Tobacco shred compounding method for heated cigarette, tobacco shreds, and heated cigarette
The tobacco shred compounding method adjusts additive amounts in reconstituted tobacco shreds to balance physical properties, simplifying production and ensuring consistent aerosol generation in heated cigarettes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUBEI CHINA TOBACCO INDUSTRY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Selecting appropriate types and determining suitable compounding ratios of different reconstituted tobacco shreds for heated cigarettes is complicated, requiring repeated experimental verification, which complicates the process and increases difficulty in obtaining an appropriate reconstituted tobacco formulation.
A tobacco shred compounding method that adjusts the physical properties of reconstituted tobacco by regulating the amount of additives during the reconstitution process, specifically using fibers and inorganic fillers, to modulate heat transfer performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Facilitates rapid and efficient production of heated cigarettes with consistent aerosol generation by balancing physical properties such as filling power and thermal conductivity, reducing production costs and complexity.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310990356.3, filed to CNIPA on August 8, 2023, entitled "tobacco shred compounding method for heated cigarette, tobacco shreds, and heated cigarette", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of cigarette technology, and more specifically relates to a tobacco shred compounding method for heated cigarette, tobacco shreds, and a heated cigarette.Background
[0003] Heated cigarettes are a novel type of tobacco product. Unlike the tobacco shreds used in conventional cigarettes, the shreds used in heated cigarettes are reconstituted tobacco shreds prepared by pulverizing tobacco raw materials, mixing the pulverized tobacco with aerosol-forming agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol and other additives, and then forming and drying the mixture through processes such as rolling process, slurry process, or papermaking process.
[0004] Since various solid tobacco raw materials need to be uniformly mixed with viscous liquids such as glycerol, the tobacco raw materials are required to have a relatively porous and loose structure, which is beneficial for releasing contained components upon heating and forming aerosols through atomization. On the other hand, in order to improve heating efficiency, the structure of the reconstituted tobacco sheets is preferably relatively compact, so as to improve heat transfer. Therefore, the morphology of the tobacco raw materials and the reconstituted tobacco sheets need to be optimized. A relatively feasible approach is to use a blend of two or more different types of reconstituted tobacco shreds.
[0005] However, different types of reconstituted tobacco shreds have significantly different characteristics. How to select appropriate types and how to determine suitable compounding ratios require repeated experimental verification, resulting in a complicated process and considerable difficulty in obtaining an appropriate reconstituted tobacco formulation.Summary
[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the first objective of the present invention is to provide a tobacco shred compounding method for a heated cigarette. The second objective of the present invention is to provide a tobacco shred prepared by the tobacco shred compounding method. The third objective of the present invention is to provide a heated cigarette containing the above-mentioned tobacco shred. The tobacco shred compounding method provided herein adjusts the target physical properties of reconstituted tobacco by regulating the amount of additives added during the reconstitution process, thereby modulating the heat transfer performance and the performance during manufacturing on the cigarette making machine, among other properties, which facilitates production and reduces costs.
[0007] The present invention provides the following embodiments: A tobacco shred compounding method for a heated cigarette, comprising selecting at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds for compounding, each kind of the reconstituted tobacco shred having a physical property M1, ..., and a physical property Mn respectively, wherein n≥2. wherein the physical property M1 of any one of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is larger than or smaller than the physical property M1 of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds; wherein the physical property Mn of any one of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is larger than or smaller than the physical property Mn of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds; wherein the physical properties are adjusted by altering the types and / or amount of additives during the reconstituted tobacco preparation process.
[0008] Preferably, the physical properties are selected from basis weight, draw resistance, tensile strength, filling power, or thermal conductivity.
[0009] Preferably, the physical properties are selected from filling power and thermal conductivity.
[0010] Preferably, the physical properties of each reconstituted tobacco shred are adjusted by altering the type and / or amount of fibers used during the preparation of the reconstituted tobacco.
[0011] Preferably, the fibers comprise either or both of long fibers and short fibers; wherein the long fibers have a weighted mean length greater than 1.8 mm; wherein the short fibers have a weighted mean length greater than 0.7mm.
