Method for improving filling force of shred filler tobacco material by providing binder
By forming a coating layer on the tobacco leaves, the problem of reduced filling force of tobacco materials during processing is solved, the stability and filling force of the material are improved, and the loss is reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480015695.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-08
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-17
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, during the processing and transportation of tobacco materials, the filling force is easily reduced, resulting in loss and degradation of materials during the production process.
A binder is provided to the loose tobacco leaves so as to at least partially encase the tobacco leaves, forming a coating to increase structural stability and protect the leaves from forces experienced during processing.
By increasing structural stability and preventing tobacco materials from breaking and losing volume during processing, the filling force is improved, the loss of material is reduced, and the stability of the production process is ensured.
Smart Images
Figure CN120813262A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a cut filler tobacco material having improved filling power, a cut filler tobacco material, and the use of a binder to improve filling power.
[0002] Increased filling power of tobacco material is a generally sought-after property in the tobacco industry. Accordingly, various procedures have been developed to improve the filling power, most commonly requiring impregnation of the tobacco material with a solution, which is then removed via a subsequent swelling process. During such a swelling process, elevated pressure is generated in the cells of the tobacco material cells, which ultimately causes the tobacco material to swell.
[0003] While such methods can increase the filling power of the tobacco material, they do not guarantee that the filling power is maintained throughout the subsequent production steps of the tobacco material. Rather, due to the fragile nature of the tobacco material, the tobacco material can further degrade and the filling power is reduced again during its further manufacture and transportation.
[0004] Accordingly, the present invention can hinder the reduction of the filling power of the tobacco material during its processing.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a cut filler tobacco material having improved filling power, comprising the steps of: providing loose tobacco lamina with a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco lamina, thereby forming an at least partial coating on the tobacco lamina.
[0006] The cut filler tobacco material can be used in aerosol-generating articles, which not only refer to filter cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, and other smoking articles in which material is combusted to form smoke, but also to those articles in which an aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material without the need for combustion of the material. Because the aerosol-generating material is heated to a relatively low temperature to cause the formation of an aerosol, but prevents the combustion of the materials contained within the aerosol-generating material, such articles are commonly designated as “heat-not-burn” aerosol-generating articles.
[0007] Filling power is a measure of the amount of tobacco material required to produce an aerosol-generating article. Tobacco material having an increased filling power indicates a reduction in the amount of the tobacco material required to produce an aerosol-generating article compared to tobacco material having a reduced filling power.
[0008] Loose tobacco lamina can refer to individual lamina that are not rigidly fixed or attached to other lamina. Loose tobacco lamina can be considered as the total amount of individual tobacco lamina.
[0009] The binder can facilitate the separation of the tobacco lamina.
[0010] The tobacco lamellas can be separated in the conditioning feeder, in particular due to the elevated temperature or the rotation in the conditioning feeder or both.
[0011] The tobacco lamellas can be tobacco lamellas. The tobacco lamellas can comprise mainly unripened tobacco, ripened tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco sheet. The tobacco lamellas can be tobacco strands. In particular, the tobacco strands can be obtained from reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco lamellas can comprise at least one of the following components: tobacco stems, tobacco strands, tobacco midribs, cut filler or reconstituted tobacco strands.
[0012] The spraying of the binder can be the only source of reinforcement.
[0013] The binder provided to the loose tobacco lamellas at least partially coats the individual tobacco lamellas, thereby forming an at least partially coating layer on the lamellas. The binder can completely enclose at least one individual tobacco lamella, thereby forming a complete coating layer around the tobacco lamella.
[0014] The coating layer formed by the binder can define a discrete layer on the outer surface of the tobacco lamellas. The individual coating layer can span more than one single individual tobacco lamella.
[0015] The binder can at most only partially be absorbed into the loose tobacco lamellas. In particular, the binder is not absorbed into the loose tobacco lamellas.
[0016] The binder can increase the structural stability of the combination of the binder and the tobacco lamellas. The structural stability in the tobacco lamellas can remain unchanged.
