A method for controlling and promoting absorption of glycerol viscosity for heating cigarette cut tobacco

Abstract

The application discloses a method for controlling and promoting glycerol absorption of tobacco for heated cigarettes, which comprises the following steps: humidifying tobacco sheets; cutting the tobacco sheets; mixing the tobacco; increasing the temperature and humidity of the mixed tobacco; adding glycerol to the tobacco; temporarily storing the tobacco; and drying the tobacco. The method for controlling and promoting glycerol absorption of tobacco for heated cigarettes can reduce the viscosity of glycerol, increase the flowability of glycerol, improve the atomization effect and the uniformity of glycerol application by dilution and temperature increase. The method can open the pores or the gaps between the tobacco tissues by increasing the temperature and humidity of the tobacco, improve the absorption rate of glycerol in the tobacco material, and effectively solve the problems of high difficulty in glycerol application, slow absorption rate and low production efficiency. The matching of the process performance of the equipment and the quality requirements is comprehensively considered, which is beneficial to guarantee the quality requirements of the in-process products and the finished tobacco, and improve the smoking experience of the products.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of tobacco products, in particular to a method for controlling and promoting absorption of glycerol viscosity for tobacco shreds of a heat-not-burn cigarette. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a new type of cigarette, heat-not-burn cigarettes are closest to traditional cigarettes in terms of smoking methods, physiology and psychological perception, and have the advantages of low tar generation and less release of harmful ingredients, etc. Heat-not-burn cigarettes have been widely accepted by consumers, and the market size has been expanding year by year. In particular, the market share in Japan, South Korea, Russia and European countries has been increasing year by year, becoming a realistic choice and profit growth point for domestic and foreign tobacco giants to cope with the declining sales of traditional tobacco products. Heat-not-burn cigarettes mainly use a heat source below 350℃ to heat tobacco materials (tobacco shreds, sheets) to make the effective components in the tobacco materials volatilize. In order to fully release nicotine in the tobacco materials, a large amount of glycerol (10-20%) is usually added to the tobacco materials to promote the effective release of nicotine and flavoring substances in the tobacco materials. There are two kinds of processing technology for heat-not-burn cigarettes at present. One is an ordered processing technology, which processes tobacco leaves into reconstituted tobacco leaves (roller pressing method, thickening method, papermaking method, etc.), cuts the tobacco leaves into rolls, and processes the reconstituted tobacco leaves in rolls by using a special forming machine. The production is carried out by using pressure feeding, gathering and cutting. The other is an unordered processing technology, which processes tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco leaves and other raw materials into tobacco shreds, and rolls them into a shape by using a modified cigarette machine. Among them, a large amount of glycerol (15-20%) needs to be added to the tobacco shreds during the production process. The production process generally adopts the traditional processing technology of tobacco shreds to fully utilize the equipment and reduce investment.

[0003] In the actual production process of tobacco shreds, it is found that there are many problems in the addition of glycerol. First, due to the high viscosity and poor flowability of glycerol, it is difficult to use conventional compressed air atomization. Second, due to the temperature difference (10-40℃) between glycerol and the surface of tobacco leaves, the glycerol atomized particles sprayed onto the surface of tobacco leaves quickly decrease in temperature, and the viscosity of glycerol quickly increases. Third, the speed of tobacco materials absorbing glycerol is very slow, and the flowability of glycerol in the micropores of tobacco materials is very poor. The added glycerol is more likely to stay on the surface of tobacco materials rather than enter the inside of tobacco materials. The fundamental reason is that the viscosity of glycerol liquid is very large. In order to reduce the viscosity of glycerol, dilution, temperature increase or both dilution and temperature increase are generally used to reduce the viscosity. Tests show that when the viscosity is reduced to below 50 N.s / m, the glycerol solution has good flowability and atomization effect, and the tobacco sheet is easier to absorb. However, due to the close relationship between viscosity and water addition ratio and temperature, the heating temperature is often set by experience to reduce the viscosity in the production process. However, due to the different proportions of glycerol and water addition amounts for different brands of tobacco shreds, there are problems such as large viscosity variation, poor production guidance, etc., leading to different absorption degrees and easy cleaning of tobacco leaves or tobacco shreds.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to control the viscosity of glycerol and promote its absorption in heated cigarette tobacco. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the viscosity of glycerol and promoting its absorption in heated cigarette tobacco, so as to solve the problems in the prior art. This method can effectively solve the problems of difficult application of glycerol, slow absorption rate and low production efficiency, and can be used to guide production and improve product quality.

