Abstract: A composition, in unit dosage form, for the batchwise purification for drinking purposes of a relatively small predetermined volume of contaminated water includes: (a) an organo-chlorine compound serving as a disinfectant-sanitizing agent; (b) a solid inorganic metal salt having a trivalent cation serving as a coagulant-precipitate agent; (c) a solid alkali which is highly soluble in water and highly effervescent in the presence of an acid serving as a dispersion-buffer agent; (d) a solid anionic polymeric hydrophilic primary colloid flocculant; (e) a solid cationic, polymeric hydrophilic secondary colloid flocculant; (f) long fiber cellulose serving as an agglomeration matrix and pre-filter for absorbing flocs and trapping visible debris and cysts; and (g) a bulk ion exchange absorbent. A water purification kit and method employing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flameless heater includes two non-woven polyester sheets which are thermally bonded together to form a number of pockets. Each pocket is filled with a powder mixture of Mg--Fe alloy, NaCl, antifoaming agents, and an inert filler. The outer surfaces of the polyester sheets are preferably treated with a food grade surfactant. The polyester sheets are gas and water permeable over substantially their entire surfaces and the filled pockets define intervening channels where the polyester sheets are bonded. The resulting heater can be made approximately 50% thinner and 50% lighter than a conventional FRH. In use, both the channels and the permeability of the sheets allow water to wet the powder rapidly and initiate the chemical reactions quickly. The byproducts of the chemical reactions cause the pockets to inflate slightly thereby adding sufficient rigidity to the heater to support a food packet.