Production of cut and rolled expanded stems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for treating cut tobacco stems, the method comprising: (a) providing moist cut tobacco stems; (b) expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step; and (c) further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step, wherein the cut tobacco stems have a moisture content after the second expansion step that is equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step, the moisture content being measured by oven volatiles (OV).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for processing cut stem tobacco material to provide an expanded cut stem tobacco material. The present invention further relates to an apparatus configured to perform the method for processing cut stem tobacco material. The present invention also relates to tobacco products, such as expanded cut stem tobacco products. [Background technology]

[0002] Smokable consumer products, such as cigarettes or their equivalents, are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Such consumer products can provide a particular sensation when smoked and / or inhaled by a user.

[0003] Smokable consumer goods typically include smokable material having tobacco stems. The stems are relatively woody parts of the tobacco leaf and provide the structural rigidity of the smokable consumer goods. The stems can comprise as much as 20-30% by weight of the tobacco leaf. The stems generally contain lower levels of alkaloids and other nitrogen compounds, but higher levels of cellulose. When burned, the stems produce smoke of inferior quality compared to other parts of the leaf. However, to improve yield, smokable material for smoking articles such as cigarettes may include cut tobacco stems along with cut lamina.

[0004] Stems are typically subjected to one or more processing steps to improve the taste and burn characteristics of the smokable material. Such processing includes, for example, expansion. A particular processing method is the production of cut and rolled expanded stems (CRES). In such a manufacturing process, tobacco stems are rolled, flattened, and shredded. Further, the tobacco stems are expanded, for example, by immersion in water and rapid heating, and then dried.

[0005] Such manufacturing processes pose several challenges. For example, the manufacturing process should increase the fill capacity, also known as the fill value (measured in unit volume per unit weight), of the tobacco stems. This should not adversely affect the sensory characteristics of the smokable consumable product. Increasing the fill value has the potential to reduce the net tobacco weight (NTW, i.e., the weight of tobacco within the tobacco rod). Additionally, the quality of the smokable consumable product should be improved, for example, by increasing the hardness of the tobacco rod and / or reducing end looseness.

[0006] Conventional manufacturing processes known in the prior art cannot address or do not adequately address these challenges. Furthermore, existing processes limit water penetration into the uncut tobacco stem. In addition, water penetration into the tobacco stem is not achieved to an adequate extent. Conventional manufacturing processes also suffer from variability in the smokable end product, which is uneconomical and disadvantageous.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved manufacturing process for cut and rolled expanded stems.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to address one or more or all of the problems mentioned above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to develop and / or implement an improved process for the production of cut and rolled expanded stems. An increased, i.e., higher, fill value of the tobacco material should be reached. It is a further object to develop and / or implement such an improved process while ensuring high sensory properties. Additionally, it is an object to reduce the cost of the smokable consumer product. Generally, it is an object to provide an improved manufacturing process that is economical, ecological, and cost-effective.

[0009] These objects, as well as others that will become apparent from the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, and a person skilled in the art will find clues to other suitable embodiments of the invention throughout the disclosure of this application. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] definition As used herein, the term "tobacco stem" includes the stem and veins of the tobacco leaf. This term is sometimes referred to as tobacco material.

[0011] The term "fill value" may refer to the volume occupied by a given weight or mass of material. The terms "fill value," "fill capacity," and "filling capacity" may be used synonymously with the term "fill value." Sometimes, this term is also referred to as "fill force." Increasing the fill value of a tobacco material involves a decrease in the weight of material required to fill a volume, such as a tobacco rod in a cigarette. In particular, a higher fill value may indicate that a smaller weight of tobacco may be required to produce a tobacco rod of a given dimension than would be required with tobacco of a lower fill value. Fill value may be increased by reinforcing the tobacco, expanding the tobacco, and / or increasing the surface roughness of the tobacco. The fill value of a tobacco material may be determined in terms of its "corrected cylindrical volume" (CCV). CCV is the cylindrical volume (CV) of a tobacco material at a normalized moisture content of a specific amount of oven volatiles (OV, as described in more detail below). CV may refer to the volume a given weight of tobacco occupies under a given pressure. By way of example, cylinder volume (CV) may be determined using standard methods, such as a Mettler Toledo density meter, model DE61, fitted with a cut tobacco measuring head and a tobacco cylinder. The fill value of a tobacco material expressed as a CCV value is the fill value of the tobacco material measured at any moisture content (OV), e.g., outside normalized conditions, and corrected to normalized conditions.

