Frequently Asked Questions (TRHS)


Is there anything dangerous about the TRHS?

  • For the most part, the TRH is a very safe system.  In fact, safety was one of the primary design considerations factored into the TRH system.  First of all, the combustion system utilizes safe #2 diesel fuel or JP-8.  Neither fuel is classified as “Flammable”; they are actually classified as “Combustible” fuels instead.  That means these types of fuels cannot be readily ignited in their liquid state, making the whole system very safe.

  • When the system is fully heated the water inside the tank is very hot, caution must be taken when opening the lid.  If the system is left on Auto-Boil”, or is allowed to get hot enough so that an aggressive steam vent stream is visible, the lid should not be opened from the front.  Instead, the unit should be opened from the side, or allowed to cool for several moments before opening the lid. 

If the TRH is running on diesel fuel, why can’t I smell anything?

  • With virtually all other #2 diesel fuel burners in the world, dangerous pungent fumes, similar to diesel engine exhaust emissions are generated.    The Babington Airtronic Burner used in the TRH however, is capable of such complete and efficient combustion, #2 fuel is burned at near 100% efficiency, removing virtually all harmful emissions and odors.  In addition, the Carbon Monoxide emissions produced by the Babington Airtronic Burner are so low (less than 10 ppm) that they are not harmful* while operating the TRH in an enclosed area with moderate ventilation.

Can food be over-cooked, or explode if over heated?

  • Generally not.  The tray packs can however bulge if over-heated and become difficult to remove from the TRH tray rack.

If operating on JP-8 instead of diesel fuel, does the burner require any modification?

  • NO. With all other burners in the world, considerable adjustment must be made to the burner if a drastic change in fuel viscosity takes place.  The Babington Airtronic burner, which utilizes a unique air atomizing principle, is not viscosity sensitive, and will run perfectly on all types of distillate fuels, even at very cold ambient temperatures.

What would happen if a TRH were accidentally filled with gasoline instead of diesel fuel?  Will it blow up?

  • A TRH SHOULD NEVER BE FILLED WITH GASOLINE: Filling a TRH with gasoline is a dangerous condition due to the fact that gasoline is vaporous at room temperature (it has a low flash point) and can explode if it comes in contact with an ignition source.  If a TRH is accidentally filled with gasoline, it will not operate, and will be shut down by its electronic safety controls.  If this occurs, the burner should be disconnected from the electrical source, and drained of all gasoline, then be re-primed with JP-8 or diesel fuel.  The easy way to be sure you are using diesel fuel (or JP-8), and not gasoline is to remove the cans cap and take a quick sniff of the contents.  Gasoline is very easily detected by smell.  This is important if you are given a can of fuel, and you yourself are not sure where it came from.

Can the TRH be damaged from severe off-road travel?

  • Very unlikely.  In fact no TRH has been damaged by off-road shock to this day.  The “heat-on-the-move” capability was a factor in it’s design and is considered normal operation.

Can the TRH be used for anything else other than heating T-Rations?

  • Yes.  The TRH is an extremely versatile piece of gear.  With a few added accessories, a TRH can prepare many types of fresh food, as well as heat water, soup, make coffee, deep fat fry, steam, bake and broil (click here).  The integrated Airtronic Burner can also be used to fire an M-59 Field range, a Field Sanitation Unit, and a portable hot water heater.

* The OSHA PEL (prolonged exposure limit) for Carbon monoxide is 50 ppm over an 8 hour period.