[0017] The binder can increase the structural stability after its application without the need for a chemical interaction with the tobacco lamellas. The increase in structural stability can be achieved only within the binder and by the adhesion of the binder to the tobacco lamellas. The interaction of the binder with the tobacco lamellas can not involve cross-linking, activation or catalytic bonds of the substances in the tobacco lamellas. The binder can not contain calcium citrate.
[0018] The increase in structural stability can prevent the tobacco lamellas from deteriorating during their processing, which can avoid material losses in the production process. The binder applied to the loose tobacco lamellas at least partially encloses the individual tobacco lamellas, thereby providing them with a protective coating layer. This coating layer can at least absorb, dissipate or distribute forces applied to the tobacco lamellas during processing, thereby reducing the forces applied to the fragile tobacco lamellas. This can prevent the lamellas from breaking, deforming and losing volume, thereby increasing their remaining capacity and filling power.
[0019] The binder can bind tobacco dust particles and other smaller sized elements to the tobacco lamellas, so that they are not lost during processing.
[0020] The method can further comprise a conditioning step, wherein the tobacco lamina is conditioned, and wherein the conditioning step is performed simultaneously with or prior to providing the binder. During the conditioning step, the loose tobacco lamina can be heated. The heating of the tobacco lamina can result in the unfolding and opening of the tobacco lamina. The tobacco lamina can be heated to between 30 and 80 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the tobacco lamina can be heated to between 30 and 100 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius, and most preferably 85 degrees Celsius.
[0021] The method can further comprise a dosing step, wherein the tobacco lamina is provided with at least one dose and wherein the binder is provided during the dosing step. The binder can be provided with the at least one dose. The dosing step can be performed after the conditioning step.
[0022] The method can further comprise a blending step, wherein the tobacco lamina is mixed with at least one other type of tobacco lamina. The blending step can be performed simultaneously with or after the dosing step.
[0023] The method can further comprise a cutting step, wherein the tobacco lamina is cut into a smaller width. The smaller width can be 4 millimetres, 2 millimetres, or 1.5 millimetres or less. The smaller width can be 1 millimetre or less, preferably around 0.9 millimetres. The smaller width can be in the range of 1.0 millimetres to 0.8 millimetres. The cutting step can be performed after the blending step. A further blending step can be performed after the cutting step.
[0024] The method can further comprise a drying step, wherein the tobacco lamina is dried to a desired moisture content. The desired moisture content can be 5 to 30 percent by weight, preferably 10 to 20 percent by weight. The drying step can be flash drying. The drying step can utilise a rotary dryer. The drying step can be microwave drying. The drying step can be performed after the cutting step.
[0025] The method can further comprise a mixing step, wherein the tobacco lamina is provided with at least one additive and wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step. The mixing step can be performed after the drying step.
[0026] The additive can contain at least one of the following: tobacco stems, tobacco strips, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco sheet, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, riftab, or expanded tobacco.
[0027] The method can further comprise a flavouring step, wherein the tobacco lamina is provided with at least one flavouring component and wherein the binder is provided during the flavouring step. The flavouring component can be a flavouring solution. The flavouring solution component can be sprayed. The flavouring step can be performed after the mixing step.
[0028] The binder can comprise at least one of a polysaccharide, dextrin or lignin.
[0029] The binder can comprise at least one of microfibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, gum tragacanth, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
[0030] The binder can comprise at least microfibrillated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0031] The binder can comprise at least microfibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
[0032] The binder can comprise at least microfibrillated cellulose and gum tragacanth.
[0033] The method can further comprise the step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
[0034] The binder can be a binder solution or a binder dispersion. The binder can be provided via spraying.
[0035] The binder can comprise gum tragacanth and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 wt.% dry matter gum tragacanth, more preferably 0.5 to 2 wt.% dry matter gum tragacanth, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 wt.% dry matter gum tragacanth.
[0036] The binder can comprise xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 wt.% dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 wt.% dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 wt.% dry matter xanthan gum.
[0037] The binder can comprise konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 wt.% dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 wt.% dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 wt.% dry matter xanthan gum.
