Method for treating tobacco raw material, tobacco raw material, non-combustible heating flavor inhaler, and non-combustible heating flavor inhalation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for treating a tobacco raw material which makes it possible to reduce the amount of furan analogs contained in the smoke generated when the tobacco raw material is heated. A method for treating a tobacco raw material, the method comprising: a step of preparing a tobacco raw material having a pH of 8 or more by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw material; and a step of heating the tobacco raw material having a pH of 8 or more until the pH reaches 6.3 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for processing tobacco raw materials, tobacco raw materials, heated tobacco flavor inhalers, and heated tobacco flavor inhalation systems. Background Technology

[0002] Flavor is obtained from a combustible flavor inhaler (cigarette) by burning tobacco filling material containing tobacco leaves. Meanwhile, heated tobacco flavor inhalers have been proposed as an alternative to these combustible flavor inhalers, in which flavor is obtained by heating rather than burning the tobacco raw material. Tobacco raw material contains sugars, which decompose when the tobacco raw material is heated and are detected as furan analogs in the smoke. Furan analogs have a characteristic sweet aroma, and therefore it may be desirable to reduce this aroma, depending on the type of heated tobacco flavor inhaler. Furthermore, the methods disclosed, for example, in PTL1-5 can be cited as methods for processing tobacco raw material.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: JP 2016-506744 A

[0006] PTL 2: JP 2016-527913 A

[0007] PTL 3: WO 2013 / 146952 A1

[0008] PTL 4: WO 2016 / 063775 A1

[0009] PTL 5: JP H01-231884 A Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a method for processing tobacco raw materials, which enables the reduction of the amount of furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when the tobacco raw materials are heated, and also aims to provide a tobacco raw material obtained by this method, a heated non-combustible flavor inhaler, and a heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system containing the tobacco raw materials.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0014] [1] A method for processing tobacco raw materials, the method comprising: preparing tobacco raw materials having a pH of 8 or higher by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw materials; and

[0015] The step of heating the tobacco raw material with a pH of 8 or higher until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower.

[0016] [2] The method disclosed in [1] wherein the heating is carried out in an enclosed space.

[0017] [3] The method disclosed in [1] or [2], wherein the heating is performed under pressure.

[0018] [4] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [3], wherein the heating temperature in the heating is 100°C-200°C.

[0019] [5] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [4], wherein the heating time is 30 minutes to 4 hours.

[0020] [6] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [5], wherein the tobacco raw material is a flue-cured tobacco variety.

[0021] [7] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [6] wherein 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugars consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

[0022] [8] The method disclosed in any one of [1] to [7] wherein the total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

[0023] [9] A tobacco raw material processed by any of the methods disclosed in [1] to [8].

[0024]

[10] A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugar composed of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

[0025]

[11] The flue-cured tobacco raw material disclosed in

[10] contains 30 mg or more of malic acid per 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material.

[0026]

[12] A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein the total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

[0027]

[13] A heated non-combustible flavored inhaler containing tobacco ingredients as disclosed in any one of [9] to

[12] .

[0028]

[14] A heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system comprising: a heated non-combustible flavor inhaler as disclosed in

[13] ; and

[0029] A heating device for heating the tobacco raw material in the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler.

[0030] Advantages of the present invention

[0031] The present invention provides a method for processing tobacco raw materials that enables the reduction of the amount of furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when the tobacco raw materials are heated, and also provides a tobacco raw material obtained by this method, a heated non-combustible flavor inhaler, and a heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system containing the tobacco raw materials. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heated non-combustible flavored inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment, wherein (a) shows the state before the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler is inserted into the heating device, and (b) shows the state after the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler has been inserted into the heating device for heating. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Methods for processing tobacco raw materials

[0035] According to an embodiment, a method for processing tobacco raw materials includes the following steps: preparing tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw materials (this step will also be referred to below as the "alkaline substance addition step"); and heating the tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower (this step will also be referred to below as the "heating step").

