Online monitoring method for fermentation state of cigar tobacco leaves in constant-temperature and constant-humidity closed environment

Abstract

A cigar tobacco fermentation state on-line monitoring method in a constant temperature and humidity closed environment is characterized in that the constant temperature and humidity condition can be kept in the closed environment, and the concentration of characteristic gas O2, CO2 and NH3 during cigar fermentation in the environment is monitored on line in real time, so that the fermentation process is more digitized, and the monitoring accuracy is improved. In order to provide data for researching fermentation end points of different varieties and types of cigar tobacco leaves in fermentation under different fermentation conditions, the specific method is as follows: a fermentation device is constructed, and the device comprises a constant temperature control system, a constant humidity control system, an on-line monitoring system and a fermentation chamber. The method has the advantages that the influence of the external environment on the concentration of the characteristic gas can be isolated while the fermentation requirement of the cigar tobacco leaves is met, so that the real-time online measurement of the temperature, the humidity and the characteristic gas in the fermentation process of the cigar tobacco leaves is realized, and the information of the fermentation process is further enriched; the accuracy of judging the fermentation end point is improved, and the authenticity and effectiveness of measured data are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of cigar processing, and particularly relates to an online monitoring method for the fermentation state of cigar tobacco leaves in a constant temperature and humidity sealed environment. Background Art

[0002] Cigar is a tobacco product with a long history and unique flavor. It is generally hand-rolled with whole tobacco leaves after air-curing, fermentation, and aging. The tobacco leaves for making cigars are divided into wrapper, binder, and filler from outside to inside. It has a rich fragrance, unique flavor, and rich taste layers, and has the characteristics of low tar and high nicotine compared with other tobacco products.

[0003] The fermentation process of cigar tobacco leaves is the most important link in the cigar processing process. It determines the quality of the cigar tobacco leaf raw materials used in production and will greatly affect the quality of cigar products. However, there are many problems in the current fermentation process of cigar tobacco leaves in China. Among them, the problem of determining the fermentation end point of cigar tobacco leaves is the most prominent, lacking a scientific judgment basis. The reason is that the characteristic data about the fermentation end point is not perfect enough.

[0004] Fermentation is actually the result of the combined action of microorganisms, enzymes, and tobacco leaves. In this process, O 2 is one of the key elements of microbial metabolism. The change in O 2 concentration directly reflects the activity of microorganisms; CO 2 is produced by microorganisms through the metabolism of organic matter. The concentration of CO 2 can not only indirectly reflect the activity of microorganisms but also reflect the degradation degree of organic matter; NH 3 mainly comes from the decomposition of proteins and amino acids in tobacco leaves and is one of the important reactions in the fermentation process. The change in NH 3 concentration can reflect the degradation degree of nitrogen source substances and the depth of fermentation, and has a greater impact on the flavor and quality of tobacco leaves. Through the change in the concentration of these characteristic gases, not only the activity of microorganisms can be reflected, but also the fermentation state of cigar tobacco leaves can be more comprehensively reflected. Therefore, measuring the change in the concentration of these characteristic gases can further enrich the information of the fermentation process and provide a basis for determining the fermentation end point.

