A centrifugal system and method for concentrating and removing impurities from reconstituted tobacco extracts in papermaking processes.

Abstract

This invention provides a centrifugal system and method for concentrating and removing impurities from tobacco alcohol extracts obtained through papermaking. The system includes a first feeding tank, a separator, and a second concentrated liquid feeding tank. The first feeding tank is equipped with a vertical stirrer, and has a concentrated liquid inlet, a reflux port, and a clean water inlet at the top, and an outlet at the bottom. The separator has an inlet and an outlet at the top. The second concentrated liquid feeding tank has a concentrated liquid inlet, a reflux port, and a clean water inlet at the top, and an outlet at the bottom. A concentrated liquid feeding pipeline is connected to the concentrated liquid inlet of the first feeding tank. The outlet of the first feeding tank is connected to both the reflux port of the first feeding tank and the inlet of the separator. The outlet of the separator is connected to the concentrated liquid inlet of the second concentrated liquid feeding tank. The outlet of the second concentrated liquid feeding tank is connected to both the reflux port of the second concentrated liquid feeding tank and a concentrator / evaporator. This system can effectively reduce the content of large-molecule insoluble matter in tobacco alcohol extracts and improve the quality of the extracts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for concentrating and centrifuging tobacco alcohol extracts for purification, and more particularly to a system and method for concentrating and centrifuging tobacco alcohol extracts for purification in papermaking processes. Background Technology

[0002] Increasing the amount of tobacco alcohol extract in the coating formulation for reconstituted tobacco production can, on the one hand, reduce the amount of auxiliary flavorings and fragrances added, thus lowering costs; on the other hand, it can promote the reconstitution and recombination characteristics of reconstituted tobacco products, retaining the original tobacco aroma substances and improving aroma quantity, harmony, and smoothness. Currently, the quality of tobacco alcohol extract produced on the production line lags behind high-quality products on the market, mainly in the following ways: 1) The tobacco alcohol extract has low clarity and a dull color; 2) There is a layer of small-particle, alcohol-insoluble macromolecular insoluble matter at the bottom of the tobacco alcohol extract. This is mainly related to insufficient separation during the sedimentation and stratification process of the extract liquid during production. The insoluble impurities enter the concentration system, and their average particle size is only 6μm, making them difficult to settle. Continuous production leads to a relative accumulation of impurities, thus affecting the quality of the tobacco alcohol extract. In sensory evaluation, this manifests as cloudy smoke, heavy off-flavors, and poor harmony.

[0003] Currently, the methods for preparing tobacco alcohol extracts vary widely. The removal of macromolecular insoluble matter typically involves sedimentation and stratification during extraction, followed by simple filtration to remove impurities. However, in continuous production, small particulate impurities accumulate and are eventually incorporated into the finished product. The sedimentation and filtration methods are insufficient for this purpose, leading to a decline in the quality of the tobacco alcohol extract. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a centrifugal impurity removal system for concentrating reconstituted tobacco alcohol extracts from papermaking processes to further reduce the content of macromolecular insoluble matter and improve the quality of the extract. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that current methods for preparing tobacco alcohol extracts suffer from insufficient sedimentation and filtration effects, leading to a decline in the quality of tobacco alcohol extracts. This invention proposes a centrifugal concentrator and impurity removal system for tobacco alcohol extracts from reconstituted tobacco leaves produced using a papermaking process. This system can effectively reduce the content of macromolecular insoluble matter in tobacco alcohol extracts and improve the quality of the extracts.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a centrifugal concentrator and impurity removal system for tobacco alcohol extract from reconstituted tobacco leaves using a papermaking method, comprising a first feeding tank, a separator, and a second concentrate feeding tank;

[0006] The first feed tank is equipped with a vertical agitator. The top of the first feed tank is equipped with a concentrate inlet, a reflux port and a clean water inlet, and the bottom is equipped with an outlet. The separator is equipped with an inlet and an outlet at the top. The second concentrate feed tank is equipped with a concentrate inlet, a reflux port and a clean water inlet at the top, and the bottom is equipped with an outlet.

[0007] The concentrate feeding pipeline is connected to the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank. The outlet of the first feed storage tank is connected to the return port of the first feed storage tank and the inlet of the separator. The outlet of the separator is connected to the concentrate inlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank. The outlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank is connected to the return port of the second concentrate feed storage tank and the evaporator.

