Equipment and tobacco production line for tobacco expansion processing

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of tobacco manufacturing equipment, and discloses equipment and a tobacco production line for tobacco shred expansion treatment. The equipment for tobacco shred expansion treatment provided by this utility model solves the inherent condensation problem of the steam system by introducing a coordinated design of a compressed air bypass unit and an electric heating unit. The equipment for tobacco shred expansion treatment provided by this utility model, through a sequential control logic of first preheating with high-temperature compressed air and then switching to superheated steam, not only eliminates the generation of condensation during the preheating stage at the source, but also ensures the stability and dryness of the process medium during the production stage. The tobacco production line provided by this utility model includes the aforementioned equipment for tobacco shred expansion treatment. By integrating fully automatic preheating and superheated steam control functions, it fundamentally eliminates the problems of uneven wetting and adhesion of tobacco shreds caused by condensation, significantly improves tobacco shred expansion efficiency and product quality consistency, and effectively reduces energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to equipment and tobacco production line for tobacco expansion treatment. Background Technology

[0002] The SIROX expander is a device used to heat and humidify tobacco shreds before drying. During the steam conveying process, the device heats and humidifies the tobacco shreds with a large amount of saturated steam, and then conveys them to the drying machine downstream of the production line for rapid drying. The water in the leaf cells evaporates rapidly, causing the leaf tissue structure to fully expand.

[0003] To ensure uniform heating and humidification of the tobacco, steam was previously injected directly into the SIROX expander for preheating before feeding. However, this method suffers from the problem of rapid condensation of the steam at normal pressure and temperature, forming condensate that adheres to the inner wall of the equipment. Furthermore, some steam diffuses into the outlet insulated vibrating trough, where it also condenses and adheres to the inner wall. When the tobacco feed arrives, it mixes with this condensate, forming water-stained smoke or wet clumps, resulting in yellow-spotted smoke and affecting product quality. Additionally, after each batch of production, the SIROX expander is cleaned with water, which also adheres to the inner wall. During the next batch feeding, the tobacco mixes with this residual water, again forming water-stained smoke or wet clumps, further contributing to yellow-spotted smoke and impacting product quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for tobacco shred expansion processing, which achieves seamless and automatic switching between preheating and production modes for the heating and humidification device. It not only utilizes heated compressed air for safe and efficient equipment preheating, avoiding steam condensation, but also provides stable and reliable superheated steam during production, significantly improving the quality and efficiency of tobacco shred expansion.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Equipment for tobacco expansion treatment includes a steam main circuit unit, a compressed air bypass unit, an electric heating unit, and a temperature and humidity increasing device;

[0007] The main steam circuit unit includes a steam control regulating valve and a three-way valve connected in sequence, with the end of the steam control regulating valve away from the three-way valve being used to connect to a steam source.

[0008] The compressed air bypass unit includes a compressed air manual switch valve and a compressed air automatic switch valve connected in sequence. The end of the compressed air manual switch valve away from the compressed air automatic switch valve is used to connect to a compressed air source. The outlet pipe of the compressed air bypass unit is connected to the tee fitting.

[0009] The electric heating unit includes an electric heater, the air inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the three-way fitting via a pipe, and the air outlet of which is connected to the steam inlet of the heating and humidifying device.

[0010] Preferably, the device also includes a condensate drain unit connected to the bottom of the electric heater for draining the condensate generated inside the electric heater;

[0011] The condensate discharge unit includes an automatic shut-off valve for steam condensate discharge and a steam trap connected by pipes. The automatic shut-off valve for steam condensate discharge is connected to the bottom of the electric heater by a pipe, and the steam trap drains water to the outside through a pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the condensate discharge unit further includes a manual shut-off valve and a filter disposed between the automatic steam condensate discharge shut-off valve and the steam trap and connected by a pipeline. The manual shut-off valve is connected to the automatic steam condensate discharge shut-off valve, and the filter is connected to the steam trap.

[0013] Preferably, the condensate discharge unit further includes a viewing mirror and / or a first check valve located on a pipe downstream of the drain valve.

[0014] Preferably, the automatic shut-off valve for steam condensate discharge is a pneumatic switch shut-off valve, and the steam trap is a float-type steam trap.

[0015] Preferably, the compressed air bypass unit further includes a compressed air filter pressure regulating valve disposed upstream of the compressed air automatic switching valve.

[0016] Preferably, the compressed air bypass unit further includes a second check valve disposed downstream of the compressed air pneumatic switch shut-off valve;

[0017] And / or, the three-way component is a three-way regulating valve.