[0005] At present, in the experimental study of the cigar tobacco leaf fermentation process, in order to explore the fermentation state of cigar tobacco leaves under different fermentation conditions, most experiments only control the temperature and humidity, and do not require the fermentation to be carried out under airtight conditions. However, if accurate real-time online monitoring of the concentration change of characteristic gases during fermentation is to be carried out, the fermentation needs to be carried out in a closed environment. Because the concentration of characteristic gases will be affected by the external environment, resulting in the measured data not being able to truly reflect its fermentation state. However, most of the current methods for maintaining constant humidity in the experimental devices for cigar tobacco leaf fermentation need to be in direct or indirect contact with the external environment, lacking a method that can maintain constant temperature and humidity under airtight conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is precisely based on the above-mentioned current technical situation to disclose an online monitoring method for the fermentation state of cigar tobacco leaves in a constant temperature and humidity closed environment, which can maintain constant temperature and humidity conditions in a closed environment, and on the basis of traditional monitoring indicators, add real-time online monitoring of the concentration of O 2 , CO 2 , NH 3 during fermentation, in order to make the fermentation process more digital, provide data for studying the fermentation endpoints of different varieties and types of cigar tobacco leaves under different fermentation conditions, improve the accuracy of determining the fermentation endpoint, and make the fermentation quality more stable.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions: First, a fermentation device is constructed, which includes a constant temperature control system, a constant humidity control system, an online monitoring system, and a fermentation chamber. The constant temperature control system places the fermentation chamber in a constant temperature environment, so that the fermentation chamber always maintains the set temperature condition. The method adopted by the constant humidity control system is to place a humidity control medium in the closed fermentation chamber, and at the same time use a non-porous moisture-permeable membrane to wrap the container containing the humidity control medium. The humidity control medium includes but is not limited to a saturated salt solution containing undissolved salt crystal particles. Taking only the saturated salt solution as an example: its principle is to utilize the gas-liquid equilibrium of water in the saturated salt solution. When the water vapor partial pressure in the fermentation chamber is lower than the equilibrium vapor pressure, the water in the saturated salt solution evaporates and diffuses into the air to maintain the equilibrium vapor pressure. At the same time, a part of the salt will precipitate due to the reduction of water in the solution, keeping the salt solution always in a saturated state; vice versa.

[0008] The online monitoring system uses O 2 , CO 2 , NH 3 gas sensors and temperature and humidity sensors to measure the characteristic gases and temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber in real time through measurement holes and transmit the obtained measurement data to a recording device, realizing online real-time monitoring of the characteristic gases and temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber. The fermentation chamber is a place where cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented are placed, and the saturated salt solution for controlling humidity is also placed therein. During fermentation, the fermentation chamber is in a closed state.

[0009] Furthermore, the saturated salt solution containing undissolved salt crystal particles can be a saturated barium chloride solution or a saturated sodium chloride solution. Since the equilibrium relative humidity corresponding to the saturated salt solution changes with temperature, to obtain specified temperature and humidity conditions, a suitable saturated salt solution can be selected by referring to a physical chemistry handbook to achieve the specified conditions.

[0010] Furthermore, the non-porous moisture-permeable membrane is to prevent other gases in the fermentation chamber from dissolving in the saturated salt solution, especially NH 3 , thus causing pollution to the saturated salt solution; this membrane allows water vapor to pass through and can effectively prevent other gases from passing through, achieving effective measurement of characteristic gases while ensuring stable humidity.

[0011] The present invention specifically includes the following process steps: (1) Prepare a constant-temperature environment that can accommodate the fermentation chamber. Using a suitable temperature control device, set the temperature control program according to the temperature conditions required for fermentation to create a constant-temperature environment that can maintain a stable temperature. (2) Prepare a constant-humidity control device: According to the humidity conditions required for fermentation and in combination with the temperature conditions, select a saturated salt solution whose equilibrium humidity can reach the specified humidity for fermentation at the specified fermentation temperature by referring to a physical chemistry handbook; take an appropriate amount of distilled water in a clean beaker and continuously add the selected analytical pure inorganic salt solid particles to it, while continuously stirring with a clean glass rod until the added salt crystal particles no longer dissolve and deposit at the bottom of the beaker to a certain thickness; tightly wrap the mouth of the cup with a non-porous moisture-permeable membrane to ensure that the mouth of the cup is completely sealed, and the constant-humidity control device is then prepared. (3) Balance the temperature and humidity conditions in the fermentation chamber. Place the prepared constant-humidity control device in the fermentation chamber and complete the arrangement of temperature, humidity, and gas sensors. Then close the fermentation chamber and place the entire fermentation chamber in the prepared constant-temperature environment; heat exchange will occur between the fermentation chamber and the constant-temperature environment, making the temperature in the fermentation chamber reach the same as that in the constant-temperature environment, reaching the temperature required for fermentation conditions; the prepared constant-humidity control device will automatically adjust the humidity in the closed fermentation chamber according to the gas-liquid equilibrium and keep the humidity constant. After the fermentation chamber is placed in the constant-temperature environment, it can be judged whether the temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber meet the requirements of fermentation conditions through the readings of the temperature and humidity sensors.