[0006] This invention provides a method for controlling the viscosity of glycerol and promoting its absorption in heated cigarette tobacco, comprising:

[0007] The tobacco sheets are rehydrated.

[0008] The tobacco sheets are shredded.

[0009] The shredded tobacco is then blended.

[0010] The blended tobacco shreds are then subjected to a temperature and humidity increase treatment.

[0011] Adding ingredients to the tobacco shreds involves applying glycerol that has been diluted and heated to the surface of the tobacco shreds.

[0012] Temporarily store tobacco shreds;

[0013] The tobacco shreds are dried.

[0014] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes, in the case of heating and humidifying the blended tobacco, the following specific steps:

[0015] Fluidized bed heating machine is used to heat and humidify the blended tobacco. The heating medium is high temperature and low humidity air to keep the relative humidity of the tobacco between 50% and 70%. The temperature of the tobacco increases by more than or equal to 70°C and the moisture content increases by more than 0% and less than or equal to 0.5%.

[0016] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes, in the tobacco feeding process, the application of diluted and heated glycerol to the surface of the tobacco specifically comprising:

[0017] Glycerol is diluted to reduce its viscosity.

[0018] The application ratio of glycerol was adjusted to ensure that the processed tobacco shreds met the theoretical glycerol content requirements of the product.

[0019] Glycerol was applied using a drum feeder equipped with hot air heating and drum heating, in order to heat the glycerol using the drum feeder.

[0020] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes the following steps:

[0021] Transfer the prepared glycerol solution to the feeder's hopper;

[0022] Based on the required moisture content of tobacco shreds before drying, the change in moisture content of tobacco shreds from the outlet of the feeder to the outlet before drying was tested to determine the set value of the moisture content of tobacco shreds at the outlet of the feeder.

[0023] Based on the set values ​​of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet and the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet, the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution is calculated using the following formula:

[0024]

[0025] Where m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %; a represents the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet, in %; and b represents the set value of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet ...

[0026] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes, in that the modification of the application ratio of glycerol specifically includes:

[0027] Based on the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design and the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, the corrected application ratio of glycerol in the aqueous glycerol solution is calculated using the following formula:

[0028] n = 1.15(1 + m / 100) * e (2)

[0029] Where n represents the application ratio of glycerol in the modified glycerol aqueous solution, in %; e represents the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design, in %; and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %.

[0030] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of glycerol in heated cigarette tobacco as described above, preferably, involves applying glycerol using a drum-type feeder equipped with hot air heating and drum heating, thereby utilizing the drum-type feeder to heat the glycerol, specifically including:

[0031] The hot air temperature of the drum feeder is set to 90℃-120℃, the drum temperature is set to 50℃-70℃, and the processing time of the tobacco shreds in the drum is greater than or equal to 5 minutes. During the application of glycerol, compressed air at a temperature of 60℃-90℃ is used to atomize the glycerol, and the temperature of the glycerol after heating is calculated using the following formula.

[0032]

[0033] T represents the temperature after glycerol is heated, and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in units of %.

[0034] The method for controlling and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes the following steps before the rehydration treatment of the tobacco sheets:

[0035] The tobacco sheets undergo a series of processes, including unpacking, weighing, slicing, packing, and vacuum rehydration.

[0036] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes, in the case of rehydration treatment of the tobacco sheets, the following specific steps:

[0037] The tobacco sheets enter the loosening and rehydration process for rehydration treatment. After rehydration, the outlet temperature of the tobacco sheets is greater than or equal to 50℃, and the moisture content is 14%-16%, with a moisture content accuracy of 1.0%.

[0038] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably includes the following steps: The process of shredding the tobacco sheets specifically includes:

[0039] After rehydration, the tobacco sheets are cut into shreds with a width of 0.65mm-0.85mm.