[0018] Preferably, a temperature sensor is installed in the pipe between the air outlet of the electric heater and the steam inlet of the heating and humidifying device.

[0019] Preferably, the compressed air manual switch valve is a manual ball valve, and the compressed air automatic switch valve is a pneumatic shut-off valve.

[0020] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a tobacco production line that integrates fully automatic preheating and superheated steam control functions, which significantly improves tobacco expansion efficiency and product quality consistency while effectively reducing energy consumption and manual operation risks.

[0021] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0022] A tobacco production line, including the equipment described above for the tobacco expansion process.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This utility model provides an apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment, comprising a steam main unit, a compressed air bypass unit, an electric heating unit, and a temperature and humidification device. The steam main unit includes a steam control regulating valve and a three-way valve connected in sequence, with the end of the steam control regulating valve furthest from the three-way valve connected to a steam source. The compressed air bypass unit includes a compressed air manual switch valve and a compressed air automatic switch valve connected in sequence, with the end of the compressed air manual switch valve furthest from the compressed air automatic switch valve connected to a compressed air source. The outlet pipe of the compressed air bypass unit is connected to the three-way valve. The electric heating unit includes an electric heater, with its inlet connected to the outlet of the three-way valve via a pipe, and its outlet connected to the steam inlet of the temperature and humidification device. This apparatus, through the coordinated design of the compressed air bypass unit and the electric heating unit, fundamentally solves the inherent condensate problem of the steam system. During the equipment startup phase, heated compressed air can be used to dry and preheat the heating and humidifying device, effectively removing residual moisture from the cavity and preventing the generation of a large amount of condensate that wets the tobacco when steam directly contacts the equipment. During production switching, the electric heater can reliably heat the steam into superheated steam, significantly reducing its relative humidity, thereby ensuring that the medium sprayed onto the tobacco is always dry, greatly improving the expansion efficiency of the tobacco and product quality. At the same time, the equipment has a high degree of integration and strong reliability.

[0025] The tobacco production line provided by this utility model includes the equipment for tobacco expansion treatment as described above. This equipment, through integrated preheating and superheated steam control functions, can stably produce tobacco with a higher expansion rate and more uniform quality, fundamentally eliminating quality problems such as uneven wetting and clumping of tobacco caused by condensation. Simultaneously, the equipment is safer and more reliable in operation, reduces energy consumption, and extends maintenance cycles, resulting in simultaneous growth in production efficiency, product quality, and overall economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection pipeline of the device used for tobacco shred expansion processing in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 11. Steam control regulating valve; 12. Tee fitting;

[0029] 21. Manual compressed air switch valve; 22. Automatic compressed air switch valve; 23. Compressed air filter pressure regulating valve; 24. Second check valve;

[0030] 31. Automatic shut-off valve for steam condensate discharge; 32. Steam trap; 33. Manual shut-off valve; 34. Filter; 35. Sight glass; 36. First check valve;

[0031] 4. Electric heater; 5. Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0036] Some embodiments of this utility model provide a device for tobacco shred expansion treatment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a main steam circuit unit, a compressed air bypass unit, an electric heating unit, and a temperature and humidification device. The main steam circuit unit includes a steam control regulating valve 11 and a three-way valve 12 connected in sequence. The end of the steam control regulating valve 11 furthest from the three-way valve 12 is connected to a steam source. The compressed air bypass unit includes a manually operated compressed air valve 21 and an automatically operated compressed air valve 22 connected in sequence. The end of the manually operated compressed air valve 21 furthest from the automatically operated compressed air valve 22 is connected to a compressed air source. The outlet pipe of the compressed air bypass unit is connected to the three-way valve 12. In some specific embodiments, the manually operated compressed air valve 21 is a manual ball valve, and the automatically operated compressed air valve 22 is a pneumatic shut-off valve. By setting the compressed air manual switch valve 21 as a manual ball valve, its low fluid resistance, excellent sealing performance, and simple structure ensure reliable, zero-leakage manual shut-off and isolation during equipment maintenance, repair, or emergency failures. At the same time, the compressed air automatic switch valve 22 is set as a pneumatic switch shut-off valve, utilizing its sensitive action, fast response speed, and ease of integration to achieve remote, automated, and precise control of the compressed air circuit. The combined use of the two ensures both efficient automation and immediate response in the production process, while also taking into account the safety and dual protection capabilities of system operation and maintenance, effectively improving the overall operational stability and control flexibility of the air circuit system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electric heating unit includes an electric heater 4, the air inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the tee 12 via a pipe, and the air outlet of the electric heater 4 is connected to the steam inlet of the heating and humidifying device. In this embodiment, the heating and humidifying device uses a SIROX expander; therefore, the term "SIROX expander" used in the following text should be understood as referring to the same device. It is understood that this device constructs a multi-level preheating mechanism by introducing a synergistic design between the compressed air bypass unit and the electric heating unit. First, in the preheating stage, the device provides a drying heat source through the compressed air bypass unit, fundamentally avoiding the condensation problem that inevitably occurs when the surface of the low-temperature equipment comes into contact with high-temperature steam during traditional steam preheating, ensuring that the SIROX expander chamber is in a dry and uniform thermal state before feeding. Secondly, during the production stage, the electric heating unit, as a core component, stably heats saturated steam into superheated steam, significantly reducing its relative humidity. This ensures that the process medium sprayed onto the tobacco is always absolutely dry, greatly improving the expansion efficiency and filling value of the tobacco and effectively preventing quality problems such as tobacco clumping and darkening of color caused by condensation. Furthermore, this design integrates the main steam path and the compressed air bypass through a T-junction 12, resulting in a compact structure and enabling smooth and reliable switching between the two operating modes. This improves process quality while also enhancing the system's automation and operational reliability.