[0008] Furthermore, a first feed pump is provided in the concentrated liquid feeding pipeline, which includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic diaphragm pump.

[0009] Furthermore, a second feed pump is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank and the return port of the first feed tank and the inlet of the separator. The second feed pump includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic diaphragm pump.

[0010] Furthermore, a third feed pump is installed on the pipeline between the second concentrate feed tank and the top reflux port of the second concentrate feed tank and the concentrate evaporator. The third feed pump includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic diaphragm pump.

[0011] Furthermore, a manual valve and a pneumatic valve are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank and the return port of the first feed tank; a flow meter and a flow regulating valve are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank and the inlet of the separator; a manual valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank and the second feed pump; a manual valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the separator and the concentrated liquid inlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank; a manual valve and a pneumatic valve are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank and the return port of the second concentrated liquid feed tank; a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, and a pressure transmitter are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank and the evaporator; and a manual valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank and the third feed pump. A first sight glass tube is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank and the second feed pump, and a second sight glass tube is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank and the third feed pump. Sight glasses are installed on the pipelines to observe the dynamic flow direction and cleanliness of the liquid. The pressure transmitter is interlocked with the pump to control the pressure at the pump outlet.

[0012] Furthermore, a three-way pneumatic valve is installed on the pipeline between the first feed pump and the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank. The outlet of the first feed pump is split into two paths by the three-way pneumatic valve: one path is directly connected to the inlet of the evaporation and concentration system, and the other path is connected to the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank.

[0013] Furthermore, a first level gauge is installed in the first feeding tank. The first level gauge is a pressure level gauge, more preferably a differential pressure level gauge.

[0014] Furthermore, a level sensor is installed in the second concentrate feed tank. The level sensor mainly observes the liquid level in the second concentrate feed tank. When the liquid level is high, the liquid level in the second concentrate feed tank is controlled by adjusting the outlet pressure of the third feed pump. However, there is no interlocking logic between the level sensor and the third feed pump.

[0015] Furthermore, the papermaking method reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extract concentration and centrifugal impurity removal system also includes a control system, wherein the first feed pump, the second feed pump, the third feed pump, the first level gauge, the separator, the manual valve, the pneumatic valve, the flow regulating valve, the flow meter, the level sensor, the pressure transmitter and the three-way pneumatic valve are respectively connected to the control system in communication.

[0016] Furthermore, the control system includes, but is not limited to, a PLC controller.

[0017] Furthermore, the separator includes, but is not limited to, a butterfly separator.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages (%) in this invention refer to mass percentages.

[0019] Another objective of this invention discloses a method for concentrating and removing impurities from tobacco alcohol extracts obtained through papermaking, comprising the following steps:

[0020] The concentrated semi-finished product is fed to the first feed storage tank 4 by the first feed pump 32. The concentrated semi-finished product at the outlet of the first feed storage tank 4 is sent to the separator 8 by the second feed pump 6. The centrifugal force of the separator 8 sends the purified concentrated semi-finished product to the second concentrated feed storage tank 16. The concentrated semi-finished product at the outlet of the second concentrated feed storage tank 16 is transported to the concentration and evaporation system by the third feed pump 17 for the next step of evaporation and concentration.

[0021] Furthermore, the concentrated semi-finished product is a concentrated semi-finished product of tobacco alcohol extract from reconstituted tobacco leaves produced by the papermaking process. Before centrifugation, the solid content of the concentrated semi-finished product is 15%wt~18%wt, and the viscosity is 15.5~18 mPa·s. Using the above-mentioned concentrated semi-finished product is beneficial for the impurity removal effect of the separator. The reasons for setting the process parameters are: firstly, large molecular impurities are mainly accumulated during the concentration process; secondly, considering the working performance of the separator and the retention of aroma-producing substances in the concentrated semi-finished product, its solid content and viscosity should not be too high. Excessive high viscosity results in a low removal rate of large molecular impurities and a high loss rate of aroma-producing substances during centrifugation.

