Multisensor system for characterization of packaging emissions: prediction of total solvent amount and odor scores

This work shows a fast and economic screening of packaging materials for food using a multisensor system. The multisensor system comprises a sampling system (in most cases a headspace sampler), a sensor array, and operation and evaluation electronics. The added value of the inclusion in the sampling system of a separation unit (e.g., chromatographic column) was proved for two different cases. The first is the elimination of a major interfering gas (e.g., water vapor); this was achieved with a short packed polar column that separated water vapor and organic solvents into two peaks. The second case is the extension of the correlation capability to human sensory panels. This was made possible by the use of a long capillary column that separates the high-concentration solvent components, which might not have a strong odorous effect, from the trace odorous ones. The latter are thus detected due to the high sensitivity of the sensor array.