Abstract: Process and apparatus for dehydrating liquid phase ethanol in an adsorber unit containing at least two towers that cycle between adsorption and desorption cycles, characterized in the desorption cycle by an indirect heating volatilization of absorbed and adsorbed liquid at ambient pressures, and by a final stages desorption under sub-atmospheric pressures. In preferred practice, an inert sweep gas at sub-atmospheric pressures assists in removal of vapors evolved in the final stages of the desorption cycle.

Abstract: Whole tobacco stems are converted to expanded tobacco particles by opening the cellular structure of the stems and moisturizing the stems by the simultaneous application of water and steam. The stems, at a first induced moisture content of from 20 to 40% are then subjected to an equilibration step where the moisture content of the stem is uniformly distributed within the stems. The equilibrated stems are thereafter moisturized to a second induced moisture content by first an application of water and thereafter the simultaneous application of water and steam. At the second induced moisture content of from 30 to 60% the stems are cut into a plurality of particles that are thereafter expanded and dried to a final moisture content of from 13 to 25%.

Abstract: A method and preferred apparatus for conditioning materials such as tobacco using an airflow distributor means. A conveyor transports the material along a path, and means to control the conditioning of the material are located at selected locations. A source of gas produces a gas stream, and means are operatively associated with the source of gas to selectively condition the gas stream. Flow straightening means having a structure such as a honeycomb panel are positioned upstream of the material being transported on the conveyor. The gas stream source is positioned to direct the gas stream through the flow straightening means to spread the gas stream evenly across the conveyor surface for uniform conditioning of the transported material. The conditioning may include heating and/or cooling the material, introducing moisture into the gas stream, adding chemicals into the gas stream, or selected combinations of these.

Abstract: Whole tobacco stems are uniformly moisturized by opening the cellular structure of the stems and inducing moisture to permeate the opened cellular structure. By an initial and simultaneous application of water and steam, the cellular structure of the stems is opened, and moisture permeates the structure to a first induced moisture content. Thereafter, the stems are equilibrated with the moisture diffusing throughout the cross-section of the stems. Subsequent to equilibration, the stems are moisturized to a second induced moisture content by initially applying water to the stems and thereafter a mixture of water and steam.

Abstract: A method and preferred apparatus for conditioning materials such as tobacco using an airflow distributor means. A conveyor transports the material along a path, and means to control the conditioning of the material are located at selected locations. A source of gas produces a gas stream, and means are operatively associated with the source of gas to selectively condition the gas stream. Flow straightening means having a structure such as a honeycomb panel are positioned upstream of the material being transported on the conveyor. The gas stream source is positioned to direct the gas stream through the flow straightening means to spread the gas stream evenly across the conveyor surface for uniform conditioning of the transported material. The conditioning may include heating and/or cooling the material, introducing moisture into the gas stream, adding chemicals into the gas stream, or selected combinations of these.