[0022] Furthermore, to ensure that the concentrated semi-finished product reaches the set parameters (solid content, viscosity) before centrifugation, this invention provides a three-way pneumatic valve 31 before the concentrated semi-finished product enters the first feed tank 4. When the solid content of the concentrated semi-finished product does not reach the target value, the inlet valve of the first feed tank 4 is closed, and the concentrated semi-finished product continues to circulate and concentrate; when the target value is reached, the three-way pneumatic valve 31 opens and enters the first tank. In order to stabilize the liquid level balance of the first feed tank 4 and meet the centrifugation impurity removal effect, the system prioritizes the interlocking control of the first feed pump 32, the three-way pneumatic valve 31, and the first feed tank 4. For example, when the liquid level in the first tank is ≥650mm, the first feed pump 32 stops, the three-way pneumatic valve 31 closes, and the liquid feeding stops; when the liquid level in the first tank is ≤300mm, the first feed pump 32 starts, the three-way pneumatic valve 31 opens, and the liquid feeding begins.

[0023] Furthermore, in some specific application scenarios, such as the production of reconstituted tobacco alcohol extract with a daily output of 6 tons, in the concentration centrifugal impurity removal system, taking into account the operating conditions of the separator, it is necessary to meet the centrifugal impurity removal requirements while maintaining product output. The separator parameter settings are as follows: inlet flow rate of 2.0~2.5T / h, centrifugation time of 10~20S, and slag discharge time of 16~18min (of course, the centrifugation parameters can also be adjusted according to the impurity content in the concentrate semi-finished product, which will not be elaborated or limited in this invention).

[0024] The present invention provides a system and method for concentrating and removing impurities from the alcoholic extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves using a papermaking process. Compared with existing technologies, this system and method have the following advantages:

[0025] The design concept of this invention lies in adding a centrifugal purification system to the evaporation and concentration process to remove large, insoluble particles from tobacco alcohol extracts, thereby improving the quality and clarity of the extracts. The specific implementation scheme consists of a main separator, auxiliary equipment including a centrifugal feeding tank (first feeding tank 4), a concentrate feeding tank (second concentrate feeding tank 16), three liquid delivery pumps (first feeding pump 32, second feeding pump 6, and third feeding pump 17), a liquid level control device, and several control valves, forming a purification system. This invention enables the concentration process of tobacco alcohol extracts from reconstituted tobacco leaves produced using the papermaking method to achieve a removal rate of over 90% for insoluble matter and a 20% increase in clarity. The purification process does not affect the internal structural characteristics of the tobacco alcohol extracts. When applied to reconstituted tobacco cigarette formulations, it significantly increases the smoothness and harmony of the smoke while reducing impurities, without altering the mainstream direction of the smoke. Furthermore, this method meets the impurity removal requirements in large-scale continuous concentration production processes. This method does not affect the structural changes of soluble substances during the concentration process during the impurity removal process, and it also improves the quality of the original tobacco aroma substances. This impurity removal process not only improves the quality of tobacco alcohol extract, but also relatively improves the clarity of tobacco alcohol extract. It can be used not only for impurity removal in the tobacco extraction and concentration process, but can also be extended to the removal of impurities in other plant extraction and pharmaceutical processes. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the centrifugal purification system for concentrating and removing impurities from the tobacco alcohol extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves using the papermaking method of the present invention.

[0027] in

[0028] 1 Vertical agitator; 2 Clean water inlet; 3 Concentrate feed pipeline; 4 First feed tank; 5 First level gauge; 6 Second feed pump; 7 Pneumatic valve; 8 Separator; 9 Outlet; 15 Level sensor; 16 Second concentrate feed tank; 17 Third feed pump; 19 Manual valve; 20 Concentrator evaporator; 22 Flow regulating valve; 23 Flow meter; 24 Inlet; 30 Pressure transmitter; 31 Three-way pneumatic valve; 32 First feed pump. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This invention discloses a centrifugal concentrator and impurity removal system for reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extract produced during papermaking, comprising:

[0030] The system includes a concentrated liquid semi-finished product feeding pipeline, a first feed pump, a first feed storage tank with a stirring device, a clean water pipeline, a separator, a second feed pump, a second concentrated liquid feed storage tank, a third feed pump, control valves, flow meters, and a PLC controller.