[0040] The blending process of the shredded tobacco specifically includes:

[0041] After being shredded, the tobacco shreds are placed in a storage cabinet for mixing and buffering.

[0042] The method for controlling and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol, as described above, preferably further includes, after the tobacco is dried:

[0043] Mixing;

[0044] Mechanical loosening is performed using a mechanical loosening device;

[0045] Add fragrance;

[0046] Box-type storage.

[0047] This invention provides a method for controlling the viscosity of glycerol and promoting its absorption in heated cigarette tobacco. By diluting and heating, the viscosity is reduced, increasing its fluidity, improving atomization, and enhancing application uniformity. Through the mechanisms of heating and swelling of tobacco leaves / shreds, the pores or interstitial spaces of the tobacco shreds are opened, increasing the absorption rate of glycerol in the tobacco material. This effectively solves the problems of difficult application, slow absorption rate, and low production efficiency of glycerol. Furthermore, this invention comprehensively considers the matching of processing equipment performance with quality requirements, which helps ensure the quality requirements of both in-process and finished tobacco products, improving the smoking experience. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco and promoting its absorption using glycerol, provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0051] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Terms such as “including” or “contains” mean that the element preceding the term encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as “above” and “below” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0052] In this disclosure, when a specific component is described as being located between a first component and a second component, an intermediary component may or may not be present between the specific component and the first or second component. When a specific component is described as connecting to other components, the specific component may be directly connected to the other components without having an intermediary component, or it may not be directly connected to the other components but may have an intermediary component.

[0053] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0054] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol provided in this embodiment specifically includes the following steps in actual implementation:

[0056] Step S1: Re-moisten the tobacco sheets.

[0057] Specifically, the tobacco leaves undergo a loosening and rehumidification process. After rehumidification, the outlet temperature of the tobacco leaves is greater than or equal to 50°C, and the moisture content is 14%-16%, with a moisture content accuracy of 1.0%. By increasing the temperature and humidity, the softness, expansion rate, and processing resistance of the tobacco leaves can be further increased, and the pores and cross-sectional tissue gaps on the surface of the tobacco leaves can be further opened.

[0058] Furthermore, prior to the rehydration treatment of the tobacco sheets, the method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol and promoting absorption further includes:

[0059] The tobacco sheets undergo a series of processes, including unpacking, weighing, slicing, packing, and vacuum rehydration.

[0060] Step S2: Shred the tobacco sheets.

[0061] This invention employs a method of directly shredding tobacco leaves after rehydration, avoiding the problems caused by mixing and shredding the tobacco leaves after rehydration, which lowers the tobacco temperature and necessitates reheating, or by the risk of breakage during direct shredding. This effectively reduces breakage and lowers energy consumption. Specifically, the rehydrated tobacco leaves are shredded to a width of 0.65mm-0.85mm. The finer shreds facilitate penetration, diffusion, and absorption of the tobacco.

[0062] Step S3: Mix the shredded tobacco.

[0063] This invention adjusts the process sequence, changing the temporary storage and blending of rehydrated tobacco sheets to blending after shredding. This fully utilizes the higher temperature and greater softness of rehydrated tobacco sheets, making them easier to shred and reducing breakage during shredding, while also improving the uniformity of blending. Specifically, the shredded tobacco enters a storage cabinet for mixing and buffering. The blending process after shredding in this invention significantly improves the uniformity of blending, mainly because the amount of shredded tobacco can be increased by 10-30 times compared to the amount of tobacco sheets, and shredded tobacco is easier to blend evenly than tobacco sheets.

[0064] Step S4: The blended tobacco is subjected to a temperature and humidity increase treatment.