[0012] (4) Place the tobacco leaves to be fermented. Select the cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented for rehydration treatment. Open the closed fermentation chamber, quickly place the rehydrated cigar tobacco leaves into the fermentation chamber, and close the fermentation chamber again. Wait until the temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber are stable again, and then the monitoring of its fermentation process can begin. (5) Online monitoring: By using various gas sensors and temperature and humidity sensors, the measured data can be transmitted to the data display device in real time to monitor the fermentation process in real time.

[0013] The advantages of the present invention are as follows: This method can isolate the influence of the external environment on the concentration of characteristic gases while meeting the requirements of cigar tobacco leaf fermentation, thereby realizing the real-time online measurement of temperature, humidity and characteristic gases during the fermentation process of cigar tobacco leaves, further enriching the information of the fermentation process, improving the accuracy of determining the fermentation end point, and ensuring the authenticity and effectiveness of the measured data. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the simple fermentation equipment described in the present invention In the figure: ① Constant temperature control system, ② Fermentation chamber, ③ Constant humidity control system, ④ Online monitoring system, ⑤ Non-porous moisture-permeable membrane.

[0015] Figure 2 Real-time curve of NH3 concentration during the fermentation process described in the present invention

[0016] Figure 3 Real-time curve of CO2 concentration during the fermentation process described in the present invention

[0017] Figure 4 Real-time curve of O2 concentration during the fermentation process described in the present invention

[0018] Figure 5 Real-time curve of temperature during the fermentation process described in the present invention

[0019] Figure 6 Real-time curve of humidity during the fermentation process described in the present invention Detailed Embodiments

[0020] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments (drawings): Embodiment 1: Experimental materials: Variety: CX80, Use: Wrapper The fermentation temperature is 40 °C and the relative humidity is 82%. Saturated barium chloride solution is selected to achieve the control conditions. First, a constant temperature environment of 40 °C is obtained by means of a circulating water bath, and the fermentation device is placed therein. Then, a constant humidity control device is made: an appropriate amount of saturated barium chloride solution is measured and poured into a container, and an appropriate amount of corresponding solid salt particles are added to the container at the same time. After that, the container is wrapped with a non-porous moisture-permeable membrane. After production, it is placed in the fermentation device and the sensor device is arranged. The fermentation chamber is sealed, and then wait for the temperature and humidity environment in the fermentation chamber to reach equilibrium; after reaching equilibrium, the cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented are put in, and the fermentation chamber is sealed again. The real-time data in the box is measured by the sensor until the fermentation is completed.

[0021] Example 2: Experimental materials: Variety: Dexue No. 5, Use: Cigar filler The fermentation temperature is 35°C and the relative humidity is 75%. Saturated sodium chloride solution is selected to control the conditions. First, a constant temperature environment of 35°C is obtained by means of a circulating water bath, and the fermentation device is placed therein. Then, a constant humidity control device is made: an appropriate amount of saturated barium chloride solution is measured and poured into a container, and an appropriate amount of corresponding solid salt particles are added to the container at the same time. After that, the container is wrapped with a non-porous moisture-permeable membrane. After completion, it is placed in the fermentation device and the sensor device is arranged. The fermentation chamber is sealed, and then wait for the temperature and humidity environment in the fermentation chamber to reach equilibrium; after reaching equilibrium, the cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented are put in, and the fermentation chamber is sealed again. The real-time data in the box is measured through the sensor until the fermentation is completed. The data measured in this example can be seen in Figure 2-6 .