[0031] The inlet of the first feed pump is connected to the concentrated liquid feeding pipeline; the outlet of the first feed pump is divided into two paths by a control valve, one path is directly connected to the inlet of the evaporation and concentration system, and the other path is connected to the inlet of the first feed storage tank.

[0032] (3) The inlet of the first feed tank is connected to the outlet of the first feed pump, and the outlet of the first feed tank is connected to the inlet of the second feed pump; and the first feed tank is equipped with a stirrer and a high and low level gauge;

[0033] (4) The outlet of the second feed pump is divided into two paths. One path is connected to the inlet of the separator, and the connecting pipe has a control valve and a flow meter. The other path flows back to the first feed storage tank, and the connecting pipe has a control valve. The outlet of the separator is connected to the inlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank. The separator adopts frequency conversion regulation.

[0034] (5) The outlet of the second concentrate feed tank is connected to the inlet of the third feed pump; the second concentrate feed tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor; the outlet of the third feed pump is divided into two paths, one path is connected to the inlet of the concentrate evaporator, and the connecting pipe has a control valve and a pressure transmitter, and the other path flows back to the second concentrate feed tank, and the connecting pipe has a control valve.

[0035] (6) The first feed pump, the first feed tank high and low level gauge, the second feed pump, the separator, the control valve, the flow meter, the third feed pump, the level sensor, and the pressure transmitter are respectively connected to the PLC controller;

[0036] (7) In at least one of the possible implementations, the inlet of the feed pump is connected to the feed pipeline of the concentrate semi-finished product, and the outlet of the first feed pump is divided into two paths by a control valve, one path being directly connected to the inlet of the evaporation and concentration system and the other path being connected to the inlet of the first feed storage tank; the pipeline control valve is a pneumatic three-way control valve.

[0037] (8) In at least one of the possible implementations, the outlet of the first feed tank is connected to the inlet of the second feed pump via a control valve connected to the sight glass tube, and all control valves are manual control valves.

[0038] (9) In at least one of the possible implementations, the outlet of the second feed pump is divided into two paths, one of which is connected to a manual control valve via a pneumatic valve and flows back to the first feed storage tank; the other path is connected to the separator inlet via a flow meter and a regulating valve.

[0039] (10) In at least one of the possible implementations, the separator includes a disc centrifugal separator, the separation is controlled by frequency conversion, and is equipped with a slag discharge pipe and a cleaning and sewage discharge pipe.

[0040] (11) In at least one of the possible implementations, the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank is connected to the inlet of the third feed pump via a control valve connected to a sight glass tube, and all control valves are manual control valves.

[0041] (12) In at least one of the possible implementations, the outlet of the third feed pump is divided into two paths, one of which is connected to a manual control valve via a pneumatic valve and flows back to the second concentrate feed tank; the other path is connected to the evaporation and concentration system via the pneumatic valve and continues to concentrate.

[0042] (13) In at least one of the possible implementations, the number of feed pumps is three.

[0043] (14) In at least one of the possible implementations, the flow meter is an electromagnetic flow meter and the regulating valve is a flow regulating valve.

[0044] (15) In at least one of the possible implementations, the high and low level gauges of the first feeding tank are pressure level gauges.

[0045] (16) In at least one of the possible implementations, the first feed pump, the second feed pump and the third feed pump are all pneumatic diaphragm pumps.

[0046] (17) In at least one of the possible implementations, the controller is a PLC controller and the working status is directly displayed on the setting unit.

[0047] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments: Example 1

[0048] This embodiment discloses a centrifugal impurity removal system for concentrating and removing impurities from reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extracts produced in a papermaking process. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a first feed storage tank 4, a separator 8, and a second concentrate feed storage tank 16.

[0049] The first feed tank 4 is equipped with a vertical agitator 1. The top of the first feed tank 4 has a concentrate inlet, a reflux outlet, and a clean water inlet 2, and the bottom has an outlet. The separator 8 is a disc separator. The top of the separator 8 has an inlet 24 and an outlet 9. The second concentrate feed tank 16 has a concentrate inlet, a reflux outlet, and a clean water inlet 2 at the top, and an outlet at the bottom.

