Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product are disclosed. One embodiment is a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product, the process having a multi-step depressurization sequence including at least first and second depressurization steps for depressurizing an impregnation vessel, which includes the following steps: withdrawing substantially all of an amount of an expansion agent in the impregnation vessel at about the end of the second depressurization step during the multi-step depressurization sequence; and transmitting at least a portion of said amount of expansion agent to a low-pressure gas tank. In one embodiment, the expansion agent is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product are disclosed. One embodiment is a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product, the process having a multi-step depressurization sequence including at least first and second depressurization steps for depressurizing an impregnation vessel, which includes the following steps: withdrawing substantially all of an amount of an expansion agent in the impregnation vessel at about the end of the second depressurization step during the multi-step depressurization sequence; and transmitting at least a portion of said amount of expansion agent to a low-pressure gas tank. In one embodiment, the expansion agent is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moistening relatively dry tobacco by precisely controlling air dry bulb temperature and relative humidity in which the dry bulb temperature is sensed so that variations therefrom produced by cooling of the air in a spray water curtain are used to control the spray water curtain heat exchange area. Additionally, the dew point temperature is sensed and used for controlling the temperature of the spray water and hence the relative humidity in the air at a desired dry bulb temperature. The relatively dry tobacco is one which has been subjected to a tobacco expansion process.

Abstract: A method for precisely controlling air dry bulb temperature and relative humidity in which the dry bulb temperature is sensed so that variations therefrom produced by cooling of the air in a spray water curtain are used to control the spray water curtain heat exchange area. Additionally, the dew point temperature is sensed and used for controlling the temperature of the spray water and hence the relative humidity in the air at a desired dry bulb temperature.