Claims

1. A method for online monitoring of cigar tobacco fermentation status in a constant temperature and humidity closed environment, characterized in that: It can maintain constant temperature and humidity in a closed environment, and monitor the concentrations of characteristic gases O2, CO2, and NH3 in real time online during cigar fermentation in this environment, in order to make the fermentation process more digital and provide data for studying the fermentation endpoint of different varieties and types of cigar tobacco leaves under different fermentation conditions. The specific methods are as follows: Build a fermentation equipment, which includes a constant temperature control system, a constant humidity control system, an online monitoring system, a fermentation room, The constant temperature control system places the fermentation chamber in a constant temperature environment so that the fermentation chamber is always kept at the set temperature conditions. The method adopted by the constant humidity control system is to place a humidity control medium in a closed fermentation chamber, and at the same time use a non-porous moisture permeable membrane to wrap the container containing the humidity control medium. The online monitoring system uses O2, CO2, NH3 gas sensors and temperature and humidity sensors to measure the characteristic gas and temperature and humidity in the fermentation room in real time through the measuring hole and transmits the obtained measurement data to the recording device, thereby realizing online real-time monitoring of the characteristic gas and temperature and humidity in the fermentation room. The fermentation chamber is a place where cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented are placed, and a humidity control medium for controlling humidity is also placed therein. During fermentation, the fermentation chamber is in a closed state.

2. The online monitoring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method includes the following process steps: (1) Prepare a constant temperature environment that can accommodate the fermentation room, use a suitable temperature control device, set the temperature control program according to the temperature requirements of the fermentation, and create a constant temperature environment that can maintain a stable temperature; (2) Prepare a constant humidity control device, wherein the humidity control medium is a saturated salt solution. According to the humidity condition requirements of the fermentation and the temperature conditions, a saturated salt solution whose equilibrium humidity can reach the specified humidity of the fermentation at the specified fermentation temperature is selected by consulting a physical and chemical handbook. Use a clean beaker to hold an appropriate amount of distilled water and continuously add the selected analytically pure inorganic salt solid particles thereto, while continuously stirring with a clean glass rod until the added salt crystal particles no longer dissolve and are deposited at the bottom of the beaker to a certain thickness. Use a non-porous moisture-permeable membrane to tightly wrap the mouth of the beaker to ensure that the mouth of the beaker is completely sealed. The constant humidity control device is ready. In addition, other media that can control humidity under closed conditions and ensure accurate and effective measurement data can also be used as constant humidity control devices. (3) Balancing the temperature and humidity conditions in the fermentation chamber, placing the prepared constant humidity control device in the fermentation chamber and arranging the temperature, humidity and gas sensors, then sealing the fermentation chamber and placing the entire fermentation chamber in the prepared constant temperature environment; the fermentation chamber will exchange heat with the constant temperature environment so that the temperature in the fermentation chamber is consistent with the temperature of the constant temperature environment and reaches the temperature required for the fermentation conditions; the prepared constant humidity control device will automatically adjust the humidity in the fermentation chamber according to the gas-liquid balance in the closed fermentation chamber and keep the humidity constant. When the fermentation chamber is placed in the constant temperature environment, the readings of the temperature and humidity sensors can be used to determine whether the temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber meet the requirements of the fermentation conditions; (4) Place the tobacco leaves to be fermented, select the cigar tobacco leaves to be fermented for moisture conditioning, open the sealed fermentation chamber, quickly put the moisture-conditioned cigar tobacco leaves into the fermentation chamber, and seal the fermentation chamber again. When the temperature and humidity in the fermentation chamber stabilize again, the fermentation process can be monitored; (5) Online monitoring: the gas sensors and temperature and humidity sensors can transmit the measured data to the data display device in real time, thereby monitoring the fermentation process in real time.

3. The online monitoring method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The humidity control medium includes, but is not limited to, a saturated salt solution containing undissolved salt crystal particles.

4. The online monitoring method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The saturated salt solution containing undissolved salt crystal particles is a saturated barium chloride solution.

5. The online monitoring method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The saturated salt solution containing undissolved salt crystal particles is a saturated sodium chloride solution.

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