[0012] As used herein, "moisture content" may be determined and / or measured by "oven volatiles" (OV).

[0013] "Moisture content" is an important parameter in the tobacco industry. It can have a significant impact on tobacco materials, their properties, and / or the final product. For example, moisture content can affect the structure, texture, viscosity, flowability, density, flavor purity, concentration, conductivity, particle size, or similar properties of the material. While "moisture" or "moisture content" is commonly used to refer to the moisture content of a material, the tobacco art typically distinguishes between "moisture" as moisture content and "moisture" as oven volatiles. Moisture content can be defined as the percentage of water in the total mass of solid material. Volatile content can be defined as the percentage of volatile components in the total mass of solid material, which can include water and other volatile compounds. Oven dry mass is the mass remaining after volatiles have been removed, for example, by heating. Oven dry mass is expressed as a percentage of the total mass. Thus, oven volatiles (OV) is the mass of volatiles driven off. Typically, the term "% oven volatiles" is used.

[0014] Moisture content (oven volatiles) can be measured, for example, according to the "Coresta recommended method," dated December 3, 2021. In particular, moisture content can be measured as the mass loss when a sample, such as a tobacco sample, is dried in a forced-air oven at a temperature controlled at 110°C ± 1°C for 3 hours ± 0.5 minutes. After drying, the sample is cooled to room temperature in a desiccator for approximately 30 minutes. This allows the sample to cool and prevents thermal drafts from affecting the stability of the measurement. On an absolute basis, the results of moisture content determination by oven drying may be higher than those of moisture content analysis when using certain methods, such as ISO 6488 (Karl Fischer method). This difference may depend on the type of sample and may be due to the loss of volatile substances other than water from tobacco and tobacco products during oven drying. If there are a few volatiles present that do not affect the water content, the difference may be small.

[0015] As an illustrative example, the percentage moisture content (oven volatiles) can be calculated using the following formula:

number

[0016] In this formula, M is the moisture content; W1 is the initial weight of the tobacco sample, including the can and lid; and W2 is the weight of the dried tobacco sample, including the can and lid, after testing. W T is the tare weight of the can and lid. Various methods for measuring moisture content (oven volatiles) are possible. Examples are the Hierson oven method, the 3 hour / 82°C oven method, the 100 minute / 103°C oven method, and the 30 minute / 106°C oven method. Different oven types can also be used for these tests, such as a binder oven, a rotary oven, or an electric air blast oven.

[0017] In the following, unless otherwise stated, references to moisture content should be taken as references to moisture content measured by oven volatiles (OV).

[0018] As used herein, the terms "percentage point," "percentage points," and / or "percentage points" may be understood as a unit of difference between two percentages. For example, the term is used when comparing two different percentages. For example, the difference between 20% and 30% is 10 percentage points (which may not be 10%).

[0019] General Aspects of the Invention A first embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating cut tobacco stems, comprising: (a) providing moistened cut tobacco stems; (b) expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step; (c) further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step; Including, The method is directed to a method wherein the cut tobacco stems have a moisture content immediately after the second expansion step that is equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step, the moisture content being measured by oven volatiles (OV).

[0020] Cut tobacco stems may be understood as tobacco stems that have been at least partially processed. For example, the stems may be cut or otherwise broken into smaller pieces. Any suitable type, form, and / or variety of tobacco may be used herein. The tobacco may be cased or uncaseable. Suitable examples of tobacco that may be used include, in a non-exhaustive list, Virginia, Burley, Oriental, (Galpao) Comum, Amarelinho, and Maryland tobacco, as well as blends of any of these types. It may be feasible for the tobacco stems to be threshed so that they are separated from the lamina or leaf lamina.