[0036] Furans, 2-methylfurans, furfural, 2-acetylfurans, 5-methylfurans, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural can be listed as the main furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when tobacco raw materials are heated. These furan analogues are not initially contained in tobacco raw materials, or are only contained in trace amounts (if present). It is assumed that most of the furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when tobacco raw materials are heated are formed through the pyrolysis of sugars contained in the tobacco raw materials (mainly three sugars: glucose, fructose, and sucrose). Therefore, if the content of sugars (especially the aforementioned three sugars) in tobacco raw materials can be reduced, it will be feasible to reduce the amount of furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when tobacco raw materials are heated.

[0037] In the method for processing tobacco raw materials according to this embodiment, tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher are first prepared by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw materials. The pH of ordinary tobacco raw materials is approximately 4.0-6.0. Adding an alkaline substance to make the pH of the tobacco raw materials 8 or higher allows the sugar decomposition reaction to proceed more easily during heat treatment. The tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher are then heated until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower. The pH of the tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher decreases as they are heated. This is because, as the sugar decomposition in the tobacco raw materials proceeds, acidic substances such as formic acid and acetic acid are formed as decomposition products. That is, using the pH of the tobacco raw materials as an indicator, the degree to which the sugars have been decomposed can be determined (and therefore the degree to which the furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when the treated tobacco raw materials are heated can be reduced). In the method according to this embodiment, by setting the pH of the heated tobacco raw materials to 6.3 or lower to sufficiently decompose the sugars, the furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when the treated tobacco raw materials are heated can be sufficiently reduced.

[0038] It should be noted that the amount of flavor components generated when tobacco raw materials are heated varies depending on the pH of the tobacco raw materials. However, the pH of the treated tobacco raw materials obtained by the method according to this embodiment is 6.3 or lower, which is comparable to the pH of untreated tobacco raw materials (approximately 4.0-6.0). Therefore, the method according to this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the amount of furan analogues generated during heating, while maintaining the amount of useful flavor components other than furan analogues comparable to that in untreated tobacco raw materials.

[0039] Steps for adding alkaline substances

[0040] In this step, tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher are prepared by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw materials. Whole tobacco or parts of tobacco can be used as the tobacco raw materials to be processed, and enumerated tobacco parts include leaves, veins, stems, roots, flowers, and mixtures thereof. Examples include varieties of tobacco raw materials, including flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, or local types. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] In these cases, flue-cured tobacco varieties are preferably used in the method according to this embodiment. Burley tobacco can be cited as a tobacco variety with a low initial sugar content. However, flue-cured tobacco contains a large number of useful flavor precursors other than sugar (e.g., 3-oxo-α-ionol, spirochetone, malic acid, proline, and palmitic acid, etc.), while burley tobacco contains very few of these substances. The processing method according to this embodiment only allows for a selective reduction of sugar content, especially when the tobacco raw material is heated in a closed space. Therefore, when using flue-cured tobacco varieties, it is possible to obtain tobacco raw materials with low sugar content but high content of other useful flavor precursors.

[0042] The tobacco raw materials used can be fresh leaves that are still undried immediately after harvest, or materials that have been dried and aged after harvest, or a combination thereof. Additionally, midrib tobacco or expanded tobacco obtained by processing the aforementioned tobacco raw materials can also be used. Tobacco sheets (reconstituted tobacco) produced by using tobacco extracts obtained from these tobacco raw materials can also be used. These tobaccos can be used alone, or multiple tobaccos can be used in combination.

[0043] Examples of alkaline substances that can be added to tobacco raw materials include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. There are no particular limitations on the methods of adding alkaline substances, but methods that can be listed include spraying the tobacco raw materials with a solution obtained by dissolving the alkaline substance in a solvent (such as water), and adding the alkaline substance directly to the tobacco pulp or tobacco aqueous extract prepared during the manufacture of reconstituted tobacco.

[0044] In this step, the pH of the tobacco raw material is set to 8 or higher, but preferably to 8.1 or higher, and more preferably to 8.2 or higher. From the perspective of limiting the amount of volatile desired flavor components that are volatilized when forming alkaline tobacco, the upper limit of the pH range of the tobacco raw material is preferably 9.0 or lower, and more preferably 8.5 or lower. Note that the pH of the tobacco raw material is measured by the following method: 0.5 g (WB) of tobacco raw material is introduced into a 20 mL screw-top bottle, and 5 mL of ultrapure water (trade name: Milli-Q) is added. The material is shaken at 200 rpm for 30 minutes. The pH of the contents of the screw-top bottle is measured using a pH meter (trade name: 0040-10D pH measuring electrode, F-72 meter, manufactured by HORIBA, Ltd.).

