Abstract: A smoking article is provided, including a plurality of elements including a front-plug and an aerosol-forming substrate. A hole or slit is defined through the front-plug, through which a heating element may be inserted. In use, a heating element is inserted into the smoking article through the hole or slit and the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to generate an aerosol. When the heating element is subsequently withdrawn from the smoking article, the front-plug acts to retain the aerosol-forming substrate within the smoking article.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a cavity inside a chamber. The apparatus may include a first heater at the bottom of the chamber, a second heater at the top of the chamber, at least one air inlet connected to the chamber; and at least one air outlet connected to the chamber.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a cut stem with increased filling capacity comprises tearing a rod-like stem material having a water content of 20 to 50% by weight, shredding the torn rod-like stem material, and subjecting the rod-like cut stem material to expansion treatment.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is configured for insertion into the mouth of a user and incorporates materials from Nicotiana species (e.g., tobacco-derived materials) and plant materials from non-Nicotiana species (e.g., non-tobacco plant materials). The tobacco material can have the form of processed tobacco material (e.g., granulated, reconstituted, heat treated, or otherwise processed tobacco laminae and/or stem), tobacco extract (e.g., an extract of water soluble tobacco components obtained by extracting tobacco with water), or a combination thereof. The non-tobacco material can have the form of vegetable pulp (e.g., sugar beet pulp), pulp obtained after removal of water soluble components as a result of water extraction treatment, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of nicotine extraction from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb. The proposed method for extraction of nicotine from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb implies continuous extraction from raw material with low-boiling solvents at vapor phase followed by solvent stripper and recurrence for further reuse in the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for shredding tobacco sheets, especially tobacco sheets formed of reconstituted tobacco particles with guar and sugar comprises rotating opposing sets of cutter discs in a partially overlapping relation so as to establish a nip. The cutter discs have notches at spaced locations along a peripheral portion of the cutter discs. Adjacent pairs of cutter discs are spaced apart by a spacer disc with a stripper plate interposed between adjacent pairs of spaced apart cutter discs. A tobacco sheet which is fed into the nip of the sets of cutter discs is shredded by the discs.

Abstract: A method of producing expanded tobacco stems for tobacco cut filler comprises the steps of: providing rolled tobacco stems having a rolled thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; conditioning the rolled stems to increase the moisture content; cutting the conditioned tobacco stems; impregnating the cut tobacco stems with liquid carbon dioxide; heating the impregnated stems to bring about expansion; and re-conditioning the stems after heating to increase the moisture content. The rolled tobacco stems may be combined with tobacco lamina prior to the treatment steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a smoking product from a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material is treated using at least one extrusion process, which comprises compaction with an increase in pressure and temperature and a mechanical treatment and sudden flash drying of the material at an outlet of an extruder (1), wherein a heated process fluid (7) is supplied as a heat transfer medium to the tobacco material in the extruder (1) to supply process heat. The invention further relates to a device for producing a smoking product from a tobacco material using an extruder (1) which performs a compaction of a tobacco material with an increase in pressure and temperature and a mechanical treatment and sudden flash drying of the material at the extruder outlet, wherein the extruder (1) is associated with a heater (11), which heats a process fluid (7) that is supplied to the extruder (1) for supplying process heat as a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a cut stem with increased filling capacity comprises tearing a rod-like stem material having a water content of 20 to 50% by weight, shredding the torn rod-like stem material, and subjecting the rod-like cut stem material to expansion treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for enhancing the filling capacity of tobacco, such as cut tobacco leaf or tobacco midribs, or tobacco additional material, by treating the tobacco material having an initial moisture of 10-30% with a treatment gas consisting of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 400 to 1,000 bar followed by a continuous decompression and subsequent thermal post-treatment of the discharged tobacco material. The filling density of the tobacco charge in the autoclave is greater than 0.2 kg/dm3.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for expanding foodstuffs and luxury foodstuffs/tobacco materials capable of being expanded, in particular moist tobacco materials, wherein said materials in a carrier flow comprising steam pass through an expansion zone, comprising a Laval nozzle, in which the speed of sound is attained in the narrowest cross section.