[0050] The concentrate feeding pipeline 3 is connected to the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank 4. The outlet of the first feed storage tank 4 is connected to the return port of the first feed storage tank 4 and the inlet 24 of the separator 8. The outlet 9 of the separator 8 is connected to the concentrate inlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank 16. The outlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank 16 is connected to the return port of the second concentrate feed storage tank 16 and the concentrate evaporator.

[0051] A first feed pump 32, which is a pneumatic diaphragm pump, is installed in the concentrate feeding pipeline 3. A second feed pump 6, also a pneumatic diaphragm pump, is installed in the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank 4 and the return port of the first feed tank 4 and the inlet of the separator 8. A third feed pump 17, also a pneumatic diaphragm pump, is installed in the pipeline between the second concentrate feed tank 16 and the top return port of the second concentrate feed tank 16 and the evaporator 20.

[0052] A manual valve 19 and a pneumatic valve 7 are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank 4 and the return port of the first feed tank 4; a flow meter 23 and a flow regulating valve 22 are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank 4 and the inlet of the separator 8. The flow regulating valve installed before the separator 8 can more effectively remove impurities; a manual valve 19 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank 4 and the second feed pump 6; a manual valve 19 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the separator 8 and the concentrate inlet of the second concentrate feed tank 16; a manual valve 19 and a pneumatic valve 7 are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank 16 and the return port of the second concentrate feed tank 16; a manual valve 19, a pneumatic valve 7, and a pressure transmitter 30 are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank 16 and the concentrator evaporator; and a manual valve 19 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank 16 and the third feed pump 17. A first sight glass tube 26 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed storage tank 4 and the second feed pump 6, and a second sight glass tube 28 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank 16 and the third feed pump 17. The sight glasses on the pipelines allow observation of the dynamic flow direction and cleanliness of the liquid. The pressure transmitter 30 is interlocked with the pump 17 to control the pressure at the outlet of the pump 17.

[0053] A three-way pneumatic valve 31 is installed on the pipeline between the first feed pump 32 and the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank 4. The outlet of the first feed pump is split into two paths by the three-way pneumatic valve 31: one path is directly connected to the inlet of the evaporation and concentration system, and the other path is connected to the concentrate inlet of the first feed storage tank 4.

[0054] A first level gauge 5 is installed in the first feed tank 4. The first level gauge 5 is a differential pressure level gauge. In this embodiment of the invention, the first level gauge 5 can be used to trigger the start and stop of the feed pump, thereby controlling the liquid level in the first feed tank. For example, if the liquid level is high or low enough to reach a set value, the first feed pump 32 can be used to control it; if the liquid level is high, the pump stops, and if the liquid level is low, the pump starts. A level sensor 15 is installed in the second concentrate feed tank 16. The level sensor 15 mainly observes the liquid level in the second concentrate feed tank 16. When the liquid level is high, the liquid level in the second concentrate feed tank 16 is controlled by adjusting the outlet pressure of the third feed pump 17. However, there is no interlocking logic between the level sensor 15 and the third feed pump 17.

[0055] The papermaking process reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extract concentration and centrifugal impurity removal system also includes a control system, which includes, but is not limited to, a PLC controller. The first feed pump 32, the second feed pump 6, the third feed pump 17, the first level gauge 5, the separator 8, the manual valve 19, the pneumatic valve 7, the flow regulating valve 22, the flow meter 23, the level sensor 15, the pressure transmitter 30, and the three-way pneumatic valve 31 are all communicatively connected to the control system.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] This embodiment discloses a method for concentrating and removing impurities from the alcoholic extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves using a papermaking process, employing the system described in Example 1, and including the following steps:

[0058] The concentrated semi-finished product is fed to the first feed storage tank 4 by the first feed pump 32. The concentrated semi-finished product at the outlet of the first feed storage tank 4 is sent to the separator 8 by the second feed pump 6. The centrifugal force of the separator 8 sends the purified concentrated semi-finished product to the second concentrated feed storage tank 16. The concentrated semi-finished product at the outlet of the second concentrated feed storage tank 16 is transported to the concentration and evaporation system by the third feed pump 17 for the next step of evaporation and concentration.