[0045] Heating steps

[0046] In this step, the tobacco raw material obtained in the alkaline substance addition step, having a pH of 8 or higher, is heated until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower. Heating is preferably carried out in a closed space (i.e., inside an airtight sealed space). For example, heating inside an airtight autoclave can be exemplified as heating in a closed space. Heating in a closed space allows for a greater reduction in the amount of furan analogues compared to heating in an open space, and also allows for adequate maintenance of the nicotine and other beneficial flavor precursors present in the tobacco raw material. Heating is particularly preferably carried out under pressure. The pressure under pressure can be, for example, 0.05-0.3 MPa (gauge pressure).

[0047] The heating temperature is preferably 100°C-200°C. A heating temperature of 100°C or higher allows for better sugar decomposition and a sufficient decrease in pH. Furthermore, a heating temperature of 200°C or lower allows for the suppression of fishy, ​​burnt, and other unpleasant odors. More preferably, the heating temperature is 100°C-150°C, and even more preferably, 100°C-130°C.

[0048] The heating time depends on the heating temperature, but is preferably 30 minutes to 4 hours. A heating time of 30 minutes or longer allows for better sugar decomposition and a sufficient decrease in pH. Furthermore, a heating time of 4 hours or less allows for the suppression of excessive pH decrease and also prevents changes in the amount of components formed during the heating of the tobacco raw material. More preferably, the heating time is 1-4 hours, and even more preferably 2-4 hours. It should be noted that the heating time indicates the time after the set temperature has been reached and does not include the time spent on temperature rise or fall.

[0049] In this step, the pH of the heated tobacco raw material is 6.3 or lower, but preferably 6 or lower, and more preferably 5.5 or lower. From the perspective of preventing changes in the amount of components formed when the tobacco raw material is heated, the lower limit of the pH range of the heated tobacco raw material is preferably 4.0 or higher, and more preferably 4.5 or higher. It should be noted that the pH of the tobacco raw material is measured by the method described above.

[0050] Heated tobacco raw materials can be dried and can be regulated under predetermined temperature and humidity conditions.

[0051] Characteristics of processed tobacco raw materials

[0052] The amount of sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material processed by the method according to this embodiment is preferably 40 mg or less. A content of 40 mg or less of the three sugars allows for a sufficient reduction in the amount of furan analogues contained in the smoke generated when the tobacco raw material is heated. More preferably, the amount of the three sugars contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material is 30 mg or less, even more preferably 25 mg or less, and particularly preferably 20 mg or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the range of the amount of the three sugars contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material, but this lower limit can be, for example, 5 mg or more. It should be noted that the amount of the three sugars contained in the treated tobacco raw material can be measured by means of the following method. The amount of the three sugars can be measured by subjecting an extract to high-performance liquid chromatography, which is obtained by extracting 1 g of treated tobacco raw material with ultrapure water.

[0053] The amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material processed by the method according to this embodiment is preferably 10 mg or more. A nicotine content of 10 mg or more allows for sufficient flavor to be obtained during heating. More preferably, the amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material is 12 mg or more, and even more preferably 15 mg or more. There is no particular upper limit to the range of the amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material, but this upper limit may be, for example, 30 mg or less. It should be noted that the amount of nicotine contained in the treated tobacco raw material can be measured by the following method. The amount of nicotine can be measured by subjecting an extract to gas chromatography, which is obtained by adding 1 mol / L sodium hydroxide to 1 g of treated tobacco raw material and then extracting with hexane.

[0054] The amount of sugars (three sugars) consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material is preferably 40 mg or less, and the amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of treated tobacco raw material is preferably 10 mg or more, so as to maintain the amount of nicotine supplied while reducing the amount of furan analogues generated during heating.

[0055] The total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (hereinafter also referred to as "eight furan analogs") in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material, processed by the method according to this embodiment, is preferably 410 µg or less. A total mass of 410 µg or less of the eight furan analogs allows for a sufficient reduction of the characteristic sweet aroma derived from the furan analogs. More preferably, the total mass of the eight furan analogs in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 400 µg or less, even more preferably 350 µg or less, and particularly preferably 300 µg or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the range of the total mass of the eight furan analogs in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes, but this lower limit can be, for example, 50 µg or more.

