Method for preparing pouch filler material using adhesive

Abstract

The invention provides a preparation method of a bagged filling material. The preparation method comprises the following steps: S1, preparing a solid filling material containing an adhesive; s2, preparing a particle size control solution containing a processing aid; and S3, while stirring the solid filling material, spraying the particle size control solution onto the solid filling material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a method for producing a bagged filler material using a binder. BACKGROUND

[0002] A method for producing a filler (e.g., a bagged internal filler material such as snus) generally goes through a production process of performing a granulation process on a powder-like component after performing a particle size screening, and then going through a drying, a particle size screening, and the like. Among them, the particle size and distribution and the like of the filler are determined by the granulation process.

[0003] A conventional granulation process includes preparing a granulation solution by dissolving various binders in a processing aid, and then adding it to other solid powder components in agitation, and going through a drying process to produce a filler having a predetermined particle size.

[0004] At this time, the particle size and distribution and the like of the particle size characteristics are controlled by adjusting the binder content, however, as the binder content in the granulation solution increases, the viscosity of the granulation solution increases, which reduces the processability, but if the processing aid content in the granulation solution is increased in order to reduce the viscosity, it causes the filler to be agglomerated during the production process, reducing the processability.

[0005] [Patent Literature] [Patent Literature] (Patent Literature 1) International Publication WO 2012 / 134380 (October 4, 2012) SUMMARY Problems to be Solved by the Invention To this end, an object of the present application is to adjust the particle size characteristics of the filler by spraying a particle size control solution containing a processing aid during the agitation of the powder-like component containing the binder.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0007] Means for Solving the Problems The method for producing a bagged filler material according to an embodiment of the present application includes the steps of: Step S1, producing a solid filler material containing a binder; Step S2, producing a particle size control solution containing a processing aid; and Step S3, spraying the particle size control solution onto the solid filler material while agitating the solid filler material.

[0008] According to an embodiment, further comprising a step S4, after the step S3, mixing the solid filler material with the sprayed particle size controlling solution to perform a granulizing process.

[0009] According to an embodiment, further comprising a step S5, after the step S4, drying the mixed filler material at a temperature condition from room temperature to 80°C for 2 hours to 5 hours.

[0010] According to an embodiment, further comprising one or more of the following steps a to c: Step a, before the step S1, sieving the raw material of the solid filler material; Step b, after the step S4, sieving the mixed filler material; Step c, after the step S5, sieving the dried material.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the content of the binder is 20 wt% or less based on the total weight of the solid filler material, and the content of the particle size controlling solution is 5 wt% to 30 wt% based on the total weight of the filler material.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the binder comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium alginate, xanthan gum, guar gum, gellan gum, and gum arabic.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the solid filler material comprises one or more of an active material, a bulking agent, a pH adjusting agent, a flavoring agent, and a sweetening agent.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the active material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of nicotine, vitamins, caffeine, salts thereof, and derivatives thereof.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the bulking agent comprises one or more of cellulose, sugar alcohol, and non-tobacco plant material, wherein the cellulose is one or more selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose; and the sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of isomaltitol, erythritol, sorbitol, arabitol, ribitol, maltitol, galactitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, and lactitol.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the pH adjusting agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and trisodium bicarbonate (Na3H(CO3)2).

[0017] According to an embodiment, the flavoring agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of vanilla, coffee, chocolate / cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the sweetening agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevioside, honey, sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, and aspartame.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the processing aid comprises water or an alcohol.

[0020] Inventive Effects The method for preparing a bagged filler material according to an aspect of the present application has the advantage that the viscosity of the particle size control solution used is low, and does not cause caking, thus having good processability, and the particle size characteristics of the filler material can be adjusted more conveniently, and uniform particle size characteristics can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of the method for preparing a bagged filler material according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be changed in various ways. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments. The example embodiments should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or substitutes within the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] The terms used in the embodiments are used only to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The singular number of expression includes the meaning of the plural number in the context in which it is used. In the present specification, the terms "include" or "have" or the like are used to express the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the presence or additional addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure, including technical or scientific terms used herein, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms generally used, as defined in a dictionary, are to be understood as having a meaning that conforms to the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized meanings unless explicitly defined in the specification.

[0025] In describing examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are designated with the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted. In describing the example embodiments, when it is judged that specific description of a related well-known structure or function will unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure, specific description will be omitted.

[0026] Also, in describing the components of the example embodiments, the terms "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)", and the like can be used. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component, and are not used to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component.

[0027] When one component has the same function as the component of an embodiment, the same name will be used in describing other embodiments. The description of an embodiment can be applied to other embodiments without contradiction, and specific description of repeated content can be omitted.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of preparing a bagged filling material, comprising the steps of: Step S1, preparing a solid filling material including a binder; Step S2, preparing a particle size control solution including a processing aid; and Step S3, while stirring the solid filling material, spraying the particle size control solution to the solid filling material.