[0038] The binder can comprise microfibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
[0039] The binder can comprise cellulose nanocrystals and water, preferably 1 to 10 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 4 to 9 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
[0040] The binder can comprise dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 wt.% dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 wt.% dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 wt.% dry matter dextrin.
[0041] The binder can comprise guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9 wt.% dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5 wt.% dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 wt.% dry matter guar gum.
[0042] The binder can comprise carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 wt.% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt.% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 wt.% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0043] All weight percentage indications in relation to the binder refer to the weight of the applied binder.
[0044] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco lamina and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco lamina, thereby forming an at least partial coating on the loose tobacco lamina.
[0045] In particular, the cut filler tobacco material can comprise 0.02 to 0.6 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 wt.% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
[0046] In particular, the cut filler tobacco material can comprise 0.1 to 1 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 0.5 wt.% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
[0047] In particular, the cut filler tobacco material can comprise 0.075 to 0.2 wt.% dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum or guar gum, preferably 0.1 wt.% dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum or guar gum.
[0048] In particular, the cut filler tobacco material can comprise 0.25 to 1 wt.% dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7 wt.% dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5 wt.% dry matter dextrin.
[0049] All weight percentage indications in relation to the cut filler tobacco material refer to the weight of the cut filler tobacco material.
[0050] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided the use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaves, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaves, thereby forming an at least partial coating layer.
[0051] The cut filler tobacco material can further comprise elements of a smaller size than the tobacco leaves, such as tobacco fines particles, wherein the smaller sized elements are attached to the tobacco leaves.
[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a system for producing a cut filler tobacco material having improved filling power, comprising the following components: a tank comprising a binder liquid; an application station for applying the binder liquid to loose tobacco leaves such that the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaves, thereby forming an at least partial coating layer on the tobacco leaves.
[0053] The present application is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.
[0054] Example Ex1 : A method for producing a cut filler tobacco material having improved filling power, comprising the steps of:
[0055] providing a binder to loose tobacco leaves,
[0056] wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaves, thereby forming an at least partial coating layer on the tobacco leaves.
[0057] Example Ex2: The method according to Ex1, wherein the tobacco leaves are tobacco ribbons.
[0058] Example Ex3: The method according to Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the tobacco leaves comprise mainly unripened tobacco, ripened tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco sheet.
[0059] Example Ex4: The method according to Ex1 or Ex3, wherein the tobacco leaves are tobacco shreds.
[0060] Example Ex5: The method according to Ex4, wherein the tobacco shreds are obtained from reconstituted tobacco.
[0061] Example Ex6: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1 -Ex5, wherein the binder is at most only partially absorbed into the loose tobacco leaves.
[0062] Example Ex7: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1 -Ex6, wherein the binder increases the structural stability of the tobacco leaves.
[0063] Example Ex8: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex7, comprising a conditioning step, wherein the tobacco lamina is conditioned, and wherein the conditioning step is performed prior to providing the binder.
[0064] Example Ex9: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex8, comprising a dosing step,
[0065] wherein the tobacco lamina is provided with at least one dose and
[0066] wherein the binder is provided during the dosing step.
[0067] Example Ex10: The method according to Ex9, wherein the binder is provided with at least one dose.
[0068] Example Ex11 : The method according to Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the dosing step is performed after the conditioning step.
[0069] Example Ex12: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex11, comprising a blending step,
[0070] wherein the tobacco lamina is mixed with at least one other type of tobacco lamina.
[0071] Example Ex13: The method according to Ex12, wherein the blending step is performed after the dosing step.
[0072] Example Ex14: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex13, comprising a cutting step,
[0073] wherein the tobacco lamina is cut into smaller widths.
[0074] Example Ex15: The method according to Ex14, wherein the smaller widths are at most 1 millimeter, preferably 1.0 to 0.8 millimeter, or wherein the smaller widths are at most 1.1 millimeter, preferably 1.05 to 0.95 millimeter.
[0075] Example Ex16: The method according to Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the cutting step is performed after the blending step.