[0038] In some embodiments, the electric heater 4 has a power of 20KW and a PID control function, which can automatically adjust the heating power according to the temperature of the steam or compressed air at the outlet of the electric heater 4. It is understood that using a 20KW power unit with integrated PID control function can provide sufficient heat to ensure the medium quickly rises to the set temperature, while also enabling real-time and precise closed-loop control of the outlet steam or compressed air temperature through the PID algorithm. This effectively suppresses temperature fluctuations, thereby consistently keeping the steam above the target superheat to completely prevent condensation, or precisely maintaining the compressed air at the optimal preheating temperature. This improves process stability and product quality consistency while avoiding oversupply and waste of energy, achieving a balance between heating efficiency and energy consumption.

[0039] In some embodiments, the device for tobacco expansion treatment in this utility model further includes a condensate drainage unit connected to the bottom of the electric heater 4 for automatically draining the condensate generated inside the electric heater 4. Figure 1As shown, the condensate drainage unit includes an automatic steam condensate drain shut-off valve 31 and a steam trap 32 connected by pipes. The automatic steam condensate drain shut-off valve 31 is connected to the bottom of the electric heater 4 via a pipe, and the steam trap 32 drains water to the outside via a pipe, for example, connected to a floor drain. In some specific embodiments, the automatic steam condensate drain shut-off valve 31 is a pneumatic shut-off valve, and the steam trap 32 is a float-type steam trap. Setting the automatic steam condensate drain shut-off valve 31 as a pneumatic shut-off valve utilizes its good sealing performance and fast response to achieve remote automated on / off control of the condensate drainage pipeline, facilitating system integration and emergency shut-off. The use of the float-type steam trap 32, with its ability to continuously and instantly drain condensate unaffected by pressure fluctuations, ensures no water accumulation inside the equipment, maintains extremely high heat exchange efficiency, and effectively prevents steam leakage (steam-blocking drainage). The combination of the two achieves automated control of the drainage process and maximizes energy utilization and equipment operational stability. Understandably, when the equipment is first started, the electric heater 4 itself and the steam pipes connected to it are cold (at ambient temperature). When steam from the boiler or main pipeline, which serves as the steam source, first enters these low-temperature metal pipes and equipment, it exchanges heat with the cold metal walls. The steam quickly transfers its latent heat to the metal, lowering its own temperature and condensing from a gaseous state (steam) into a liquid state (water). Moreover, the steam is saturated steam, meaning its temperature and pressure have a one-to-one correspondence. If the temperature decreases or the pressure increases, it will de-saturate, and some of the steam will condense into water. During the steam transport process, even with insulation in the pipes, heat loss still occurs. This heat loss causes a slight drop in steam temperature, resulting in the continuous production of small amounts of condensate. Therefore, although this invention includes an electric heater 4 in the pipeline, which makes the steam superheated after passing through the electric heater 4, significantly reducing its relative humidity and compensating for the heat loss of the steam in the pipeline, ensuring the temperature of the steam input into the SIROX expander, the steam before reaching the electric heater 4 will still condense. Therefore, in this embodiment, a condensate drain unit is provided at the bottom of the electric heater 4. Among them, the steam condensate drain automatic shut-off valve 31 serves as the main control switch, which can be opened and closed according to the working mode. It remains closed during the preheating stage to prevent compressed air leakage, and opens the drainage channel in time during the production stage. The float-type drain valve 32, based on this, uses its mechanical automatic operation to achieve steam blocking and drainage, ensuring that while draining the accumulated condensate, it minimizes the escape loss of steam. This achieves dual protection by combining automatic control and mechanical protection, ensuring the stability of the heat exchange efficiency of the electric heater 4, avoiding equipment corrosion and affecting the quality of tobacco caused by condensate accumulation, and significantly improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the condensate drainage unit further includes a manual shut-off valve 33 and a filter 34 connected by a pipeline between the automatic condensate drainage shut-off valve 31 and the steam trap 32. The manual shut-off valve 33 is connected to the automatic condensate drainage shut-off valve 31, and the filter 34 is connected to the steam trap 32. It is understood that adding a connection structure between the manual shut-off valve 33 and the filter 34 between the automatic condensate drainage shut-off valve 31 and the steam trap 32 in the condensate drainage unit significantly improves the maintainability and operational reliability of the system. The addition of the manual shut-off valve 33 provides a reliable mechanical isolation point for the entire drainage unit. When it is necessary to inspect or replace the downstream filter 34 or the steam trap 32, this valve can be closed safely without affecting the main system pressure, greatly ensuring the convenience and safety of maintenance operations. Meanwhile, the filter 34 effectively protects the steam trap 32, intercepting and collecting solid particles such as rust and scale that may be carried in the steam system and pipelines. This prevents these impurities from entering and clogging or abrading the delicate valve seat and cover mechanism inside the steam trap 32. This design not only extends the service life of the steam trap 32 and reduces the frequency of spare parts replacement and maintenance costs, but also ensures the long-term stability of the steam trap 32's steam blocking and drainage function, thereby fundamentally guaranteeing the continuous and smooth discharge of condensate.