[0012] Preferably, the fibers are added at an amount of 1-20% by mass.
[0013] Preferably, the reconstituted tobacco shreds are one or more selected from reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process, reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, and reconstituted tobacco prepared by rolling process.
[0014] Preferably, when the reconstituted tobacco is reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process or reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, the physical properties of the reconstituted tobacco shreds are further adjusted by changing the type and / or amount of inorganic fillers added during the reconstituted tobacco preparation process.
[0015] Preferably, the inorganic fillers are one or more selected from calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, calcium lactate, and activated carbon.
[0016] Preferably, the inorganic fillers are added at an amount of 0.001-10% by mass.
[0017] A tobacco shred prepared by any one of the tobacco shred compounding methods mentioned above.
[0018] A heated cigarette, comprising a tobacco segment and a mouthpiece segment, wherein the tobacco segment is filled with the tobacco shred mentioned above.
[0019] The present application provides a tobacco shred compounding method for a heated cigarette. Rather than considering the type of reconstituted tobacco, the method focuses on additives incorporated during the preparation of reconstituted tobacco. By adjusting the type and / or amount of the additives, the reconstituted tobacco shreds exhibit differences in at least two physical properties. By compounding at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds, the desired physical properties are achieved within a target range. As a result, the variables that need to be considered during compounding is reduced, thereby enabling rapid and efficient acquisition of the required compounded tobacco shreds.
[0020] Physical properties are inherent properties of a material. Each reconstituted tobacco shred defined in the present application is respectively provided with M1 physical property, ..., Mn physical property, which refer to target physical properties deemed important during the compounding of tobacco shreds. Physical properties that are not considered important have a relatively minor influence on the performance of the tobacco shreds and are therefore not the focus of the present application.
[0021] The physical property M1 of any one of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is larger than or smaller than the physical property M1 of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds. That is, the M1 physical property value of any one of reconstituted tobacco shreds is not equal to the M1 physical property values of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds. Similarly, the Mn physical property value of any one of reconstituted tobacco shreds is not equal to the Mn physical property values of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds. One reconstituted tobacco shred may have an M1 physical property, ..., an Mn physical property all greater than those of another reconstituted tobacco shred.Alternatively, one reconstituted tobacco shred may have an M1 physical property, ..., an Mn physical property, with some of the physical properties greater while some other physical properties smaller than those of another reconstituted tobacco shred.
[0022] In the tobacco shred compounding method provided by the present application, at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds are compounded using shred mixing equipment commonly used in the tobacco field. Two or more feeding materials are subjected to one or more rounds of spreading out and discharging via a blending cabinet under flow-rate control, so as to be uniformly mixed.
[0023] In the tobacco shred compounding method provided by the present application, at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds may be compounded at any ratio. For example, when two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds are compounded, the mass percentage of a first reconstituted tobacco shred may range from 1 to 99%, and the mass percentage of another reconstituted tobacco shred may range from 1 to 99% 1 to 99%. Preferably, the mass percentage of the first reconstituted tobacco shred may range from 50 to 95%, and the mass percentage of the another reconstituted tobacco shred may range from 5 to 50%.
[0024] Preferably, the physical properties of interest are selected from basis weight, draw resistance, tensile strength, filling power, or thermal conductivity. More preferably, the physical properties of interest are filling power and thermal conductivity. Physical properties such as basis weight, draw resistance, tensile strength, filling power, or thermal conductivity affect the quality and smoking experience of heated cigarettes. Among these, filling power and thermal conductivity have a relatively significant influence on the thermal conduction efficiency and vaporization capability of heated tobacco products. Variations in the thickness of reconstituted tobacco shreds are mainly achieved through adjustment of process equipment, while the influence of additives thereon is relatively small.
[0025] When selecting at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds for compounding, their thicknesses may be either different or the same. Specifically, the physical properties of each reconstituted tobacco shred are adjusted by altering the type and / or amount of fibers used during the preparation of the reconstituted tobacco. Preferably, the fibers are selected from either long fibers, short fibers, or a combination thereof. The weighted mean length of long fibers is >1.8 mm, while the weighted mean length of short fibers is >0.7 mm. The aforementioned weighted mean length is obtained when the fiber slurry beating degree (°SR) is 20°. The preferred amount of fibers added is 1-20%, and more preferably 2-15%.