[0076] Example Ex17: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex16, comprising a drying step,
[0077] wherein the tobacco lamina is dried to a desired moisture content.
[0078] Example Ex18: The method according to Ex17, wherein the desired moisture content is 5 to 30 wt.%, preferably 10 to 20 wt.%.
[0079] Example Ex19: The method according to Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the drying step is flash drying.
[0080] Example Ex20: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex17-Ex19, wherein the drying step utilizes a rotary dryer.
[0081] Example Ex21 : The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex17-Ex20, wherein the drying step is microwave drying.
[0082] Example Ex22: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex17-Ex21, wherein the drying step is performed after the cutting step.
[0083] Example Ex23: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex22, comprising a mixing step,
[0084] wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco lamina and
[0085] wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step.
[0086] Example Ex24: The method according to Ex23, wherein the mixing step is performed after the drying step.
[0087] Example Ex25: The method according to Ex23 or Ex24, wherein the additive contains at least one of the following: tobacco stems, tobacco strips, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco sheet, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, or expanded tobacco.
[0088] Example Ex26: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex25, comprising a flavoring step,
[0089] wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco lamina and
[0090] wherein the binder is provided during the flavoring step.
[0091] Example Ex27: The method according to Ex26, wherein the flavoring component is a flavoring solution.
[0092] Example Ex28: The method according to Ex27, wherein the flavoring solution component is sprayed.
[0093] Example Ex29: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex26-Ex28, wherein the flavoring step is performed after the mixing step.
[0094] Example Ex30: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex29, wherein the binder comprises at least one of: a polysaccharide, dextrin, or lignin.
[0095] Example Ex31 : The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex30, wherein the binder comprises at least one of: microfibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, gum tragacanth, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum, or guar gum.
[0096] Example Ex32: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex31, wherein the binder comprises at least microfibrillated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0097] Example Ex33: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex32, wherein the binder comprises at least microfibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
[0098] Example Ex34: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex33, comprising the step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
[0099] Example Ex35: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex34, wherein the binder is a binder solution or a binder dispersion.
[0100] Example Ex36: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex35, wherein the binder is provided via spraying.
[0101] Example Ex37: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises gum tragacanth and water, preferably 0.1 to 4% dry matter gum tragacanth, more preferably 0.5 to 2% dry matter gum tragacanth, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5% dry matter gum tragacanth.
[0102] Example Ex38: The method according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4% dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2% dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5% dry matter xanthan gum.
[0103] Example Ex39: A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4% dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2% dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5% dry matter xanthan gum.
[0104] Example Ex40: A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises microfibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
[0105] Example Ex41 : A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises cellulose nanocrystals and water, preferably 1 to 10% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 4 to 9% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, and most preferably 5.5 to 7% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
[0106] Example Ex42: A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10% dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8% dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6% dry matter dextrin.
[0107] Example Ex43: A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9% dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5% dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5% dry matter guar gum.
[0108] Example Ex44: A process according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex1-Ex36, wherein the binder comprises carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0109] Example Ex45: A cut filler tobacco material comprising
[0110] loose tobacco lamina and
[0111] a binder,
[0112] wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco lamina, thereby forming an at least partial coating on the loose tobacco lamina.
[0113] Example Ex46: Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.02 to 0.6% of dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4% of dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1% of dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
[0114] Example Ex47: Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.1 to 1% of dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, preferably 0.3 to 0.8% of dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 0.5% of dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
[0115] Example Ex48: Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex45-Ex47, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.075 to 0.2% of dry matter gum tragacanth, xanthan gum or guar gum, preferably 0.1% of dry matter gum tragacanth, xanthan gum or guar gum.
[0116] Example Ex49: Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding Examples Ex45-Ex48, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.25 to 1% of dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7% of dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5% of dry matter dextrin.
[0117] Example Ex50: Use of a binding agent to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binding agent at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, thereby forming an at least partial coating layer.
[0118] Example Ex51 : Use of a binding agent according to Ex50, wherein the cut filler tobacco material further comprises elements of a smaller size than the tobacco leaf pieces, such as tobacco dust particles, wherein the smaller sized elements are attached to the tobacco leaf pieces.