[0056] It should be noted that the total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material was heated at 300°C for 5 minutes was measured using the following method: 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material was heated at 300°C for 5 minutes in an infrared gold-plating focusing furnace under a nitrogen atmosphere. The smoke generated during this process was captured through a Cambridge filter and methanol at -70°C, and the total amount of the eight furan analogues was measured by gas chromatography.

[0057] flue-cured tobacco raw materials

[0058] First Embodiment

[0059] In the flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment, 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugars (three sugars) consisting of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, and 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine. 1 g of ordinary flue-cured tobacco raw material typically contains more than 50 mg of these three sugars. However, in the flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment, 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of the three sugars, thus reducing the amount of furan analogs in the smoke generated when the tobacco raw material is heated, and thereby reducing the characteristic sweet aroma derived from furan analogs. Simultaneously, 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine, thus ensuring sufficient flavor during heating. The flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment can be suitably produced by processing flue-cured tobacco raw material using the method for processing tobacco raw material according to this embodiment.

[0060] The amount of the three sugars contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is preferably 30 mg or less, more preferably 25 mg or less, and even more preferably 20 mg or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the range of the amount of the three sugars contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material, but this lower limit may be, for example, 5 mg or more. The amount of the three sugars contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material can be measured by the same method as described above for measuring the amount of the three sugars contained in treated tobacco raw material.

[0061] The amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is preferably 12 mg or more, and more preferably 15 mg or more. There is no particular upper limit to the range of the amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material, but this upper limit may be, for example, 30 mg or less. The amount of nicotine contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material can be measured by the same method as described above for measuring the amount of nicotine contained in processed tobacco raw material.

[0062] The amount of malic acid contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is preferably 30 mg or more. Malic acid is a useful flavor precursor, and when 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 30 mg or more of malic acid, malic acid improves the quality of the flavor. More preferably, the amount of malic acid contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is 31 mg or more, and even more preferably 32 mg or more. There is no particular upper limit to the range of the amount of malic acid contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material, but this upper limit may be, for example, 40 mg or less. The amount of malic acid contained in 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material can be measured by means of the following method. The amount of malic acid can be measured by supplying an extract to a capillary electrophoresis system, which is obtained by extracting 1 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material with ultrapure water.

[0063] Second Embodiment

[0064] In the flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment, the total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (eight furan analogs) in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less. The total mass of the eight furan analogs in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of ordinary flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes typically exceeds 1000 µg. However, in the flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment, the total mass of the eight furan analogs in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less, therefore almost no characteristic sweet aroma derived from the furan analogs generated during heating. The flue-cured tobacco raw material according to this embodiment can be suitably produced by treating the flue-cured tobacco raw material with the method for treating tobacco raw material according to this embodiment.

[0065] The total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is preferably 400 µg or less, more preferably 350 µg or less, and even more preferably 300 µg or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the range of the total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes, but this lower limit may be, for example, 50 mg or more. The total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes can be measured by the same method as described above for measuring the total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes.

[0066] Heated non-combustible flavor inhaler

[0067] The heated non-combustible flavored inhaler according to this embodiment contains tobacco raw material according to this embodiment. Because the heated non-combustible flavored inhaler according to this embodiment contains tobacco raw material according to this embodiment, it has almost no characteristic sweet aroma derived from furan analogues generated during use (during heating).

[0068] Figure 1 An example of a heated non-combustible flavored inhaler according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 1The heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 shown includes: a tobacco-containing section 2 filled with tobacco raw material according to an embodiment; a cylindrical cooling section 3 having circumferential perforations 8; a central perforation section 4; and a filter section 5. In addition to the tobacco-containing section, cooling section, central perforation section, and filter section, the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler according to an embodiment may also have other sections.

