Using Flameless Ration Heaters
A Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) is a patented water-activated and environmentally friendly MRE (Ready to eat meals) and FDF (Freeze Dried Foods) heater. It was originally designed for the U.S. Army, for soldiers to heat their individual 230 gram field ration packs.
An FRH heats food without the need for fire, both safely and quickly. FRH food heaters are easy to use, especially in situations where fire is prohibited, or not wise. The FRH is ideal for soldiers in the fields, rangers, campers, hunters, preppers and anyone interested in survival preparedness.
An FRH heater is usually quite small (14 cm long x 11.5 cm wide and about 1 cm thick), and usually weighs in at about 420 grams.
FRH heaters are easy to store and have a five year shelf life.
Spent pads are easily disposed of, with no toxic materials. The FRHs are made from powdered food grade iron, magnesium, and sodium.
Each FRH is individually packaged in a sturdy, leak- proof polybag which serves as the heating container for the meal pack. The polybag measures about 14.5 cm wide by 36 cm.
To use the FRH simply cut open the top of the polybag sleeve, place the food packet inside the bag next to the heater. Add plain water to the “Fill Line”, and fold over the open end of the FRH bag.
In just 12 minutes your food will be ready to eat. You can now enjoy a hot meal anytime, anywhere.
WARNING:
- Vapours released by activated heaters contain hydrogen, which is a flammable gas. Do not allow the vapour anywhere neaar an open flame.
- Vapours released by activated heaters can displace oxygen.
- Hot water leakage from the bag can cause a nasty burn, so use carefully.
- After heating, both the heater bag and the meal pouch will be very hot. Be very careful when removing the meal pouch from the heating bag. Don’t allow children or pets to get too close.
- Discard both bags after use. Remember not to litter. Do not drink the water remaining in the bag, or use it in preparing any other food or drink items.
Operating Instructions
1. Remove meal pouch from carton and save carton.
2. Tear off top of bag. Place meal pouch in bag with heater.
3. While holding the meal pouch and heater above lines on bag, pour water into bag until it reaches a level between lines. Slide heater and meal pouch to bottom of bag, and fold top of bag to side opposite heater.
4. With heater underneath the meal pouch, hold bag level for a minute to let heater soak up water.
5. Stuff assembly into carton with top of bag folded over the top of the meal pouch and the heater underneath.
6. Prevent water from escaping while your ration meal warms.
To prevent water from escaping and to maximize heat output, always keep:
- Heater located underneath the meal pouch
- Heater bag folded over at the top of the meal pouch
- Keep both the bags inclined to avoid leakage. Folded end up
After about 10 to fifteen minutes (depending on the air temperature) the top half of bag can be torn off and the meal pouch can be removed and eaten.
Knead the meal in the bag, while being heated, to ensure heating of the whole meal. Remember the contents will be hot. Maybe use a cloth or gloves.
Heating Instructions for Frozen Meal Packs
1. Use two heating cycles, one to thaw and then one to heat.
2. To thaw a frozen meal pouch: Follow the instructions above but this time add water to bag before adding the meal pouch. When the heater begins to feel warm you can add the meal pouch to the heater bag.