[0119] Example Ex52: A system for producing a cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following components:
[0120] a tank comprising a binding agent liquid,
[0121] an application station for applying the binding agent liquid to loose tobacco leaf pieces, such that the binding agent at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco leaf pieces thereby forming an at least partial coating layer on the tobacco leaf pieces.
[0122] Examples of embodiments of the application will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0123] Figure 1schematically a cross-sectional view of a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0124] As Figure 1 As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, loose tobacco lamina 1 is taken from its storage container 2 via a mechanical arm 3 and placed on a conveyor belt 4 for transport to a direct condensation charging cylinder (DCCC) 5. Steam and a charge mixture is then applied to the loose tobacco lamina 1 in the DCCC 5, whereby the loose tobacco lamina 1 is expanded, moistened, and provided with certain flavoring treatment. Alternatively, no flavoring treatment is provided in the DCCC 5. The loose tobacco lamina 1 is then transported to a blending silo 6, where other grades of tobacco lamina are blended with the loose tobacco lamina 1. The blended tobacco lamina 1 is then transferred to a cutter 7, where the loose tobacco lamina 1 is cut to a maximum width of 1 mm. Thereafter, the loose tobacco lamina 1 is transported to a flash tower dryer 8 to achieve a final desired moisture content. After this point in the process, a mixing step is performed, in which at least one additive 12 is provided to the tobacco lamina 1. Subsequently, at least one flavoring component is sprayed onto the loose tobacco lamina 1 in a post-cut cylinder 9. The loose tobacco lamina is then transported to a final blending silo 10, after which it is distributed and partitioned into individual storage units 11.
[0125] The binder can be provided in the direct condensation charging cylinder 5 together with the additive 12, or in the post-cut cylinder 9.
[0126] For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges not expressly disclosed. Thus, in this context, a number A is understood as A ± 5% of A. In this context, a number A can be considered to include values within the general standard error of a measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In certain instances as used in the appended claims, a number A can deviate from the percentage recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed application. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges not expressly disclosed.
Claims
1. A method for producing a cut filler tobacco material having improved filling power, comprising the steps of: Provides a binder to the loose tobacco leaves, wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco leaves, thereby forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaves, Also includes a feeding step, wherein at least one charge is provided to the tobacco leaves and wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaves, Also includes seasoning steps, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaves and wherein the binder is provided during the adding step, the mixing step or the seasoning step.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder comprises at least one of microfibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum, or guar gum.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises gum tragacanth and water, preferably 0.1 to 4% dry matter gum tragacanth, more preferably 0.5 to 2% dry matter gum tragacanth, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5% dry matter gum tragacanth.
4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises microfibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises cellulose nanocrystals and water, preferably 1 to 10% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 4 to 9% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, and most preferably 5.5 to 7% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10% dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8% dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6% dry matter dextrin.
7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
8. A cut filler tobacco material comprising Loose tobacco leaves and Binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco leaves, thereby forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaves, and The binder comprises at least one of the following: Tragacanth gum and water, Microfibrillated cellulose and water, Cellulose nanocrystals and water, 2 to 8% dry matter dextrin and water, and 0.1 to 9% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water.
9. Cut filler tobacco according to claim 8, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.02 to 0.6% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1% dry matter microfibrillated cellulose.
10. The cut filler tobacco according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.1 to 1% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, preferably 0.3 to 0.8% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals, more preferably 0.5% dry matter cellulose nanocrystals.
11. The cut filler tobacco according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.075 to 0.2% dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum or guar gum, preferably 0.1% dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum or guar gum.
12. Use of a binder for improving the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco lamina, wherein the binder at least partially coats the individual loose tobacco lamina, thereby forming at least a partial coating, and wherein the binder comprises at least one of: Tragacanth gum and water, Microfibrillated cellulose and water, Cellulose nanocrystals and water, 2 to 8% dry matter dextrin and water, and 0.1 to 9% dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water.