Figure 1-10. Parts of a glass container
1-18. THE TRAY PACK
a. Characteristics. The tray pack can, also called the half-size steam table
tray, is a low-profile, two-piece, retortable, institutional-size container. See Figure 1-11.
It is extruded from chromed steel plate and layers of chromium, chromium oxide, and a
base of epoxy. It is enameled with modified vinyl inside and out. The dimensions are 9
7/8 inches x 12 1/4 inches x 2 inches. The capacity is about the same as a Number 10
can (603 x 700), holding 105 ounces of food. The lid is double seamed like a standard
3-piece cylindrical can. Due to its low profile, retort process times for the tray pack may
be reduced as much as 60 percent. The geometric center is only about 1 inch as
compared to 3 inches for the Number 10 can.
b. How Used. The tray pack can serves as a shipping container, heating
container, and serving container, thus reducing the amount of time, labor, equipment,
and skill needed for preparing and serving meals in a field environment. The tray pack
has become an integral part of the new Combat Field Feeding System. The new
system, consisting of 14 breakfast menu entrees and 14 lunch/dinner entrees, will be
used in place of the standard B-Ration.
MD0708
1-18