Automatic Infrared Radiometric Scanning to Detect Flexible Package Seal Defects

For military applications, the use of a flexible package as a replacement for metal cans, particularly for operational rations, has been of interest for many years. Progress has been made to the point where the logistical, functional, and durability advantages of a flexible package of commercially sterile ready-to-eat food, the so called ``Flex-Pack,´´ to replace the 300 × 200 (3¿ diameter by 2¿ height) can in combat rations have been proven. The U.S. Army Natick Laboratories (Department of Defense) is in the final stages of testing the reliability of a flexible packaging system for single-serving portions of heat-processed foods [1]. Unlike the frozen, boil-in-bag system, these packages of food are shelf stable and commercially sterile and, therefore, the integrity of the package must be positively maintained to prevent bacterial entry and subsequent spoilage of the food product.