Process for expansion of tobacco
US4459100A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA24B3/182
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A process is provided for expanding tobacco by means of overwetting the tobacco to a moisture content of at least 20%, preferably from 20% to about 80%, and then overdrying the tobacco in a period of a few seconds in a turbulent steam atmosphere to a moisture content of less than 7% to achieve increased filling power. The overwetted tobacco is preferably dried to a moisture content of less than 7% within a time period of less than 5 seconds. It is preferred that the tobacco be dried to a moisture content of less than 5%, and even more preferred that it be dried to a moisture content of less than 3%. The turbulent steam drying atmosphere preferably comprises at least about 60% steam. Typically, the tobacco is bulked for from about 1/4 hour to 4 hours after it is overwetted to allow the moisture to be distributed within and absorbed by the tobacco cellular structure of substantial portions of the tobacco. Subsequent to overdrying, the tobacco is typically remoisturized to a processing moisture content of about 12%.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.