[0059] Specifically as follows:

[0060] The inlet of the first feed pump 32 is connected to the concentrated liquid feeding pipeline 3, the outlet of the first feed pump 32 is connected to the three-way pneumatic valve 31, the inlet of the first feed tank 4 is connected to the three-way pneumatic valve 31, and the outlet of the first feed tank 4 is connected to the inlet of the second feed pump 6; combined with Figure 1 The first feeding tank 4 is equipped with a stirrer and a first level gauge 5 (in this embodiment of the invention, the level gauge can be used to trigger the start and stop of the feeding pump, and the feeding pump can be used to control the level of the first feeding tank. For example, if the level is high or low and reaches a set value, it can be controlled by the first feeding pump 32. If the level is higher than the set level, the pump stops; if the level is lower than the set level, the pump starts).

[0061] Next, the outlet of the second feed pump is divided into two paths. One path connects to the inlet 24 of the separator 8, and the connecting pipe contains a flow meter 23 (the flow rate is set according to the centrifugal effect of the separator and cannot exceed its design value) and a flow regulating valve 22. The other path flows back to the first feed storage tank 4 (the purpose of the backflow is to facilitate the stabilization of the tank liquid level and the cleaning of the separator), and the connecting pipe contains a manual valve 19 and a pneumatic valve 7. The outlet 9 of the separator 8 is connected to the inlet of the second concentrate feed storage tank 16 (this tank mainly serves as a buffer for the liquid after centrifugation). The separator 8 adopts frequency conversion regulation control to adjust the separator speed.

[0062] As shown in the figure, after the separator 8 meets the dynamic balance of production, it achieves the ideal separation and impurity removal effect. The parameters of the separator should meet its design values. The liquid inlet flow rate of the separator is 2.0~2.5T / h, the slag discharge time is 16~18min, the centrifugation time is 10~20s, and the separator should be cleaned at least once after continuous production for more than 12 hours. Of course, the centrifugation parameters of the separator can also be adjusted according to the content of macromolecular insoluble matter in the concentrated liquid. These separator parameters are only optimized for the needs of this production line.

[0063] (5) The outlet of the second concentrate feed tank 16 is connected to the inlet of the third feed pump 17; the second concentrate feed tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor 15; the outlet of the third feed pump 17 is divided into two paths, one path is connected to the concentrate evaporator 20, and the connecting pipe has a pneumatic valve 7 and a pressure transmitter 30; the other path flows back to the second concentrate feed tank 16, and the connecting pipe has a manual valve 19.

[0064] (6) Continuing from the previous text, regarding electrical connections, an example is provided here for implementation reference: the first feed pump 32, the first level gauge 5, the second feed pump 6, the separator 8, the manual valve 19, the pneumatic valve 7, the flow regulating valve 22, the flow meter 23, the third feed pump 17, the level sensor 15, and the pressure transmitter 30 are respectively electrically connected to the PLC controller. It can be further noted that, considering the convenience of subsequent tank cleaning during the production process, a clean water inlet 2 can be provided in the first feed storage tank 4, and a clean water inlet 2 can be provided in the second concentrate feed storage tank 16. The clean water inlet 2 is connected to the production hot water system.

[0065] (7) Based on the previous implementation cases and their preferred solutions, a schematic working method is introduced here for reference: The concentrated semi-finished product is pumped to the feed storage tank via a feed pump. The concentrated semi-finished product meets the requirements (solid content in the range of 15%~18%, viscosity in the range of 15.5~18 mPa·s), which is conducive to the impurity removal function of the separator. A pressure level gauge is installed at the bottom of the tank. The concentrated semi-finished product is sent to the disc separator via the feed pump at the tank outlet (there is a flow regulating valve before centrifugation. In order to remove impurities more effectively, the flow rate is optimally controlled at 2.0-2.5T / h). Then, the impurity-removed concentrated semi-finished product is sent to the concentrated product feed storage tank by the centrifugal force of the separator. The concentrated semi-finished product at the outlet of the storage tank is sent to the evaporation system via the feed pump for the next step of evaporation and concentration.

[0066] (8) Before centrifugation, the solid content of the concentrate semi-finished product should be 15%wt~18%wt and the viscosity should be in the range of 15.5~18mpa.s. The reason for setting the process parameters is that, on the one hand, large molecular impurity particles are mainly accumulated during the concentration process; on the other hand, considering the working performance of the separator and the retention of aroma components in the concentrate semi-finished product, its solid content and viscosity should not be too high. If they are too high, the removal rate of large molecular impurities will be low and the loss rate of aroma components will be high during the centrifugation separation process.

