Combat Ration Network for Technology Implementation. Polymeric Tray Manufacturability, Part 2 (Short Term Project - STP1002B)

Part I of the Polymeric Tray Manufacturability was conducted January 19-23, 1998 at Star Foods Processing Inc, San Antonio, TX. Initial analysis indicated problems with lid sealing and head space control serious enough to probably fail the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development & Engineering Center testing cycle on one or more of the four test products. Therefore, a second Polymeric Tray Manufacturability at the CORANET Demonstration Site at Rutgers University Food Manufacturing Technology Facility was conducted on June 9-10, 1998 to specifically address these issues. This report documents the manufacturability of two products, Chicken Chow Mein and Pork Sausage, which were produced during this second test. Both products were submitted to the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development & Engineering Center for package integrity testing. This study demonstrated that residual gas levels can be controlled within specification limits and that with proper retort racking design in combination with overriding pressure control, the container can be protected from deformation. However, it was also demonstrated it was difficult to control the seal width within the specifications limits on the Raque Peat Sealer at the FMT facility, warranting additional work in this area. ADA383016