Abstract: A method of expanding tobacco involves introducing a steam flow and a tobacco material into a duct having an inlet and an outlet and defining an arcuate flow path. The tobacco is entrained in the steam flow and conveyed along the arcuate flow path and toward the outlet. The presence of the steam results in volumetric expansion of the tobacco as the steam and entrained tobacco travel along the flow path. The steam and entrained tobacco are then collected and separated. As such, an expanded tobacco is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for conditioning comminuted tobacco material by heating and moistening with water vapor, wherein the comminuted tobacco material free-falls down through a chamber operating in a continuous process and is treated during free-fall with water vapor via nozzles; a hyperbaric pressure is maintained in said chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the improvement of the filling capacity of tobacco such as shredded tobacco leaves or ribs by treatment of the tobacco material having up to approx. 30 wt.-% initial moisture with a treatment gas composed of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 50 to 1,000 bar under continuous or stepped compression, followed by a continuous or stepped decompression, the compression and decompression steps taking place in either one autoclave or in cascade-like sequence in several autoclaves, and by subsequent thermal aftertreatment of the discharged tobacco material, which is characterized in that the thermal aftertreatment is carried out with a flowing heat-transferring medium of a mixture of permanent gases and superheated water vapour, wherein the proportion of permanent gas is kept constant at a value in the range from 10 to 60 vol.-%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the fillability of tobacco, as tobacco leaves or ribs and/or tobacco additives, by treatment of the tobacco material, which has approx. up to 15 wt. % initial moisture with a treatment gas consisting of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 50 to 1,000 bar with continuous or graduated compression followed by continuous or graduated decompression, with the compression and decompression stages taking place in either one autoclave or with cascade-type switching in several autoclaves, followed by thermal after-treatment of the tobacco material discharged, which is characterised in that the compression is carried out at an operating temperature above 55° C., preferably at 60 to 90° C. and the initial moisture of the tobacco material lies within the range 8 to 14 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the fillability of tobacco, as cut tobacco leaves or ribs and/or plant-based tobacco additives with cellular structure, by treating the tobacco material which has 8 to 16 wt. % initial moisture with a treatment gas consisting of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 50 to 1,000 bar in either one autoclave or with cascade-type switching in several autoclaves, followed by thermal after-treatment of the tobacco material discharged after decompression has occurred, which is characterised in that the decompression is carried out with at least one holding stage whose pressure corresponds to 3 to 60%, preferably 3 to 30% of the original maximum pressure and that the heating of the system whilst it is under residual pressure is carried out in such a way that the tobacco discharge temperature after pressure reduction is completed lies within the range 10 to 80° C.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for expanding foodstuffs and luxury foodstuffs/tobacco materials capable of being expanded, in particular moist tobacco materials, wherein said materials in a carrier flow comprising steam pass through an expansion zone, comprising a Laval nozzle, in which the speed of sound is attained in the narrowest cross section.

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: The invention relates to a method of treating tobacco fine cut in which the cut tobacco is preheating and moistening is moistened to a moisture content of a maximum of 18 to 18.5%, after which it is supplied without any further drying to a screening and cooling step resulting in a moisture content of a maximum of 17-17.5%.

Abstract: A device for puffing products such as foodstuffs or tobacco comprises an upright puffing reactor having a vessel for receiving product therein. The vessel has a wall provided with a plurality of openings. A chamber surrounds the vessel. The vessel has no openings in an upper section. A first pressurized heat-carrying agent is supplied to the chamber under a first pressure, and the agent flows from the chamber through the plurality of openings uniformly through the product disposed within the vessel. Shortly before the vessel is opened via an opening mechanism, a second agent having a higher pressure than the first pressure is supplied into the upper section above the product disposed within the vessel for providing a “propelling charge” behind the product.

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: Disclosed is a method of producing an expanded tobacco material. According to the method, a tobacco material (TM) is fed into a pressure vessel (11), followed by pressurizing the interior of the pressure vessel (11) with a carbon dioxide gas to a predetermined impregnation pressure. Then, a liquid carbon dioxide (21) is supplied from above the tobacco material (TM) into the pressure vessel through a sintered metal plate (13), etc., while maintaining the impregnation pressure, thereby saturating the interior of the pressure vessel (11) with a carbon dioxide gas generated by vaporization of the supplied liquid carbon dioxide, and cooling the tobacco material by the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid carbon dioxide, so as to impregnate the tobacco material with carbon dioxide. The tobacco material impregnated with carbon dioxide is brought into contact with a hot gaseous stream within a gaseous stream dryer so as to expand the tobacco material.

Abstract: Tobacco is treated to cause its expansion by a process which comprises the steps of subjecting it, in a treatment chamber, to a reduced pressure of not greater than 7 kPa, impregnating the cell structure of the tobacco with isopentane vapour at a temperature in the range of from 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. and maintaining the tobacco in contact with the vapour at a pressure of at least 400 kPa, removing excess isopentane vapour from the treatment chamber, contacting the impregnated tobacco with steam to expand the tobacco cell structure, reducing the pressure in the treatment chamber at a rate of at lest 10 kPa/minute, preferably 30 kPa/minute, and then venting the treatment chamber back to atmospheric pressure. The final filling value of the tobacco treated according to this process is directly proportional to the rate at which the pressure in the treatment chamber is reduced following the steam treatment of the tobacco.