[0067] (9) To ensure that the concentrated semi-finished product reaches the set parameters (solid content, viscosity) values, the present invention provides a three-way pneumatic valve before the concentrated semi-finished product enters the first storage tank. When the solid content of the concentrated semi-finished product does not reach the target value, the valve in the first storage tank is closed, and the concentrated semi-finished product continues to circulate and concentrate; when the design value is reached, the pneumatic valve opens and the product enters the first storage tank. Furthermore, in order to stabilize the liquid level balance in the first storage tank and meet the centrifugal impurity removal effect, the system prioritizes the interlocking control of the first pump, the three-way pneumatic valve, and the liquid level in the first storage tank. For example, when the liquid level in the first storage tank is ≥650mm, the first pump stops, the three-way pneumatic valve closes, and the liquid intake stops; when the liquid level in the first storage tank is ≤300mm, the first pump starts, the three-way pneumatic valve opens, and the liquid intake begins.

[0068] (10) In some specific application scenarios, such as the production of tobacco alcohol extract from reconstituted tobacco leaves with a daily output of 6T, in the concentration centrifugal impurity removal system, taking into account the operation of the separator, it is necessary to meet the centrifugal impurity removal requirements while maintaining product output. The separator parameter setting requirements are: liquid inlet flow rate of 2.0~2.5T / h, centrifugation time of 10~20S, and slag discharge time of 16~18min (of course, the centrifugation parameters can also be adjusted according to the impurity content in the concentrate semi-finished product, which will not be elaborated or limited in this invention).

[0069] The innovative design of this invention lies in the addition of a centrifugal purification system during the evaporation and concentration process to remove large, insoluble particles from tobacco extracts, thereby improving the quality and clarity of the extracts. Specifically, the system comprises a main separator, auxiliary equipment including a centrifugal feeding tank, a concentrate feeding tank, three liquid pumps, a level control device, and several control valves. This invention achieves a removal rate of over 90% for insoluble matter in tobacco extracts and increases clarity by 20%. The purification process does not affect the internal structural characteristics of the tobacco extracts. When applied to reconstituted tobacco cigarette formulations, it significantly increases the smoothness and harmony of the smoke while reducing impurities, without altering the mainstream direction of the reconstituted tobacco smoke.

[0070] Table 1 compares the sensory quality of the tobacco alcohol extract from the control group (without impurity removal) and the tobacco alcohol extract obtained in Example 2 (after impurity removal).

[0071] Table 1 Sensory Quality Evaluation

[0072]

[0073] As shown in Table 1 above, compared with the control group without impurity removal treatment, the method of the present invention, after impurity removal treatment during the preparation of tobacco alcohol extract, and then using it in the reconstituted tobacco cigarette formula at a ratio of 20%-40%, significantly improves the aroma, impurities, and irritation. The aroma is higher, the impurities are lower, the irritation is less, and the harmony and smoothness are better. In particular, according to the fraction values ​​described in Example 2 (impurity removal treatment), the obtained tobacco alcohol extract used in cigarettes made from reconstituted tobacco has a better aroma and less impurities and irritation.

[0074] Sensory quality evaluation and comparison references the industry standard formulated by the relevant industry regulatory authority: Q / GZZY J.05.01.056(JS)01—2023