[0069] There is no particular limitation on the axial length of the heated non-combustible flavored inhaler according to the embodiment, but the axial length is preferably 40 mm-90 mm, more preferably 50 mm-75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm-60 mm. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the heated non-combustible flavored inhaler is preferably 16 mm-25 mm, more preferably 20 mm-24 mm, and even more preferably 21 mm-23 mm. In an exemplary aspect that can be exemplified, the length of the tobacco section is 20 mm, the length of the cooling section is 20 mm, the length of the central hole section is 8 mm, and the length of the filter section is 7 mm. It should be noted that the length of the filter section can be selected from the range of 4 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the length can be selected such that the ventilation resistance of the filter section is between 15 mmH2O / section and 60 mmH2O / section. For example, the lengths of these individual sections can be appropriately modified according to manufacturability and desired quality. The function of the heated non-combustible flavored inhaler can still be achieved if the filter section is located downstream of the cooling section without using the central hole section.

[0070] Tobacco segment

[0071] The tobacco-containing segment 2 includes a wrapping paper (hereinafter also referred to as a "wrapper") containing tobacco raw material according to an embodiment. There are no particular limitations on the method of wrapping the tobacco raw material in the wrapping paper, but the tobacco raw material can be enclosed in the wrapper, or a cylindrical wrapper can contain the tobacco raw material. When the tobacco raw material has a longitudinal shape (such as a rectangular shape), the tobacco raw material can be packaged inside the wrapper such that its longitudinal direction is randomly oriented, or it can be packaged such that its longitudinal direction is oriented in the axial direction of the tobacco-containing segment 2 or in a direction perpendicular to it.

[0072] Cooling section

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling section 3 can be formed by a cylindrical component 7. The cylindrical component 7 can be, for example, a paper tube obtained by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape.

[0074] The cylindrical member 7 and the mouthpiece liner 12, described later, are provided with perforations 8 extending through both. The perforations 8 allow outside air to be introduced into the cooling section 3 during inhalation. Thus, the aerosol vaporized component generated by heating the tobacco-containing section 2 is liquefied because this aerosol vaporized component comes into contact with outside air, causing its temperature to drop and forming an aerosol. There is no particular limitation on the diameter (span length) of the perforations 8, but it can be, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. There is no particular limitation on the number of perforations 8, and one, two, or more perforations can be present. For example, multiple perforations 8 can be provided on the circumference of the cooling section 3.

[0075] The amount of outside air introduced through the perforation 8 is preferably 85 vol% or less, and more preferably 80 vol% or less, relative to the total volume of gas inhaled by the user. An outside air proportion of up to 85 vol% will sufficiently limit flavor reduction caused by outside air dilution. It should be noted that this is also referred to as the ventilation ratio. From a cooling perspective, the lower limit of the ventilation ratio range is preferably 55 vol% or more, and more preferably 60 vol% or more.

[0076] Furthermore, the cooling section can also be a segment of a sheet of material comprising pleats, folds, gathers, or folds. The cross-sectional profile of such an element can exhibit randomly oriented channels. Additionally, the cooling section can include a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. Such a cooling section can be formed, for example, by wrapping pleated, gathered, or folded sheets with wrapping paper.

[0077] The axial length of the cooling section can be 7 mm to 28 mm, and can be, for example, 18 mm. In addition, the cooling section can be substantially circular in its axial cross-sectional shape, with a diameter of, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm, and can be, for example, about 7 mm.

[0078] Central hole section

[0079] The central segment is formed by a filling layer having one or more hollow portions and an inner plug covering the filling layer (inner wrapping paper). For example... Figure 1As shown, for example, the central hole segment 4 is formed by a first filling layer 9 having a hollow portion and a first inner plug covering the first filling layer 9. The central hole segment 4 functions to increase the strength of the suction nozzle segment 6. The first filling layer 9 can be formed, for example, as a rod with an inner diameter of φ1.0 mm-φ5.0 mm, packed with high-density cellulose acetate fibers, wherein a plasticizer containing triacetin is added, the amount of which is 6%-20% by mass relative to the mass of cellulose acetate, and the plasticizer is cured. The first filling layer 9 has high bulk density fibers, so air and aerosols flow only through the hollow portion during suction, and almost no air and aerosols flow through the first filling layer 9. The first filling layer 9 inside the central hole segment 4 is a fiber filling layer, so the user will hardly feel any discomfort when touching the outside during use. In addition, the shape of the central hole segment 4 can also be maintained by means of thermoforming without the need for the first inner plug covering 10.