[0065] This invention adds a heating process before applying the atomizing agent (glycerol) to the tobacco shreds, which increases the temperature of the tobacco shreds, facilitating their loosening and absorption of the atomizing agent. Specifically, a fluidized bed heating machine is used to heat and humidify the blended tobacco shreds. The heating medium is high-temperature, low-humidity air, maintaining the relative humidity of the tobacco shreds at 50%-70%. The temperature increase of the tobacco shreds is greater than or equal to 70°C, and the increase in moisture content is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 0.5%. This invention utilizes the thermal expansion effect of the fluidized bed heating machine to open the intercellular spaces, cells, and surface pores of the tobacco shreds. Simultaneously, the airflow of the fluidized bed heating machine loosens the tobacco shreds, promoting faster penetration and diffusion of the atomizing agent (such as glycerol) into the intercellular spaces and interior of the cells.

[0066] Step S5: Add tobacco shreds by applying glycerol that has been diluted and heated to the surface of the tobacco shreds.

[0067] In this invention, glycerol, used as a misting agent, is applied using a drum-type feeder with hot air and a heated drum body. The hot air and heat from the drum increase the temperature of the tobacco while maintaining the temperature inside the drum. The misting agent is applied by heating and dilution to reduce viscosity, thereby improving fluidity and diffusion rate. The viscosity of the glycerol solution is affected by its concentration and temperature; higher water content results in lower viscosity, and higher temperature also results in lower viscosity. Experimental studies and production have shown that when the viscosity of the glycerol solution reaches 50 N·s / m, the glycerol solution exhibits good fluidity and atomization effect, and is easily absorbed by the tobacco. In one embodiment of the method for controlling the viscosity and promoting absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol according to this invention, step S5 may specifically include:

[0068] Step S51: Dilute the glycerol to reduce its viscosity.

[0069] The applied glycerol is diluted with water to reduce its viscosity. In one embodiment of the method for controlling the viscosity of glycerol and promoting absorption of heated cigarette tobacco according to the present invention, step S51 may specifically include:

[0070] Step S511: Transfer the prepared glycerol solution to the feeder hopper.

[0071] Step S512: Based on the required moisture content of the tobacco shreds before drying, test the change in moisture content of the tobacco shreds from the outlet of the feeder to the outlet of the feeder to determine the set value of the moisture content of the tobacco shreds at the outlet of the feeder.

[0072] Step S513: Based on the set values ​​of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet and the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet, calculate the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution using the following formula:

[0073]

[0074] Where m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %; a represents the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet, in %; selected within the range of 14%-18% according to processing requirements, with a value generally of 16%; and b represents the set value of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet, in %; selected within the range of 15%-20% according to processing requirements, with a value generally of 17.5%.

[0075] When diluting glycerol, subsequent processing requirements must be considered to prevent excessive dilution from leading to excessive moisture content in the tobacco leaves. This can cause problems such as difficulty in loosening the cut tobacco shreds and increased drying difficulty. This invention uses the required moisture content of the tobacco shreds before drying as a benchmark, tests the change in moisture content from the feeder outlet to the point before drying, determines the suitable moisture content of the tobacco shreds at the feeder outlet, and then calculates the appropriate concentration of the glycerol solution and the amount of water to be added. The glycerol aqueous solution dilution method provided by this invention takes into account the quality requirements of subsequent processing, making the dilution method more scientific and reasonable.

[0076] Step S52: Adjust the application ratio of glycerol to ensure that the processed tobacco shreds are consistent with the theoretical glycerol content requirement of the product.

[0077] Because glycerol vaporizes and volatilizes during the tobacco drying process in the tobacco drying machine, the average loss rate of glycerol is approximately 14%-16%. Therefore, when applying the glycerol atomizing agent in the feeding process, the loss from subsequent processing must be considered. Thus, the application ratio of the atomizing agent needs to be adjusted to ensure that the processed tobacco matches the theoretical glycerol content required by the product design. Specifically, based on the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design and the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, the adjusted application ratio of glycerol in the glycerol aqueous solution is calculated using the following formula:

[0078] n = 1.15(1 + m / 100) * e (2)

[0079] Where n represents the application ratio of glycerol in the modified glycerol aqueous solution, in %; e represents the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design, in %; and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %.

[0080] The glycerol aqueous solution application ratio correction formula provided by this invention can ensure that the glycerol content of the processed tobacco is closer to the product design requirements, and the sensory quality of the product can better achieve the product design goals.

[0081] Step S53: Apply glycerol using a drum feeder with hot air heating and cylinder heating to heat the glycerol using the drum feeder.