[0041] In some embodiments, the condensate discharge unit further includes a sight glass 35 and / or a first check valve 36 disposed on the pipe between the steam trap 32 and the floor drain. When both the sight glass 35 and the first check valve 36 are installed, the sight glass 35 is positioned upstream of the first check valve 36. It is understood that installing the sight glass 35 and the first check valve 36 at the end of the condensate discharge unit enables system status monitoring and safety protection. The sight glass 35 serves as a direct observation window, allowing operators to clearly observe the discharge status and quality of the condensate. If continuous steam discharge or abnormal water flow is detected, it can quickly determine whether the float steam trap has failed, enabling early detection and precise fault location, greatly improving maintenance efficiency. The downstream first check valve 36 effectively prevents sewage, exhaust steam, and other foreign matter from the floor drain or public pipeline from flowing back into the steam system due to back pressure fluctuations, thereby completely eliminating the risk of external media causing pollution and corrosion to the system, ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and independence of the entire thermal system operation.

[0042] In some embodiments, the compressed air bypass unit further includes a compressed air filter and pressure regulating valve 23 disposed upstream of the compressed air automatic on / off valve 22. It is understood that in the compressed air bypass unit, the compressed air filter and pressure regulating valve 23, disposed upstream of the compressed air automatic on / off valve 22, effectively removes oil droplets, moisture, and solid particles that may be carried in the compressed air, ensuring the cleanliness of the medium entering the subsequent electric heater 4 and SIROX expander. This fundamentally avoids damage and contamination of the heating element, tobacco products, and precision valves by contaminants. Simultaneously, the pressure regulating function stabilizes fluctuating pipeline pressure at the optimal setpoint required by the process. This not only provides a stable flow basis for the precise temperature control of the electric heater 4, preventing temperature anomalies caused by pressure fluctuations, but also ensures that the SIROX expander obtains a stable and reliable preheating medium when switching to compressed air mode, thereby guaranteeing the uniformity of process effects and the long-term reliability of system operation. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the compressed air filter and pressure regulating valve 23 and the downstream compressed air automatic on / off valve 22 constitutes a highly efficient and reliable air source management combination. The compressed air filter and pressure regulating valve 23, as a pre-processing unit, provides ideal operating conditions for the subsequent compressed air automatic switching valve 22. Through its purification function, the valve removes impurities that could wear down or clog the precision internal structure of the pneumatic switching valve, significantly extending its service life. Simultaneously, its pressure stabilization function ensures stable air pressure entering the pneumatic switching valve, directly guaranteeing rapid response and accurate positioning when the valve performs opening or closing actions, preventing valve core oscillation or incomplete closure caused by pressure fluctuations. When the system needs to switch air sources, clean and stable compressed air enables the pneumatic switching valve to quickly complete its operation, providing a solid foundation for smooth and reliable seamless switching between the main steam line and the main steam line. Together, these two aspects ensure the accuracy of compressed air bypass entry and exit and the long-term reliability of equipment operation from both the perspectives of air source quality and power source stability. In some optional embodiments, the compressed air pipeline diameter is DN40, and the compressed air flow rate can be manually adjusted via the compressed air filter and pressure regulating valve 23.