[0080] Filtering section

[0081] There are no particular restrictions on the configuration of filter section 5, but it can be formed by a single filling layer or multiple filling layers. The outside of the filling layer can be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. The airflow resistance of each section of filter section 5 can be appropriately changed by the amount and material of the filling material. For example, when the filling material is cellulose acetate fiber, the airflow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber filling filter section 5. When the filling material is cellulose acetate fiber, the bulk density of cellulose acetate fiber can be 0.13-0.18 g / cm³. 3 It should be noted that the airflow resistance is measured using an airflow resistance meter (trade name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the circumferential length of the filter section 5, but it is preferably 16-25 mm, more preferably 20-24 mm, and even more preferably 21-23 mm. The axial length of the filter section 5 can be selected as 4-10 mm, and the axial length is chosen such that the airflow resistance is, for example, 15-60 mmH2O / section. The axial length of the filter section 5 is preferably 5-9 mm, and more preferably 6-8 mm. There are no particular limitations on the cross-sectional shape of the filter section 5, but the cross-sectional shape can be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Furthermore, easily ruptured capsules, flavor beads, or flavor materials containing flavoring materials can be directly added to the filter section 5.

[0083] like Figure 1As shown, the central hole segment 4 and the filter segment 5 can be connected by an outer plug wrapping material (outer wrapping paper) 11. For example, the outer plug wrapping material 11 can be a cylindrical paper. Furthermore, the central hole segment 4 containing the tobacco segment 2, the cooling segment 3, and the connecting central hole segment 4, as well as the filter segment 5, can be connected by means of a mouthpiece liner 12. These connections can be formed, for example, by coating the inner surface of the mouthpiece liner 12 with adhesive (such as vinyl acetate-based adhesive), inserting the aforementioned three segments therein, and wrapping these segments with the mouthpiece liner. It should be noted that these segments can also be connected to multiple liners via multiple individual connectors.

[0084] Heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system

[0085] The heated tobacco flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment includes: a heated tobacco flavor inhaler according to an embodiment, and a heating device for heating the tobacco raw material in the heated tobacco flavor inhaler. The heated tobacco flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment includes the heated tobacco flavor inhaler according to an embodiment, and therefore has almost no characteristic sweet aroma derived from furan analogues generated during use (during heating). The heated tobacco flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment may have components other than the heated tobacco flavor inhaler and heating device according to an embodiment.

[0086] Figure 2 An example of a heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 The heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system shown includes: a heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 according to an embodiment; and a heating device 13 for externally heating the tobacco-containing segment of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1.

[0087] Figure 2 (a) shows the state of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 before it is inserted into the heating device 13, and Figure 2 (b) shows the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 inserted into the heating device 13 for heating. Figure 2 The heating device 13 shown includes a main body 14, a heater 15, a metal tube 16, a battery unit 17, and a control unit 18. The main body 14 includes a cylindrical recess 19, and the heater 15 and the metal tube 16 are disposed on the inner side of the recess 19, at a position corresponding to the tobacco-containing segment in the insertion recess 19 of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1. The heater 15 may be a resistive heater, wherein the battery unit 17 supplies power according to commands from the control unit 18 that controls the temperature, causing the heater 15 to heat up. The heat emitted from the heater 15 is transferred to the tobacco-containing segment of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 through the metal tube 16, which has high thermal conductivity.

[0088] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing a gap between the outer circumference of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 and the inner circumference of the metal tube 16. However, for the purpose of efficient heat transfer, it is preferable that there is no gap between the outer circumference of the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 and the inner circumference of the metal tube 16. It should also be noted that the heating device 13 heats the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustible flavor inhaler 1 from the outside, but the tobacco-containing section can also be heated from the inside.

[0089] There are no particular limitations on the heating temperature generated by the heating device, but it is preferably 400°C or lower, more preferably 150°C-400°C, and even more preferably 200°C-350°C. It should be noted that the heating temperature indicates the temperature of the heater in the heating device.

[0090] Example

[0091] The embodiments will be described in detail below with examples, but the embodiments are not limited to those examples. It should be noted that the following methods are used to measure the amount of furan analogues in smoke and to measure the amounts of three sugars, nicotine and malic acid.