[0082] The viscosity of the applied glycerol solution is further reduced by heating to ensure that the viscosity of the glycerol aqueous solution after heating is ≤50 N·s / m. Hot air can increase the temperature of the tobacco leaves, and thermal expansion further opens the pores and cross-sectional gaps on the surface of the tobacco leaves. The drum insulation maintains the temperature of the tobacco leaves, promoting glycerol absorption. Specifically, the hot air temperature of the drum feeder is set to 90℃-120℃, the drum temperature is set to 50℃-70℃, and the processing time of the tobacco leaves in the drum is greater than or equal to 5 minutes to ensure that the tobacco leaves fully absorb glycerol under high-temperature conditions. During the application of glycerol, compressed air at a temperature of 60℃-90℃ is used to atomize the glycerol, which reduces the increase in viscosity caused by temperature decreases. The temperature of the glycerol after heating is calculated using the following formula.

[0083]

[0084] T represents the temperature after glycerol is heated, and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in units of %.

[0085] In practical implementation, the calculation of the temperature after glycerol humidification is based on a glycerol solution viscosity of 50 N·s / L. According to the relationship table between glycerol solution viscosity, temperature, and water content, combined with production line tests and factors such as heating during the glycerol solution atomization process, the function is simplified through regression analysis, principal component analysis, and experimental verification to obtain the empirical formula for the glycerol solution after humidification shown in formula (3). The glycerol aqueous solution temperature calculation formula provided by this invention can provide a basis for technicians to formulate technical standards for glycerol solution temperature.

[0086] In step S5, glycerol is further addressed by employing technical means such as water dilution and heating, high-temperature compressed air atomization, sealed storage, and a complete set of technical parameters to solve the problems of high viscosity, difficulty in application, and slow absorption rate of glycerol.

[0087] Step S6: Temporarily store the tobacco.

[0088] After the atomizing agent is applied, the tobacco is temporarily stored. In some embodiments of the present invention, a sealed box can be used for temporary storage, while in other embodiments, a tobacco storage cabinet can be used. When using a tobacco storage cabinet for temporary storage, the ambient humidity should be below 37% RH.

[0089] Step S7: Dry the tobacco.

[0090] After storage, the tobacco shreds enter the drying process. No heating or humidification is applied before drying to reduce energy consumption and lower the drying temperature, minimizing the loss of volatile components and misting agents. After drying, the moisture content is determined according to product and process requirements, generally not exceeding 10%. Preheating the tobacco shreds with hot, humid air before drying reduces energy consumption due to increased moisture content, while ensuring the looseness and softness of the tobacco shreds.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, after the tobacco shreds are dried, the method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco shreds and promoting absorption with glycerol further includes the following steps performed sequentially:

[0092] Step S8: Mixing.

[0093] Specifically, according to the formula requirements, tobacco shreds are mixed with special sheets for heated cigarettes in a certain proportion.

[0094] Step S9: Mechanical loosening is performed using a mechanical loosening device.

[0095] In a specific implementation, a mechanical loosening device is installed after the blending process and before the flavoring process. This device can employ multiple rows of rollers with pull pins to improve the looseness of the tobacco shreds and simultaneously promote uniform mixing. In other embodiments, other loosening methods, such as wind-driven loosening and mixing, may also be used; this invention does not specifically limit these methods. The mechanical loosening process of the tobacco shreds before flavoring, added in this invention, can better improve the looseness and uniformity of the mixing of the tobacco shreds.

[0096] Step S10: Add fragrance.

[0097] Specifically, fragrance is added according to the product's technical requirements.

[0098] Step S11: Box-type storage.

[0099] After flavoring, the tobacco is packed and stored in boxes. The box-type storage uses insulated boxes with sealed lids to isolate it from the outside air. The storage time is more than 2 hours. On the one hand, isolating it from the outside air is to prevent the tobacco from absorbing moisture and increasing its moisture content, which is not conducive to subsequent processing. On the other hand, the storage ensures that the tobacco fully absorbs glycerol. Box-type storage is a mature technology in the industry.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, tobacco sheets are processed sequentially through the following steps:

[0101] (1) The tobacco sheets are unpacked, weighed, sliced, packed, and vacuum rehumidified. After vacuum rehumidification, they enter the loose rehumidification process for rehumidification. After rehumidification, the hot air temperature of the tobacco sheets is 70℃, the hot air velocity is 0.8m / s, the outlet temperature is 45℃, the moisture content is set to 16.0%, and the flow rate is set to 5000kg / h.

