Oxygen Scavenger Chemicals for Boiler Feed Water Oxygen Scavenger Oxygen scavengers are mainly used for food and pharmaceutical applications, but can also be used for any product that needs a low oxygen storage atmosphere. Essentially, oxygen scavengers are so named because they preferentially absorb oxygen within the environment, thus, preventing the oxygen from reacting with the product. Many other terms have been used to describe oxygen scavengers, which include the following: antioxidants, interceptors, controllers, and absorbers.
Oxygen scavengers or oxygen absorbers are added to enclosed packaging to help remove or decrease the level of oxygen in the package. They are used to help maintain product safety and extend shelf life.