[0092] Measurement of the amount of furan analogues in smoke

[0093] The total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (eight furan analogues) in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material was heated at 300°C for 5 minutes was measured using the following method. 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material was heated at 300°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 5 minutes in an infrared gold-plated focusing furnace. The smoke generated during this process was captured through a Cambridge filter and methanol at -70°C, and the total amount of the eight furan analogues was measured by gas chromatography.

[0094] Measurement of the amounts of three sugars, nicotine, and malic acid

[0095] The amount of sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) in 1 g of the obtained treated tobacco raw material was measured using the following method. The amount of the three sugars was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of an extract obtained by extracting 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material with ultrapure water. Furthermore, the amount of nicotine in 1 g of the obtained treated tobacco raw material was measured by gas chromatography (GC), obtained by adding 1 mol / L sodium hydroxide to 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material and then extracting with hexane. Additionally, the amount of malic acid in 1 g of the obtained treated tobacco raw material was measured by feeding an extract to a capillary electrophoresis system, obtained by extracting 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material with ultrapure water.

[0096] Example 1

[0097] A blend of tobacco sheets and shreds produced using flue-cured tobacco as raw material was prepared as the tobacco raw material. 6 g of a 10 wt% sodium carbonate aqueous solution (sodium carbonate 3 wt%) was sprayed onto 20 g (wB) of the tobacco raw material using a glass atomizer. The resulting tobacco raw material had a pH of 8.03. The tobacco raw material was then introduced into a glass conical flask covered with an aluminum foil cap and placed in an autoclave (trade name: LSX-500, manufactured by Tomy Seiko Co., Ltd.). Heating and pressurization were initiated with the autoclave set to maintain a maximum temperature of 120°C for 30 minutes. During heating, the pressure inside the autoclave was 0.1 MPa. After heating, the tobacco raw material was removed and the pH was measured. The pH of the tobacco raw material was 6.13. The tobacco raw material was then transferred to a tray and air-dried in a ventilated environment for 30 minutes. The dried material was then conditioned at room temperature (22°C) and humidity (60%) for at least 48 hours. The total mass of eight furan analogues in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of the treated tobacco raw material was heated at 300°C for 5 minutes was measured using the method described above. Furthermore, the amounts of three sugars in 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material were measured using the method described above. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0098] Examples 2 to 5

[0099] The tobacco raw materials were processed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the heating time was varied between 1 and 4 hours, and measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 1. Note that the pressure inside the autoclave was 0.1 MPa in all cases during heating. Furthermore, the amounts of the three sugars and malic acid were measured using the methods described above for Examples 3-5, and the amount of nicotine was also measured using the methods described above for Example 3.

[0100] Comparison Examples 1 to 13

[0101] The tobacco raw materials were treated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of alkaline substance added, the presence or absence of heating, the heating method, the heating temperature, and the heating time were changed as shown in Table 1, and measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 1. Note that Comparative Example 1 shows untreated tobacco raw materials. Furthermore, in Table 1, "AC" in the "Heating" column indicates heating in an autoclave (pressurized environment) in a closed space, and "Oven" indicates heating in an oven in an open system. This also applies to Tables 2 and 3.

[0102] Table 1

[0103]

[0104] Example 6

[0105] The tobacco raw materials were processed in the same manner as in Example 3, except that only flue-cured tobacco leaves were used as the tobacco raw materials, and measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0106] Compare Examples 14 and 15

[0107] The tobacco raw materials were treated in the same manner as in Example 6, except that the amount of alkaline substance added and the presence or absence of heating were varied as shown in Table 2. The results are shown in Table 2. Note that Comparative Example 14 shows untreated tobacco raw materials. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 15, 30 wt% water was added instead of an alkaline substance.

[0108] Table 2

[0109]

[0110] Example 7

[0111] The tobacco raw materials were processed in the same manner as in Example 3, except that only flue-cured tobacco leaves were used as the raw material, and measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0112] Compare Examples 16 and 17

[0113] The tobacco raw materials were treated in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the amount of alkaline substance added and the presence or absence of heating were varied as shown in Table 3. The results are shown in Table 3. Note that Comparative Example 16 shows untreated tobacco raw materials. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 17, 30 wt% water was added instead of an alkaline substance.