[0102] (2) Cut the rehydrated tobacco into shreds with a width of 0.9 mm;

[0103] (3) After shredding, the tobacco shreds are mixed and buffered for 30 minutes;

[0104] (4) After mixing, the tobacco shreds are heated. The flow rate is set to 6200 kg / h, the hot air flow rate of the heating machine is set to 150 kg / h, the pressure is set to 0.4 MPa, the relative humidity is set to 60%, and the temperature of the tobacco shreds after heating is 75℃, and the moisture content increases by 0.2%.

[0105] (5) After heating, the tobacco shreds are conveyed to the feeder through the vibrating trough and glycerol aqueous solution is applied.

[0106] The feeder is a drum-type feeder with a heated drum body, with a flow rate set to 6300 kg / h, a hot air temperature set to 95℃, a drum body temperature set to 60℃, a drum rotation speed set to 8 r / min, and a tobacco processing time of 5.2 min in the drum. The glycerol aqueous solution is applied by atomization with compressed air at 90℃. The moisture content of the inlet tobacco is 15%, and the moisture content of the outlet tobacco is 16.5%.

[0107] The theoretical proportion of glycerol in tobacco is 15% (relative to the weight of tobacco). The applied glycerol is diluted with water to reduce its viscosity. The amount of water added is calculated according to formula (1) and the required water ratio is 25%. Glycerol aqueous solution is prepared according to this ratio. The application ratio of glycerol aqueous solution is calculated according to formula (2) and the application ratio is 21.56% (based on the weight of tobacco at the feeder inlet). The heating temperature of glycerol is calculated according to formula (3) and is 79℃.

[0108] (6) Temporary storage of tobacco. After applying the atomizing agent, the tobacco should be temporarily stored, which can be done in a sealed box;

[0109] (7) Tobacco drying. After storage, the tobacco shreds enter the drying process. No heating or humidification is performed before drying, which helps reduce energy consumption and lowers the drying temperature, minimizing the loss of volatile components and misting agents. The moisture content after drying is 10%.

[0110] (8) Blending: According to the formula requirements, the tobacco shreds and the special sheet shreds for heated cigarettes are blended in a certain proportion. The blending ratio of the special sheet shreds for heated cigarettes is 30% (by weight of tobacco shreds).

[0111] (9) The blended tobacco shreds are mechanically loosened;

[0112] (10) Add fragrance. Add fragrance according to the product's technical requirements, with a fragrance ratio of 1.5%;

[0113] (11) Box storage. Box storage uses insulated boxes with sealed lids to isolate external air. The storage time is not less than 2 hours and not more than 1 month.

[0114] Samples of dried tobacco processed according to the above procedure were taken and tested for moisture and propylene glycol content. Sensory quality was evaluated by manual smoking, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0115] Table 1. Results of Glycerol, Moisture Content and Sensory Quality Evaluation in Tobacco Shreds

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] As can be seen from Table 1, the moisture content and glycerol content of the tobacco shreds are basically consistent with the process requirements, and the sensory quality meets the design requirements.

[0119] The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of glycerol in heated cigarette tobacco provided in this invention reduces its viscosity by dilution and heating, increases its fluidity, and improves atomization and application uniformity. Through the mechanism of heated and humidified expansion and thermal expansion of tobacco leaves / shreds, the pores or interstitial spaces of the tobacco shreds are opened, increasing the absorption rate of glycerol in the tobacco material. This effectively solves the problems of difficult application, slow absorption rate, and low production efficiency of glycerol. Furthermore, this invention comprehensively considers the matching of processing equipment performance with quality requirements, which helps ensure the quality requirements of both in-process and finished tobacco shreds, and improves the smoking experience.

