wrapping Up

Heating oxygen absorbers to extend their usability is risky and ineffective. Designed for one-time use, they don’t benefit from heat and can cause fires, chemical releases, or damage if heated. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid DIY methods to ensure safety and maintain their effectiveness.