[0029] To prepare the bagged filler material, first, the solid filler material and the particle size control solution are prepared. At this time, the order of preparation of the solid filler material and the particle size control solution is not limited. That is, the particle size control solution can be prepared after the solid filler material is prepared, or the solid filler material can be prepared after the particle size control solution is prepared, or both can be prepared at the same time.

[0030] However, at the time of preparation, the binder for preparing the bagged filler material should be included in the solid filler material, not in the particle size control solution, and the raw material of the solid filler material can be initially screened for particle size by sieving. The characteristics of the raw material of the solid filler material itself can cause it to agglomerate during mixing, and if it is directly mixed to prepare the solid filler material, it can affect the uniformity of mixing, so it is preferable to prevent agglomeration by sieving.

[0031] The solid filler material can include, in addition to the binder, an active material, a bulking agent, a pH adjuster, a flavoring agent, a sweetener, etc. The binder includes one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium alginate, xanthan gum, guar gum, gellan gum, and gum arabic.

[0032] The active material is a material that can be absorbed through the oral mucosa or gums, etc., and specifically, can include nicotine, vitamins, caffeine, amino acids, salts or derivatives thereof, etc., and preferably includes nicotine. The nicotine can be synthetic nicotine and / or nicotine extract of a tobacco plant.

[0033] The bulking agent can include cellulose, sugar alcohol, non-tobacco plant material, etc., and the cellulose can include microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, etc., and specific examples thereof include microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. In addition, specific examples of the sugar alcohol can be isomaltitol, erythritol, sorbitol, arabitol, ribitol, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, etc. In addition, examples of non-tobacco plant material are not particularly limited and can include coconut shells, plant fibers, tea, herbs, coffee, fruits, etc.

[0034] In addition, the specific pH adjuster that can be used according to an embodiment of the present application includes: metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate; sodium bicarbonate; trisodium bicarbonate (Na3H(CO3)2); and the like.

[0035] The flavoring agent that can be used according to an embodiment of the present application, also referred to as a "flavoring agent", refers to any aromatic substance capable of changing the sensory properties of the oral product. The flavoring agent can be a natural flavoring agent or a synthetic flavoring agent, and specific types include, but are not limited to: vanilla, coffee, chocolate / cocoa, butter, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry, and the like.

[0036] In the method for preparing the bagged filler material of the present application, the flavoring agent is contained in the solid filler material, but it can also be contained in the particle size control solution, or contained in both the solid filler material and the particle size control solution.

[0037] Meanwhile, the sweetening agent can also be a natural sweetening agent or an artificial sweetening agent. Specific types include, but are not limited to: fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevioside, honey, sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, and aspartame, and the like.

[0038] When the binder is added to the solid filler material, the suitable content of the binder should be 20% by weight or less, preferably 10% to 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid filler material. When the content of the binder exceeds 20% by weight, the processability is affected or even production is impossible due to the increase in the particle size of the granules during the preparation process; when the content of the binder is less than 10% by weight, the solid filler material cannot be well bonded, resulting in a high proportion of fine particles (about 100 μm).

[0039] Meanwhile, in the preparation of the particle size control solution, a processing aid such as water or alcohol can be used as a solvent, in which case the particle size control solution can contain liquid substances such as the aforementioned flavoring agent and / or a humectant such as propylene glycol or glycerin. The humectant not only imparts a moist touch to the filler, but also has a preservative effect.

[0040] After the preparation of the granulometry control solution and the solid filler material, the granulometry control solution is sprayed onto the solid filler material while stirring the solid filler material (step S3), and then the granulometry control solution and the solid filler material are mixed by high speed mixing to perform a granulation process (step S4). At this time, the suitable amount of the granulometry control solution can be 5 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the solid filler material, and specifically, this can vary slightly depending on the content range of the binder used, and is preferably 10 to 20% by weight. For example, when 10% by weight of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is used as the binder, the suitable amount of the granulometry control solution is preferably 12 to 16% by weight based on the total weight of the solid filler material.

[0041] On the other hand, when the content of the granulometry control solution is less than 5% by weight, the binding effect is reduced, and fine particles can exist in the solid filler material. When the content exceeds 30% by weight, caking occurs during the preparation process, and the processability is poor or the granulation cannot be performed.

[0042] The granulation process can be performed by a dry method or a wet method, and the present application can be performed by a batch high shear granulation method (wet method using a bottom-driven vertical high shear granulator) commonly used in the related art.

[0043] After the granulation process, the mixed solution is low-temperature dried at a temperature of room temperature to 80°C for 2 to 5 hours (step S5), and thus the solvent is evaporated to finally prepare the solid filler material in the form of a powder.

