摘要或動機

Vacuum packaging is a packaging technique intended to extend the shelf life of food via the removal of air from an enclosed package prior to sealing. This process limits the growth of aerobic bacteria or fungi due to oxygen deprivation. In this work, we present a novel do-it-yourself vacuum packaging device using the exchange of water and air between two bottles to continuously generate a vacuum-suction effect. The sizes of bottle and vacuum bag were investigated for its impact on the vacuum generation in a plastic bag containing smoked fish sausages. Large commercial 3.1-litre PET bottle generated more vacuum than the smaller ones. An equilibrated vacuum pressure of a smaller plastic bag was lower than that of a larger size. With 3.1-litre PET bottles, the vacuum pressure for 3”x5”, 5”x8” and 6”x9” bags was equilibrated at 8, 10, 18 mmHg, respectively. Sausages packaged by our device last for 14 days when they were kept in -20oC refrigerator, which was comparable to those packed by the commercial vacuum packaging system for household use. This project demonstrates an application of simple science in a real life situation as well as a promotion of environmental protection idea as the electricity is not used in the vacuum generation process and the disposed plastic bottles can be reused.