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Abstract:
The Combat Rations Network (CORANET) is a Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) sponsored manufacturing technology program to improve the quality, reduce the cost, and increase the productivity of operational rations while increasing DLA's surge capability in the area of military rations. This short term project, STP 2004, "Implement Ultrasonic Sealing of Preformed Pouches in Production", was funded from April 2002 through October 2004 to The Ohio State University (OSU). Project partners included the Edison Welding Institute (EWI), SOPAKCO Packaging, The Natick Soldier System Center, USDA/AMS, and Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP). Project team included Dr. Howard Zhang (OSU), Dr. Alex Savitski (EWI), Dr. Magdy Hefnawy (SOPAKCO), Mr. Denis Stewart (SOPAKCO), Mr. Peter Shennan (Natick), Mr. Richard Boyd (USDA) and Mr. Thomas Gordon (DSCP). Traditionally, the entrees included in Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) are either pumped or placed into multi-laminate foil pouches that are then hermetically sealed and exposed to heating (retorting) to extend the shelf life and prevent contamination during storage and handling. Preformed pouches in MRE's have traditionally been filled and sealed by heated tools in a process that often results in splashing of the food product and contamination of the sealed area. A steady reject-rate range from 1.5 to 4.5 with an average of 3% across the industry is related to seal defects. The need was identified by the industry to improve seal quality.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Final rept. Apr 2002-Oct 2004 |
| Pages: |
100 |
| Report Date: |
10 NOV 2005 |
| Contract Number: |
SPO10302D00040002 |
| Report Number: |
A840864 |
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