Hapenpoiston

Hapenpoiston, or oxygen removal, is the process of removing molecular oxygen from a substance or environment. The goal is to prevent oxidation, extend stability, or create inert or reducing conditions for chemical reactions and processing. The concept is used in laboratory work, industrial production, and packaging.

Methods of hapenpoiston fall into physical and chemical categories. Physical deoxygenation includes sparging with inert gases such as nitrogen or argon, vacuum degassing, deaeration towers, distillation, and membrane-based processes. Chemical deoxygenation uses oxygen scavengers that react with O2 or bind it into stable compounds, such as sulfites, ascorbates, or certain metals and catalysts. For liquids, purification techniques like freeze–pump–thaw cycles remove dissolved oxygen.

Applications span several sectors. In food and packaging, hapenpoiston reduces residual oxygen to extend shelf life, achieved through vacuum packaging or modified atmosphere packaging with nitrogen. In metallurgy and steelmaking, deoxidation controls oxide formation during processing. In water treatment, deaeration minimizes corrosion and supports process control, while in electronics and chemical synthesis, oxygen removal prevents oxidative degradation of sensitive materials and reactions.

Measurement and safety considerations are important. Dissolved oxygen levels are monitored with sensors and indicators to verify deoxygenation. Handling inert atmospheres requires appropriate ventilation and safety protocols to mitigate asphyxiation risk and other hazards associated with inert environments.