[0044] In addition, the mixed filler material can be sieved before and after the low-temperature drying step, or the dried powder can be sieved, and thus the uniform bagged filler material having a desired particle size can be finally obtained.

[0045] Hereinafter, the structure and effects of the present application will be described in more detail through examples and comparative examples. However, the examples are intended to more specifically illustrate the present application, and the scope of the present application is not limited to the examples.

[0046] Example: Preparation of a bagged filler material 1) Example 1 A solid filler material containing 10% by weight of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a binder was prepared, and a granulometry control solution was prepared by mixing 2% by weight of menthol and 15% by weight of alcohol based on the total weight of the solid filler material.

[0047] The particle size control solution was sprayed onto the solid filler material while the prepared solid filler material was being stirred.

[0048] After the granulation process was performed by high speed mixing, the final bagged filler material was obtained by drying for 3 hours at a low temperature (50°C), sieving through a 40 mesh (425 μm) screen.

[0049] 2) Example 2 The final bagged filler material was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 2 wt% of HPC was included in the prepared solid filler material as a binder.

[0050] 3) Example 3 The final bagged filler material was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 16 wt% of HPC was included in the prepared solid filler material as a binder.

[0051] 4) Comparative Example 1 A particle size control solution was prepared by mixing 10 wt% of HPC as a binder, 2 wt% of menthol as a flavoring agent, and 15 wt% of alcohol as a processing aid, and the prepared solid filler material did not include the binder.

[0052] Except that the preparation method of the particle size control solution and the solid filler material was as described above, the final bagged filler material was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0053] 5) Comparative Example 2 A particle size control solution was prepared by mixing 10 wt% of HPC as a binder, 2 wt% of menthol as a flavoring agent, and 30 wt% of alcohol as a processing aid, and the prepared solid filler material did not include the binder.

[0054] Except that the preparation method of the particle size control solution and the solid filler material was as described above, the final bagged filler material was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0055] In the Comparative Example 1, the viscosity of the particle size control solution mixed with the binder was high, and thus it was difficult to uniformly spray the particle size control solution onto the solid filler material being stirred, and it was difficult to control the particle size, resulting in uneven particle size of the filler.

[0056] For Comparative Example 2, the viscosity of the particle size control solution was reduced compared to Comparative Example 1, but the amount of the particle size control solution was too large, and clumping occurred during high speed mixing of the solid filler material to which the particle size control solution was sprayed (average particle size was 5 to 10 mm).

[0057] In contrast, the bagged filler material of Example 1 was good in processability, and the filler material produced had uniform average particle size characteristics (average particle size was 253 μm, and the ratio of fine particles of less than 100 μm was 1.2%).

[0058] In contrast, the bagged filler material of Example 1 was good in processability, and the filler material produced had uniform average particle size characteristics (average particle size was 253 μm, and the ratio of fine particles of less than 100 μm was 1.2%).

[0059] Although the present disclosure includes specific example embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations of the above described technology can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. If the described technology is executed in a different order, and / or if the components of the illustrated systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner, and / or are replaced or substituted by other components or their equivalents, appropriate results can be obtained.

[0060] Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of making a bagged filling material, characterized in that comprising the steps of: Step S1, preparing a solid filler material containing a binder; Step S2, preparing a particle size control solution containing a processing aid; and Step S3, while stirring the solid filler material, spraying the particle size control solution onto the solid filler material.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: Step S4, after the step S3, mixing the solid filler material with the sprayed particle size control solution to perform a granulation process.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: Step S5, after the step S4, drying the mixed material at a temperature of room temperature to 80°C for 2 hours to 5 hours.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising one or more of the following steps a to c: Step a, before the step S1, sieving raw materials of the solid filler material; Step b, after the step S4, sieving the mixed filler material; Step c, after the step S5, sieving the dried material.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the content of the binder is 20% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the solid filler material, the content of the particle size control solution is 5% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the filler material.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the binder comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, guar gum, gellan gum, and gum arabic.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the solid filler material comprises one or more of an active material, a bulking agent, a pH adjuster, a flavoring agent, and a sweetening agent.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the active material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of nicotine, vitamins, caffeine, salts thereof, and derivatives thereof.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein: the bulking agent comprises one or more of cellulose, sugar alcohol, and non-tobacco plant material, wherein the cellulose is one or more selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose; and the sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of isomaltitol, erythritol, sorbitol, arabitol, ribitol, maltitol, galactitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, and lactitol.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein: ​ The pH adjusting agent includes one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and trisodium bicarbonate.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, The flavoring agent includes one or more selected from the group consisting of vanilla, coffee, chocolate / cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein, The sweetening agent includes one or more selected from the group consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevioside, honey, sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, and aspartame.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, The processing aid includes water or an alcohol.

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