Combat Ration Advanced Manufacturing Technology Demonstration (CRAMTD): Leak Detector Implementation (Short Term Project (STP) #75).
Abstract
There is currently a requirement for two 100% inspections, pre- and post-retorting in each plant producing retorted MRE pouches, looking for cuts, holes, surface defects and seal leaks. In spite of this significant investment in manpower for the inspection tasks, the final rate of rejection of lots is high. Based on USDA and AVI pouch inspection data, the MRE entree types expected to show the greatest production growth also have the greatest incidence of holes, abrasions, and residual gas defects. Baseline performance for a vacuum/pouch deflection technique leak detector (ATC-3) was established and based on improvements identified during a preliminary engineering design phase, it was concluded that production scale testing of MRE pouches is feasible. Human inspectors at the CRAMTD Demonstration site, albeit with no prior on-the-job experience, were only able to identify 50% of defects and rejected 6% of non-defective pouches. The bench-scale ATC-3 leak tester performance was measured at 80% accuracy (with respect to defective pouches) and false positives only when pouch temperature is 100 deg F or higher.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA323981
Entities
People
- Henderikus Bruins
- Ibrahim Laham
- Neal Litman
- Theodore Descovich
Organizations
- Rutgers University Department of Food Science