[0114] Table 3

[0115]

[0116] Reference Example 1

[0117] The tobacco raw materials were processed in the same manner as in Example 3, except that only Burley tobacco leaves were used as the raw materials, and measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0118] Refer to Examples 2 to 4

[0119] The tobacco raw materials were treated in the same manner as in Reference Example 1, except that the amount of alkaline substance added was changed as shown in Table 4. The results are shown in Table 4. Note that Reference Example 2 shows untreated tobacco raw materials.

[0120] Table 4

[0121]

[0122] The embodiments include the following aspects.

[0123] [1] A method for processing tobacco raw materials, the method comprising: preparing tobacco raw materials having a pH of 8 or higher by adding an alkaline substance to the tobacco raw materials; and

[0124] The step of heating the tobacco raw material with a pH of 8 or higher until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower.

[0125] [2] The method disclosed in [1] wherein the heating is carried out in an enclosed space.

[0126] [3] The method disclosed in [1] or [2], wherein the heating is performed under pressure.

[0127] [4] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [3], wherein the heating temperature in the heating is 100°C-200°C.

[0128] [5] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [4], wherein the heating time is 30 minutes to 4 hours.

[0129] [6] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [5], wherein the tobacco raw material is a flue-cured tobacco variety.

[0130] [7] The method disclosed in any of [1] to [6] wherein 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugars consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the treated tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

[0131] [8] The method disclosed in any one of [1] to [7] wherein the total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

[0132] [9] A tobacco raw material processed by any of the methods disclosed in [1] to [8].

[0133]

[10] A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugar composed of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

[0134]

[11] The flue-cured tobacco raw material disclosed in

[10] contains 30 mg or more of malic acid per 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material.

[0135]

[12] A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein the total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

[0136]

[13] A heated non-combustible flavored inhaler containing tobacco ingredients as disclosed in any one of [9] to

[12] .

[0137]

[14] A heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system comprising: a heated non-combustible flavor inhaler as disclosed in

[13] ; and

[0138] A heating device for heating the tobacco raw material in the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler.

[0139] List of reference numerals

[0140] 1 Heated non-combustible flavor inhaler

[0141] 2. Tobacco-containing segment

[0142] 3 Cooling Section

[0143] 4. Central Hole Section

[0144] 5 Filtering Section

[0145] 6. Suction nozzle section

[0146] 7. Cylindrical components

[0147] 8. Perforation

[0148] 9 First Filling Layer

[0149] 10 First inner packing

[0150] 11. External plugging / wrapping material

[0151] 12. Suction nozzle liner

[0152] 13 Heating device

[0153] 14 Main Body

[0154] 15 Heaters

[0155] 16 Metal pipes

[0156] 17 battery cells

[0157] 18 Control Unit

[0158] 19 concavity

Claims

1. A method for processing tobacco raw materials, the method comprising: The steps for preparing tobacco raw materials with a pH of 8 or higher by adding alkaline substances to tobacco raw materials; as well as The step of heating the tobacco raw material with a pH of 8 or higher until the pH reaches 6.3 or lower.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The heating takes place in an enclosed space.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heating is carried out under pressure.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heating temperature in this process is 100°C-200°C.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The heating time in this process is 30 minutes to 4 hours.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The tobacco raw material is a flue-cured tobacco variety.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, After treatment, 1 g of the tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugars consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of treated tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

9. A tobacco raw material processed by any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein, 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 40 mg or less of sugars consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and 1 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 10 mg or more of nicotine.

11. The flue-cured tobacco raw material as described in claim 10, wherein, 1 g of this flue-cured tobacco raw material contains 30 mg or more of malic acid.

12. A flue-cured tobacco raw material, wherein, The total mass of furan, 2-methylfuran, furfural, 2-acetylfuran, 5-methylfuran, furfuryl alcohol, furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the smoke generated when 0.2 g of the flue-cured tobacco raw material is heated at 300°C for 5 minutes is 410 µg or less.

13. A heated non-combustible flavor inhaler containing tobacco raw material as described in any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. A heated non-combustible flavor inhalation system, comprising: The heated non-combustible flavor inhaler as described in claim 13; as well as A heating device for heating the tobacco raw material in the heated non-combustible flavor inhaler.

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