[0120] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0121] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco and promoting its absorption using glycerol, characterized in that, include: The tobacco sheets are rehydrated. The tobacco sheets are shredded. The shredded tobacco is then blended. The blended tobacco shreds are then subjected to a temperature and humidity increase treatment. Adding ingredients to the tobacco shreds involves applying glycerol that has been diluted and heated to the surface of the tobacco shreds. Temporarily store tobacco shreds; Tobacco shreds are dried. In the tobacco feeding process, the application of glycerol that has undergone dilution and heating treatment to the surface of the tobacco specifically includes: Glycerol is diluted to reduce its viscosity. The application ratio of glycerol was adjusted to ensure that the processed tobacco shreds met the theoretical glycerol content requirements of the product. Glycerol was applied using a drum feeder equipped with both hot air heating and drum heating, thereby utilizing the drum feeder to preheat the glycerol. The dilution treatment of glycerol specifically includes: Transfer the prepared glycerol solution to the feeder's hopper; Based on the required moisture content of tobacco shreds before drying, the change in moisture content of tobacco shreds from the outlet of the feeder to the outlet before drying was tested to determine the set value of the moisture content of tobacco shreds at the outlet of the feeder. Based on the set values ​​of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet and the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet, the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution is calculated using the following formula: Where m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %; a represents the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder inlet, in % (selected within the range of 14%-18% according to processing requirements); and b represents the set value of the moisture content of the tobacco at the feeder outlet, in % (selected within the range of 15%-20% according to processing requirements). The modification of the application ratio of glycerol specifically includes: Based on the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design and the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, the corrected application ratio of glycerol in the aqueous glycerol solution is calculated using the following formula: n = 1.15(1 + m / 100) * e (2) Where n represents the proportion of glycerol applied in the modified glycerol aqueous solution, in %; e represents the theoretical glycerol content in the tobacco as required by the product design, in %; and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in %. The method of applying glycerol using a drum feeder equipped with hot air heating and drum heating, to heat the glycerol using the drum feeder, specifically includes: The hot air temperature of the drum feeder is set to 90℃-120℃, the drum temperature is set to 50℃-70℃, and the processing time of the tobacco shreds in the drum is greater than or equal to 5 minutes. During the application of glycerol, compressed air at a temperature of 60℃-90℃ is used to atomize the glycerol, and the temperature of the glycerol after heating is calculated using the following formula. T represents the temperature after glycerol is heated, and m represents the weight percentage of water in the glycerol solution, in units of %.

2. The method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco and promoting absorption with glycerol according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and humidification treatment of the blended tobacco shreds specifically includes: Fluidized bed heating machine is used to heat and humidify the blended tobacco. The heating medium is high temperature and low humidity air to keep the relative humidity of the tobacco between 50% and 70%. The temperature of the tobacco increases by more than or equal to 70°C and the moisture content increases by more than 0% and less than or equal to 0.5%.

3. The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prior to the rehydration treatment of the tobacco sheets, the method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol and promoting absorption further includes: The tobacco sheets undergo a series of processes, including unpacking, weighing, slicing, packing, and vacuum rehydration.

4. The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol according to claim 1, characterized in that, The re-moistening treatment of the tobacco sheets specifically includes: The tobacco sheets enter the loosening and rehydration process for rehydration treatment. After rehydration, the outlet temperature of the tobacco sheets is greater than or equal to 50℃, and the moisture content is 14%-16%, with a moisture content accuracy of 1.0%.

5. The method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco and promoting absorption with glycerol according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of shredding the tobacco sheets specifically includes: After rehydration, the tobacco sheets are cut into shreds with a width of 0.65mm-0.85mm. The blending process of the shredded tobacco specifically includes: After being shredded, the tobacco shreds are placed in a storage cabinet for mixing and buffering.

6. The method for controlling the viscosity and promoting the absorption of heated cigarette tobacco using glycerol according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the tobacco shreds are dried, the method for controlling the viscosity of heated cigarette tobacco shreds and promoting absorption using glycerol further includes: Mixing; Mechanical loosening is performed using a mechanical loosening device; Add fragrance; Box-type storage.

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