[0026] As is well known in the art, the additives used in reconstituted tobacco vary depending on the forming process. For example, reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process typically includes approximately 10% of a mixture of long and short fibers; reconstituted tobacco prepared by the slurry process includes approximately 5% long fibers; and reconstituted tobacco prepared by the rolling process includes approximately 2% long fibers. However, the method provided herein allows the amount of added fibers or inorganic fillers to be adjusted to regulate target physical properties, without being limited by the specific processes mentioned above.
[0027] In the field, bleached softwood pulp is typically used as long fibers, while bleached hardwood pulp is typically used as short fibers. Other slurries with suitable weighted mean length may be used as well.
[0028] The reconstituted tobacco shreds selected in the present application may include one or more of reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process, reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, and reconstituted tobacco prepared by rolling process, which are then cut into tobacco shreds. The selected reconstituted tobacco shreds may be reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process, reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, and reconstituted tobacco prepared alone. Alternatively, multiple reconstituted tobaccos may be selected, such as one being reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process and another being reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process.
[0029] More preferably, when the reconstituted tobacco is reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process or reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, the physical properties of the reconstituted tobacco shreds are further adjusted by changing the type and / or amount of inorganic fillers added during the reconstituted tobacco preparation process. The inorganic fillers are one or more selected from calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), kaolin, talc, calcium lactate, and activated carbon. The inorganic fillers may be added at an amount of 0.001-10%, more preferably 0.01-4%, and even more preferably 0.01-1%. Experiments have demonstrated that the addition of inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, calcium lactate, or activated carbon, can alter the physical properties of reconstituted tobacco. In production practice, inorganic fillers meeting safety standards should be added in compliance with regulatory requirements.
[0030] Modifying the ratio of cellulose fibers and inorganic fillers changes the filling power, thermal conductivity, and other properties of the reconstituted tobacco. Generally, increasing the ratio of cellulose fibers improves the filling properties of the tobacco shred, which is beneficial for cigarette manufacturing. However, this also results in a decrease in the absolute weight of tobacco shreds, leading to a reduction in thermal conductivity. Inorganic fillers may significantly increase the filling power of reconstituted tobacco and affect its basis weight. The tobacco shred compounding method provided herein adjusts the target physical properties of reconstituted tobacco by regulating the amount of additives added during the reconstitution process, thereby modulating the heat transfer performance and the performance during manufacturing on the cigarette making machine, among other properties. This method allows for a better balance of the performance of heated cigarette tobacco shreds while avoiding the need for different processes and devices, facilitating production and reducing costs.Detailed Description
[0031] In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present application, the following detailed description of the embodiments in the present application is provided. It is apparent that the described embodiments are merely part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all the embodiments. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application, without any creative efforts, fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0032] In the following examples, the filling power is measured according to YC / T 152, and the thermal conductivity is measured using the transient plane source method.Example 1
[0033] Two types of reconstituted tobacco shreds prepared by rolling process are selected, referred to as A1 and A2.
[0034] During the rolling preparation process of reconstituted tobacco, different ratios of cellulose fibers are incorporated. Specifically, based on the weight of the tobacco material, the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by rolling process A1 contains 2.0% long fibers, and the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by rolling process A2 contains 5.0% long fibers. The weighted mean length of the long fibers was >1.8 mm.
[0035] The main properties of A1 and A2 tobacco shreds are shown in the table below (sample weight being approximately 0.3 g). Table 1 Physical Properties Of Reconstituted Tobacco Shreds Prepared By Rolling ProcessRecon stituted Tobac co Shred Filling Power (cm 3< / g) Thermal Conductivity (W / m·K) Tensile Strength (kN / m) Basis Weight (g / m 2< ) Single Tobacco Shred Draw Resistance (Pa) A12.80.0670.299171570A23.20.0610.350205400
[0036] Calculated as a percentage by mass, 92% of A1 reconstituted tobacco shred and 8% of A2 reconstituted tobacco shred were blended to obtain a tobacco shred mixture. The tobacco shred mixture was then formed into tobacco rods using a cigarette making machine equipped with a fluidized bed feeding system. The shred weight per tobacco segment was approximately 0.28 g (7.16 mm diameter, 12 mm length), with a thermal conductivity >0.065 W / mK.