Abstract: Tobacco is treated using the following series of steps:(1) subjecting in a chamber the tobacco to a reduced pressure of not greater than 70 mbar (7 kPa);(2) impregnating the cell structure of the tobacco with isopentane vapor at a temperature in the range of from 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. and maintaining the tobacco in contact with isopentane vapor at a pressure of at least 4 bar (400 kPa) for up to 30 minutes to cause impregnation of the tobacco;(3) removing excess isopentane vapor from the impregnated tobacco by evacuating the chamber, the pressure change being effected adiabatically;(4) contacting the impregnated tobacco with steam to expand the tobacco; and(5) subjecting the expanded tobacco to a reordering process.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for processing tobacco for expansion thereof including process and apparatus for forming a batch of tobacco for delivery to a tobacco impregnation apparatus and processes and apparatus for unloading the expanded tobacco and purging expansion agent from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco batch forming and feeding system forms and feeds tobacco batches of predetermined weight which can be readily changed to accommodate different types of tobacco. Expanded tobacco is unloaded directly into an unloading chamber wherein expansion agent is purged from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco unloading chamber includes a purge gas circulation system for circulating the purge gas through the expanded tobacco in the lower portion of the unloading chamber and removing the released expansion agent from an upper portion of the unloading chamber.

Abstract: A tobacco enhancement apparatus and a method of enhancing tobacco using the apparatus comprising a tunnel (12) having a vibratory conveyor floor (18), and an inlet (14) for receiving unexpanded tobacco shreds. A steaming and swirling station (32) is located downstream of the inlet and comprises an array of overhead steam nozzles arranged above the floor for steaming and expanding the shreds. The steam nozzles are positioned and angled to create vortices amongst the shreds. A conditioning venturi station (50) is located downstream of the steaming station for prolonging the exposure of the expanded tobacco shreds to conditions of increased vapor pressure. A set point controller (198) is provided for automatically monitoring and adjusting the downward angle of the steam nozzles, the steam pressure, the height of the nozzles, the height of the venturi station and the temperature of the expanded tobacco.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for expanding tobacco, particularly tobacco impregnated with solid carbon dioxide are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an arcuate, generally C-shaped duct for conveying the tobacco material in a hot gaseous medium to sublimate the solid carbon dioxide and expand the tobacco. The duct has a non-circular cross-section, preferably a rectangular cross-section, with a high width-to-depth ratio and an increasing depth from the inlet to an intermediate portion of the duct then a decreasing depth from the intermediate portion to the outlet of the duct. A winnower device infeeds the tobacco material into the duct adjacent the throat of a venturi section connected to the inlet of the conveying duct. A tangential separator with an adjustable baffle at the inlet thereof for controlling velocity in the separator is used to separate the expanded tobacco from the gaseous medium.

Abstract: A tobacco expansion apparatus and method comprising a source of tower gas, an obloid transport duct (20), in communication with the gas source, a tobacco feeder (18) at a location along the obloid transport duct (20) and a separator (22) for recovering tobacco from the expansion apparatus. The tobacco feeder (18) is adapted to introduce tobacco uniformly across the width of the obloid transport duct (20). The apparatus improves the filling power of the processed tobacco and can be operated at higher production rates with less tobacco breakage, thereby improving tobacco yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and plant of treating tobacco stems for the production of cut tobacco for smokable articles, wherein uncut stem are sauced to a moisture content of approximately 45% at the maximum, the sauced stems are overdried to a moisture content of less than approximately 12%, and the overdried stems are remoistened to the processing moisture content for the subsequent stem process, e.g. a CRS process.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating tobacco with an expansion agent includes a chamber for confining a charge of tobacco under elevated pressure conditions. An accumulator connected to the chamber maintains a supply of an expansion agent in fluid form under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure but less than the desired tobacco impregnation temperature and pressure. The expansion agent is forcibly and rapidly moved from the accumulator and introduced into the chamber under conditions such that the pressure and temperature of the expansion agent are increased to the desired impregnation temperature and pressure, preferably including a pressure approaching or above the supercritical pressure thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of imparting moisture to a cigar or tobacco product is a bio-humidor. The bio-humidor includes a moisture impervious housing configured to hold the cigar, a moisture impervious lid, and a moisture imparting element configured for storage in the housing with the cigar. In use, the cigar is placed inside the moisture impervious housing along with the moisture imparting element. The housing is then closed and sealed, such as by joining a zip-lock, closing a lid, threading a top, or inserting a stopper, such as a cork, into an opening. Moisture from the moisture imparting element will then pass to the cigar within the closed environment of the sealed housing and thereby maintain a fresh, moist cigar.