[0043] In some embodiments, the compressed air bypass unit further includes a second check valve 24 disposed downstream of the compressed air pneumatic switch shut-off valve; and / or, the three-way component 12 is a three-way regulating valve. It is understood that providing a second check valve 24 in the compressed air bypass unit enhances the sealing safety of the pipeline when main steam is introduced, completely eliminating the risk of backflow contamination of the compressed air pipeline network. In some alternative embodiments, the three-way component 12 is configured as a three-way regulating valve to replace the check valve function. Alternatively, both a three-way regulating valve and a second check valve 24 can be provided simultaneously to achieve redundant design and fully ensure the independence of the compressed air pipeline and the steam pipeline.

[0044] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor 5 is installed in the pipe between the outlet of the electric heater 4 and the steam inlet of the SIROX expander. This temperature sensor 5 can directly and in real-time monitor the actual temperature of the medium about to enter the process equipment, providing the most direct and reliable basis for the PID power adjustment of the electric heater 4, achieving closed-loop control. This dynamically maintains the compressed air preheating temperature above the process lower limit of 120°C and ensures that the steam is stably in a superheated state exceeding the saturation temperature at the current pressure by more than 10°C, effectively suppressing the generation of condensate during steam transportation and use. The heating steam temperature can be set by referring to the working saturated steam pressure-temperature correspondence table, and should be more than 10°C higher than the temperature in the table. This not only ensures the accuracy and stability of the process conditions required for tobacco expansion in the SIROX expander, significantly improving product quality, but also avoids excessive energy consumption, achieving a balance between heating efficiency and process effect. Furthermore, the on-site display function of the temperature sensor 5 provides operators with an intuitive means of temperature monitoring, greatly facilitating on-site inspections and confirmation of process status.

[0045] For ease of understanding, the operating procedure of this equipment used for tobacco expansion processing is roughly described below:

[0046] Before formal production, a preheating process is first implemented. During this stage, the steam control regulating valve 11 of the main steam circuit unit remains closed, while the automatic compressed air switching valve 22 of the compressed air bypass unit is opened, and the electric heater 4 of the electric heating unit is activated. External compressed air then enters the electric heater 4 through the opened pipeline, is rapidly heated to the set temperature, and is finally circulated into the heating and humidification device as high-temperature dry gas for preheating. By using heated, dry compressed air instead of traditional steam, the generation of condensate during the preheating stage is completely eliminated at a physical level. This ensures that the equipment reaches and maintains the optimal production preparation temperature without any liquid water remaining, creating an ideal drying foundation for subsequent processes.

[0047] Once the preheating time reaches the set value and the tobacco material is detected to have reached the heating and humidification device, the equipment automatically triggers the medium switching logic and enters the production operation state based on dual judgments of timing and material signals. At this time, the equipment quickly closes the compressed air automatic switch valve 22 of the compressed air bypass unit and immediately opens the steam control regulating valve 11 of the steam main unit, seamlessly switching the working medium from compressed air to steam. After entering the pipeline, the steam undergoes secondary heating via the electric heater 4. The equipment utilizes the integrated PID regulation function to ensure the superheat of the output steam in real time, and then it is introduced into the heating and humidification device to process the tobacco. This process ensures that the production start point is at the optimal process temperature, effectively avoiding the quality fluctuations of the first batch of products caused by insufficient equipment preheating or steam condensation in traditional methods, and achieving a smooth transition of the process medium and precise control of steam dryness.

[0048] Once all tobacco processing tasks are completed, the equipment automatically executes the shutdown procedure. The equipment closes the steam control regulating valve 11 of the main steam circuit unit and keeps the automatic compressed air switching valve 22 of the compressed air bypass unit closed, while also cutting off the power to the electric heating unit. With the closure of all automatic valves, the equipment fundamentally blocks the flow of the medium, preventing continuous energy waste and eliminating the risk of medium leakage. This ensures that the equipment safely, efficiently, and energy-savingly terminates operation without manual intervention.