[0037] The tobacco segment was then connected to other cigarette segments, resulting in well- filleded cigarettes without shedding. The cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The generated aerosol was showed consistent and uniform throughout the smoking process.
[0038] In contrast, using solely A1 tobacco shred with a lower filling power for cigarette production resulted in a tobacco shred weight of 0.30 g per cigarette. The cigarette was overly filled with shreds. After connecting tobacco segment to other cigarette segments, the cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The initial puffs showed a higher draw resistance due to the tight filling, resulting in less aerosol. Using solely A2 tobacco shred, which has a higher filling power, resulted in a tobacco weight of 0.25 g per cigarette. The tobacco section was loose, with the tobacco shred being under-filled. After connecting the tobacco segment to other cigarette segments, the cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The aerosol in the later puffs was small due to the loose filling and lower thermal conductivity of the tobacco.
[0039] The "single tobacco shred draw resistance" refers to the measurement of draw resistance after wrapping solely A1 or A2 reconstituted tobacco shreds into cigarettes. Examples 2-3 also employ the same method for measuring draw resistance.Example 2
[0040] One type of reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by rolling process and one type of reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by slurry process are selected, referred to as B1 and B2, respectively.
[0041] Specifically, based on the weight of the tobacco material, the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by rolling process B1 contains 4.0% long fibers, and the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by slurry process B2 contains 5.0% long fibers and 1.0% calcium carbonate filler. The weighted mean length of the long fibers was >1.8 mm
[0042] The main properties of B1 and B2 tobacco shreds are shown in the table below (sample weight being approximately 0.3 g). Table 2 Physical Properties Of Reconstituted Tobacco Shreds Prepared By Rolling Process and Slurry ProcessRecon stitute d Tobac co Shred Filling Power (cm 3< / g) Thermal Conductivity (W / m·K) Tensile Strength (kN / m) Basis Weight (g / m 2< ) Single Tobacco Shred Draw Resistance (Pa) B13.10.0550.3100.0550.310B23.30.0590.3500.0590.350
[0043] Calculated as a percentage by mass, 92% of B1 reconstituted tobacco shred and 8% of A2 reconstituted tobacco shred were blended to obtain a tobacco shred mixture. The tobacco shred mixture was then formed into tobacco rods using a cigarette making machine equipped with a fluidized bed feeding system. The shred weight per tobacco segment was approximately 0.27g (7.16 mm diameter, 12 mm length), with a thermal conductivity >0.056 W / mK.
[0044] The tobacco segment was then connected to other cigarette segments, resulting in well-filled cigarettes without shedding. The cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The generated aerosol was showed consistent and uniform throughout the smoking process.
[0045] In contrast, using solely B1 tobacco shred for cigarette production resulted in a lower thermal conductivity. After connecting the tobacco segment to other segments, the final cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The initial puffs showed a small aerosol generation. The A2 tobacco shred had a higher filling power. After connecting the tobacco segment to other segments, the final cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The aerosol in the later puffs was small due to the less filling of tobacco shred.Example 3
[0046] One type of reconstituted tobacco shred by rolling process and one type of reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process shred were selected, referred to as C1 and C2, respectively.
[0047] Specifically, based on the weight of the tobacco material, the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by rolling process C1 contains 3.0% long fibers, and the reconstituted tobacco shred prepared by paper-making process C2 contains 12.0% long fibers and 3.0% short fibers. The weighted mean length of the long fibers was >1.8 mm, and the weighted mean length of the short fibers was >0.7 mm.
