Development of a Mathematical Model for MAP Systems Applied to Nonrespiring Foods

A mathematical model for gas diffusion processes in MAP systems was built. The model was applied to MAP systems containing CO 2 , O 2 , and N 2 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.