Abstract: A tobacco expansion process and apparatus is provided to form a tobacco batch having a predetermined amount of tobacco, contact the batch with steam, load the batch onto a spool assembly, and impregnate the batch with an expansion agent. A double conduit apparatus is provided to load two simultaneously formed tobacco batches onto opposing sides of the impregnation spool. The tobacco batch is formed within a batch forming chamber comprising a vertically adjustable screen to accommodate different operating parameters and/or different tobacco types and/or forms. The batch is directed through a pneumatically separable zone to a precompaction and heating zone. The separable zone is defined by sequentially operating members, at least two of which form barriers to impede seepage of the expansion agent from the impregnating zone. In the precompaction zone the batch is precompacted against a permeable barrier, steamed, and then loaded onto a spool assembly for impregnation with an expansion agent.

Abstract: A process for expanding tobacco is provided which employs carbon dioxide gas. Tobacco temperature and OV content are adjusted prior to contacting the tobacco with carbon dioxide gas. The disclosed process is suitable for impregnating and expanding tobacco having a high bulk density. In order to achieve a high bulk density, the tobacco may be compacted or compressed to achieve an increased and more uniform bulk density prior to its impregnation with carbon dioxide. The process may be carried out with a short cycle impregnation in an apparatus according to the invention. A thermodynamic path is followed during impregnation which allows a controlled amount of the carbon dioxide gas to condense on the tobacco. This liquid carbon dioxide evaporates during depressurization helping to cool the tobacco bed uniformly. After impregnation, the tobacco may be expanded immediately or kept at or below its post-vent temperature in a dry atmosphere for subsequent expansion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is given for a low residence time redrying of strip tobacco. The apparatus thoroughly and evenly dries and cools the tobacco consistently through the entire tobacco bed as it passes through the dryer and cooler. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of individually controlled fluidized bed heating zones for drying the tobacco. An additional fluidized bed cooling zone is provided to cool the tobacco prior to reordering. A continuous conveyor extends through the heating zones and cooling zones. A steam tunnel is utilized to raise the moisture content of the dried tobacco to preselected moisture levels. A vibrating conveyor moves the tobacco through the steam tunnel.