[0048] The main properties of C1 and C2 tobacco shreds are shown in the table below (sample weight being approximately 0.3 g). Table 3 Physical Properties of Reconstituted Tobacco Shreds Prepared By Rolling Process and Paper-Making ProcessRecon stitute d Tobac co Shred Filling Power (cm 3< / g) Thermal Conductivity (W / m·K) Tensile Strength (kN / m) Basis Weight (g / m 2< ) Single Tobacco Shred Draw Resistance (Pa) C12.90.0620.310165510C25.20.0450.760215320
[0049] Calculated as a percentage by mass, 95% of C1 reconstituted tobacco shred and 5% of C2 reconstituted tobacco shred were blended to obtain a tobacco shred mixture. The tobacco shred mixture was then formed into tobacco rods using a cigarette making machine equipped with a fluidized bed feeding system. The shred weight per tobacco segment was approximately 0.26g (7.16 mm diameter, 12 mm length), with a thermal conductivity >0.060 W / mK.
[0050] The tobacco segment was then connected to other cigarette segments, resulting in well-filled cigarettes without shedding. The cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The generated aerosol was showed consistent and uniform throughout the smoking process.
[0051] In contrast, using solely C1 tobacco shred with a lower filling power for cigarette production resulted in a tobacco shred weight of 0.30 g per cigarette. The cigarette was overly filled with shreds. After connecting the tobacco segment to other cigarette segments, the final cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The initial puffs showed a higher draw resistance due to the tight filling, resulting in less aerosol. Using solely C2 tobacco shred, which has a higher filling power, results in a tobacco weight of 0.23g per cigarette, with the tobacco shred being under-filled. After connecting the tobacco segment to other cigarette segments, the cigarettes were evaluated using the matched heating and smoking apparatus. The aerosol in the later puffs was small due to the loose filling and lower thermal conductivity of the tobacco.
[0052] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments enables a person skilled in the art to realize or use the present invention. The various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined in this article can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown in this article, but will conform to the widest range consistent with the principles and novel features of the present invention.
Claims
1. A tobacco shred compounding method for a heated cigarette, comprising selecting at least two kinds of reconstituted tobacco shreds for compounding, each kind of the reconstituted tobacco shred having a physical property M1, ..., and a physical property Mn respectively, wherein n≥2; wherein the physical property M1 of any one of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is larger than or smaller than the physical property M1 of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds; wherein the physical property Mn of any one of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is larger than or smaller than the physical property Mn of the other reconstituted tobacco shreds; and wherein the physical properties are adjusted by altering the types and / or amount of additives during the preparation process of the reconstituted tobacco.
2. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 1, wherein the physical properties are selected from weight, draw resistance, tensile strength, filling power, or thermal conductivity.
3. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 2, wherein the physical properties are selected from filling power, or thermal conductivity.
4. The tobacco shred compounding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the physical properties of each kind of the reconstituted tobacco shreds are adjusted by changing the type and / or amount of fibers added during the preparation process of the reconstituted tobacco.
5. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 2, wherein the fibers comprise one or both of long fibers and short fibers; wherein the long fibers have a weighted mean length greater than 1.8 mm; wherein the short fibers have a weighted mean length greater than 0.7mm.
6. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 4, wherein the fibers are added at an amount of 1-20% by mass.
7. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 4, wherein the reconstituted tobacco shreds are one or more selected from reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process, reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, and reconstituted tobacco prepared by rolling process.
8. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 7, wherein, when the reconstituted tobacco is reconstituted tobacco prepared by paper-making process or reconstituted tobacco prepared by slurry process, the physical properties of the reconstituted tobacco shreds are further adjusted by changing the type and / or amount of inorganic fillers added during the reconstituted tobacco preparation process.
9. The tobacco shred compounding method according to claim 8, wherein the inorganic fillers are one or more selected from calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, calcium lactate, and activated carbon.
10. The tobacco shred compounding method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the inorganic fillers are added at an amount of 0.001-10% by mass.
11. A tobacco shred prepared by the tobacco shred compounding method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. A heated cigarette, comprising a tobacco segment and a mouthpiece segment, wherein the tobacco segment is filled with the tobacco shred according to claim 11.