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for concentrating and removing impurities from the alcoholic extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves using a papermaking process, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The concentrated liquid semi-finished product is fed to the first feed storage tank (4) by the first feed pump (32). The concentrated liquid semi-finished product at the outlet of the first feed storage tank (4) is sent to the separator (8) by the second feed pump (6). The concentrated liquid semi-finished product after impurity removal is sent to the second concentrated liquid feed storage tank (16) by the centrifugal force of the separator (8). The concentrated liquid semi-finished product at the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed storage tank (16) is transported to the concentration and evaporation system by the third feed pump (17) for the next step of evaporation and concentration. The concentrated semi-finished product is a concentrated semi-finished product of tobacco alcohol extract from reconstituted tobacco leaves using the papermaking method. Before centrifugation, the solid content of the concentrated semi-finished product is 15%wt ~ 18%wt, and the viscosity is 15.5~18mpa.s. In order to ensure that the concentrated semi-finished product reaches the set parameter value before centrifugation, a three-way pneumatic valve (31) is installed before the concentrated semi-finished product enters the first feed storage tank (4). When the solid content of the concentrated semi-finished product does not reach the target value, the concentrated product inlet valve of the first feed storage tank (4) is closed, and the concentrated semi-finished product continues to circulate and concentrate; when the target value is reached, the three-way pneumatic valve (31) is opened and enters the first storage tank. The papermaking method used in the above method employs a centrifugal concentrator and impurity removal system for reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extract, which includes a first feeding tank (4), a separator (8), and a second concentrate feeding tank (16). The first feed tank (4) is equipped with a vertical agitator (1), and the top of the first feed tank (4) is equipped with a concentrate inlet, a reflux port and a clean water inlet (2), and the bottom is equipped with an outlet; the top of the separator (8) is equipped with an inlet (24) and an outlet (9); the top of the second concentrate feed tank (16) is equipped with a concentrate inlet, a reflux port and a clean water inlet (2), and the bottom is equipped with an outlet; The concentrate feeding pipeline (3) is connected to the concentrate inlet of the first feed tank (4), the outlet of the first feed tank (4) is connected to the return port of the first feed tank (4) and the inlet (24) of the separator (8), the outlet (9) of the separator (8) is connected to the concentrate inlet of the second concentrate feed tank (16), and the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank (16) is connected to the return port of the second concentrate feed tank (16) and the concentrate evaporator. The first feed tank (4) is equipped with a first level gauge (5), the second concentrate feed tank (16) is equipped with a level sensor (15), the first feed tank (4) outlet is equipped with a first sight glass tube (26) on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank (4) and the second feed pump (6), and the second concentrate feed tank (16) outlet is equipped with a second sight glass tube (28) on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrate feed tank (16) and the third feed pump (17).

2. The method for concentrating and centrifuging the tobacco alcohol extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concentrated liquid feeding pipeline (3) is equipped with a first feed pump (32); A second feed pump (6) is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed storage tank (4) and the return port of the first feed storage tank (4) and the inlet of the separator (8); A third feed pump (17) is installed on the pipeline between the second concentrate feed tank (16) and the top reflux port of the second concentrate feed tank (16) and the concentrate evaporator (20).

3. The method for concentrating and centrifuging the tobacco alcohol extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, A manual valve (19) and a pneumatic valve (7) are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank (4) and the return port of the first feed tank (4); a flow meter (23) and a flow regulating valve (22) are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank (4) and the inlet of the separator (8); a manual valve (19) is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first feed tank (4) and the second feed pump (6); the pipeline between the outlet of the separator (8) and the concentrate inlet of the second concentrate feed tank (16) is... A manual valve (19) is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank (16) and the return port of the second concentrated liquid feed tank (16). A manual valve (19), a pneumatic valve (7) and a pressure transmitter (30) are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank (16) and the concentrated evaporator. A manual valve (19) is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second concentrated liquid feed tank (16) and the third feed pump (17).

4. The method for concentrating and removing impurities from the ethanol extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves using the papermaking process according to claim 1, characterized in that, A three-way pneumatic valve (31) is installed on the pipeline between the first feed pump (32) and the concentrated liquid inlet of the first feed storage tank (4); the outlet of the first feed pump is divided into two paths by the three-way pneumatic valve (31), one path is directly connected to the inlet of the evaporation and concentration system, and the other path is connected to the concentrated liquid inlet of the first feed storage tank (4).

5. The method for concentrating and centrifuging the tobacco alcohol extract of reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The papermaking method reconstituted tobacco leaf alcohol extract concentration and centrifugal impurity removal system also includes a control system. The first feed pump (32), the second feed pump (6), the third feed pump (17), the first level gauge (5), the separator (8), the manual valve (19), the pneumatic valve (7), the flow regulating valve (22), the flow meter (23), the level sensor (15), the pressure transmitter (30), and the three-way pneumatic valve (31) are respectively connected to the control system.

Images