[0049] The equipment for tobacco shred expansion provided by this utility model transforms hardware capabilities into stable and reliable process advantages by constructing a clear automated process for preheating, production, and shutdown. Specifically, it uses heated compressed air instead of traditional steam for preheating, completely eliminating the generation of condensate during the preheating stage from a physical mechanism, creating an ideal drying environment for tobacco shred processing. Combined with dual triggering logic based on timing and material signals, the equipment achieves precise and seamless switching between the two media, ensuring that the optimal process temperature is reached from the start of production, effectively avoiding quality fluctuations in the first batch of products due to insufficient preheating or condensate residue. Furthermore, the PID regulation function of the integrated electric heater ensures the superheat of the output steam in real time during production, continuously suppressing condensate formation and significantly improving the tobacco shred expansion effect and quality consistency. Overall, this equipment for tobacco expansion processing can preheat the internal pipes and cavities without frequent manual intervention, ensuring that there is no condensation or residual liquid water in the pipes. Moreover, through fully automated logic control, it achieves zero-leakage cutoff of the medium and on-demand energy supply, taking into account the comprehensive benefits of high-quality production, inherent equipment safety, and maximized energy utilization efficiency.

[0050] Another objective of this invention is to provide a tobacco production line that includes the aforementioned equipment for tobacco expansion processing. By integrating fully automatic preheating and superheated steam control functions, the problems of uneven wetting and clumping of tobacco caused by condensation are fundamentally eliminated. This significantly improves tobacco expansion efficiency and product quality consistency while effectively reducing energy consumption and manual operation risks.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the expansion treatment of tobacco shreds, characterised in that, It includes a steam main circuit unit, a compressed air bypass unit, an electric heating unit, and a temperature and humidification device; The main steam circuit unit includes a steam control regulating valve (11) and a three-way valve (12) connected in sequence. The end of the steam control regulating valve (11) away from the three-way valve (12) is used to connect to a steam source. The compressed air bypass unit includes a compressed air manual switch valve (21) and a compressed air automatic switch valve (22) connected in sequence. The end of the compressed air manual switch valve (21) away from the compressed air automatic switch valve (22) is used to connect to a compressed air source. The outlet pipe of the compressed air bypass unit is connected to the tee fitting (12). The electric heating unit includes an electric heater (4), the air inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the three-way fitting (12) via a pipe, and the air outlet of which is connected to the steam inlet of the heating and humidifying device.

2. Apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 1, characterised in that, It also includes a condensate drain unit connected to the bottom of the electric heater (4) for draining the condensate generated inside the electric heater (4); The condensate discharge unit includes a steam condensate discharge automatic shut-off valve (31) and a steam trap (32) connected by a pipe. The steam condensate discharge automatic shut-off valve (31) is connected to the bottom of the electric heater (4) through a pipe, and the steam trap (32) drains water to the outside through a pipe.

3. Apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 2, characterised in that, The condensate discharge unit also includes a manual shut-off valve (33) and a filter (34) disposed between the automatic shut-off valve (31) and the steam trap (32) and connected by a pipeline. The manual shut-off valve (33) is connected to the automatic shut-off valve (31), and the filter (34) is connected to the steam trap (32).

4. Apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 2, characterised in that, The condensate discharge unit also includes a viewing mirror (35) and / or a first check valve (36) located on a pipe downstream of the drain valve (32).

5. Apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 3, characterised in that, The automatic shut-off valve (31) for steam condensate discharge is a pneumatic switch shut-off valve, and the steam trap (32) is a float-type steam trap.

6. Apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 1, characterised in that, The compressed air bypass unit also includes a compressed air filter pressure regulating valve (23) located upstream of the compressed air automatic switching valve (22).

7. The apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment according to claim 1, characterized by, The compressed air bypass unit also includes a second check valve (24) located downstream of the compressed air pneumatic switch shut-off valve. And / or, the three-way component (12) is a three-way regulating valve.

8. The apparatus for tobacco shred expansion treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor (5) is installed in the pipe between the outlet of the electric heater (4) and the steam inlet of the heating and humidifying device.

9. The apparatus for tobacco shred expansion treatment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The compressed air manual switch valve (21) is a manual ball valve, and the compressed air automatic switch valve (22) is a pneumatic switch shut-off valve.

10. A tobacco shred production line, characterized in that, Includes the apparatus for tobacco expansion treatment as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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