Combat Ration Network for Technology Implementation. Retort Racks for Polymeric Trays in 1400 Style Spray Retorts
Abstract
The objective of this project was to design a retort rack that would maximize the retort capacity of a 1400 style spray retort and to select a material that would withstand the harsh retort spray environment. The contract consisted of three phases: (1) mold design, (2) mold fabrication, and (3) rack production. Test rack samples were produced at the end of phase 2 using three different materials. A blend of Polyphenylene (PPE) and Polypropylene (PP) with 15% short glass fiber filling was selected as the preferred material for the production of the final set of racks. The resulting material offers unique balance of stiffness, impact strength, temperature resistance, elongation and low specific gravity. Two ration producers were supplied with 100 retort racks each for testing in a production environment. The racks increased the capacity of the retort by 29%-33% and the rack material has withstood the retort environment without any problems after exposure to 3 months of production environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA469329
Entities
People
- Henderikus B. Bruins
- John F. Coburn
Organizations
- Rutgers University Department of Food Science