Abstract: A process for treating smoking material comprising the steps of (i) heating smoking material having a moisture content of from 5 to 75% by weight at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 220.degree. C. at about or above atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and (ii) reducing the pressure on the heated smoking material to a level of from 0.1 to 50 kPa at a rate such that the water contained within the smoking material evaporates causing the smoking material to expand, the smoking material being heated during pressure reduction to accelerate water evaporation.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: In a process for expanding tobacco, an equilibrium pressure within a process vessel (1) containing a mixture of gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide is selected before charging a sample volume of tobacco from a batch of tobacco into a sealable impregnator vessel (2). Liquid carbon dioxide is then transferred at the selected equilibrium pressure from the process vessel (1) into the impregnator vessel (2) where it is maintained sufficiently long to permit liquefied carbon dioxide to penetrate the cells of the tobacco. Liquid carbon dioxide is subsequently transferred from the impregnator vessel (2) into a drain vessel (3) and the pressure within the impregnator vessel (2) is reduced sufficiently to cause the solidification of liquid carbon dioxide contained within the cells of the tobacco. Finally, the tobacco is heated sufficiently to vaporise the carbon dioxide in the tobacco cells thereby expanding the tobacco.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for tobacco expansion is employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates. The apparatus includes a spool and shell assembly wherein the spool is moveable within the shell between loading, impregnating, and unloading positions. In the impregnating position, sealing assemblies seal the radial clearance between shell and the end members of the spool to provide a pressure vessel for tobacco impregnation. The sealing assemblies includes at least one elastically deformable sealing ring associated with the circumferential exterior of the end member. A pressure applying member is operatively associated with an axial end of each of the sealing members to releasably impart axial pressure onto the axial end of the sealing member when the spool is in the treating position to cause radial expansion of the deformable sealing ring and thereby accomplish sealing of the spool within the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding tobacco includes a chamber having a spool and shell arrangement and a device for compressing tobacco into the shell for impregnation. The spool includes first and second cylindrical end members and a connecting rod between the first and second end members. A seal is provided between the outer surface of the end members and the shell. Expansion agent is introduced into the chamber to impregnate the tobacco for expansion.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Abstract: A tobacco expansion apparatus is provided to form a tobacco batch having a predetermined amount of tobacco, contact the batch with steam, load the batch onto a spool assembly, and impregnate the batch with an expansion agent. A double conduit apparatus is provided to load two simultaneously formed tobacco batches onto opposing sides of the impregnation spool. The tobacco batch is formed within a batch forming chamber comprising a vertically adjustable screen to accommodate different operating parameters and/or different tobacco types and/or forms. The batch is directed through a pneumatically separable zone to a precompaction and heating zone. The separable zone is defined by sequentially operating members, at least two of which form barriers to impede seepage of the expansion agent from the impregnating zone. In the precompaction zone the batch is precompacted against a permeable barrier, steamed, and then loaded onto a spool assembly for impregnation with an expansion agent.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Abstract: A process for expanding tobacco is provided which employs carbon dioxide gas. Tobacco temperature and OV content are adjusted prior to contacting the tobacco with carbon dioxide gas. The disclosed process is suitable for impregnating and expanding tobacco having a high bulk density. In order to achieve a high bulk density, the tobacco may be compacted or compressed to achieve an increased and more uniform bulk density prior to its impregnation with carbon dioxide. The process may be carried out with a short cycle impregnation in an apparatus according to the invention. A thermodynamic path is followed during impregnation which allows a controlled amount of the carbon dioxide gas to condense on the tobacco. This liquid carbon dioxide evaporates during depressurization helping to cool the tobacco bed uniformly. After impregnation, the tobacco may be expanded immediately or kept at or below its post-vent temperature in a dry atmosphere for subsequent expansion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for tobacco expansion is employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates. The apparatus includes a spool and shell assembly wherein the spool is moveable into and out of the shell between loading, impregnating, and unloading positions. In the impregnating position, sealing assemblies seal the radial clearance between the spool and shell to provide a pressure vessel for tobacco impregnation. The sealing assemblies include at least one elastically deformable sealing ring and an annularly shaped axial pressure applying member to releasably impart axial pressure to the sealing ring. The axial pressure applying member receives fluid pressure from a hydraulic fluid and preferably receives additional fluid pressure from the expansion agent used to expand the tobacco.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a water vapor-air mixture for treating a hygroscopic material having a mixing chamber, supply for providing air to the mixing chamber at a temperature in the range of 0.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 3 bar, supply for providing steam to the mixing chamber at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 10 bar, the mixing chamber having an outlet in connection with a treatment chamber to provide the treatment chamber with a water vapor-air mixture at a temperature below 200.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 5 bar.

Abstract: A tobacco expansion method is provided whereby cured tobacco is first moistened with a humectant solution, as is conventional in the industry, to increase the resident liquids thereof. Next, the prepared tobacco in shredded form is placed in a sealed chamber and the chamber evacuated to vaporize a portion of the resident liquids. Next, ethyl alcohol vapor is allowed to enter the pressure chamber below 70 mm (Hg) absolute to prevent a water-ethyl alcohol azeotrope from forming. Thereafter, a hydrocarbon vapor, such as n-pentane vapor, is directed into the chamber and the pressure restored to atmospheric. The n-pentane vapor diffuses into the cellular structure of the tobacco with the assistance of the ethyl alcohol, whereafter the tobacco is heated and the n-pentane and ethyl alcohol acts as a propellant to expand the tobacco.

Abstract: A tobacco expansion apparatus and method comprising a source of tower gas, an obloid transfer duct, in communication with the gas source, a tobacco feeder at a location along the obloid transport duct and a separator for recovering tobacco from the expansion apparatus. The tobacco feeder is adapted to introduce tobacco uniformly across the width of the obloid transfer duct. The apparatus improves the filling power of the processed tobacco and can be operated at higher production rates with less tobacco breakage, thereby improving tobacco yield.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in tobacco expansion processes which are capable of dramatically improving tobacco throughput in high pressure tobacco impregnation systems. In accordance with various aspects of the invention, tobacco can be impregnated in a high pressure impregnation zone and removed from the zone for expansion in complete cycle times of less than one minute, typically less than about 15-30 seconds. In addition, tobacco throughputs are further improved in accordance with other aspects of the invention by achieving dramatically improved use of the available treatment space in a high pressure impregnation zone. In addition, the invention provides processes for minimizing the amount of expansion agent used to treat tobacco.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.