[0021] Step (a) Moistened cut tobacco stems are provided in step (a). This means that such moistened cut tobacco stems should at least be available. Preferably, the tobacco stems should not be fully or completely dry. Thus, the tobacco stems can be at least partially moistened. In one example, the stems can be already (slightly) moistened at the time of harvesting. In another example, the stems can be soaked in a liquid before being flattened and then cut.

[0022] The increased moisture content can be beneficial for subsequent processing. Therefore, preferably, the moisture content of the moistened tobacco stems provided should be between about 30% OV and about 40% OV. Most preferably, the moistened cut tobacco stems provided have a moisture content of 36% OV.

[0023] In some embodiments, step a) additionally includes one or more substeps, as described in more detail below. By way of example, one or more of these substeps may be separate steps that do not form part of step a). The substeps may include transporting and / or obtaining tobacco stems (a1), steeping the tobacco stems in water (a2), flattening the tobacco stems (a3), and / or cutting the tobacco stems (a4). Steps (a1) through (a4) may be performed in the order described above. Cutting the tobacco stems (a4) may include cutting the stems to a size of less than about 1 mm, preferably less than 0.8 mm, more preferably less than 0.5 mm, and most preferably less than 0.3 mm. Optional aging and / or cooling steps may also be performed, as described in more detail below.

[0024] Step (b) Expanding the cut tobacco stems means at least partially increasing the fill value of the cut tobacco stems, which can be understood as increasing the volume occupied by the material, and therefore reducing the density.

[0025] As an example, the fill value of the cut tobacco stems after expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step may be at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, and most preferably at least 15% (or even higher) greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step. For example, the fill value may be approximately 450-550 ml / 100g, i.e., approximately 450-550 cc / 100g or 4.5-5.5 ml / g, before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step, the fill value may be approximately 550-750 ml / 100g, i.e., 550-750 cc / 100g or 5.5-7.5 ml / g. As explained above, the fill value should be measured at a specific normalized or target moisture content. As an example, such a normalized moisture content may be 12.5% ​​oven volatiles (OV). Filling values ​​may be slightly different if other normalized moisture values ​​are applied.

[0026] Expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step may involve exposing the cut tobacco stems to steam. This may involve applying steam using a heating tunnel, an STS (stem steaming) unit, or generally by using a steam jet under pressure or the like. The working principle of such expansion may be shown as follows: the cut tobacco stems may be exposed to steam under pressure, i.e., a steam jet. Then, the pressure is released, and the gas may expand, increasing the volume of the tobacco cells. This may result in the treated tobacco stems having an increased volume (which affects the fill value).

[0027] Expansion can also be achieved by a liquid, such as an organic liquid. For example, carbon dioxide can be applied to the tobacco stems, followed by warming or heating to form carbon dioxide gas. Preferably, the cut tobacco stems are expanded by exposure to steam. Such expansion is beneficial because it improves water penetration into the cut stems.

[0028] During the expansion of the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step, it may be feasible for the moisture content (OV) of the cut tobacco stems to remain at least the same as before the first expansion step. By way of example, the moisture content (OV) may be approximately 1 to 5 percentage points, preferably 1 to 2 percentage points, greater after the first expansion step compared to before the first expansion step. A moisture content (OV) that is 2 percentage points greater may be understood as an increase in moisture content (OV) from approximately 36% (before the first expansion step) to 38% (after the first expansion step).

[0029] As will be described in further detail below, an aging and / or cooling process step may be applied. Preferably, such optional aging and / or cooling process step may be applied after the first expansion step, preferably immediately after the first expansion step.

[0030] Step (c) The cut tobacco stems are further expanded in a second expansion step following the first expansion step. In one example, the second expansion step immediately follows the first expansion step; however, additional method steps may be included in between.

[0031] In the second expansion step, the same expansion mechanism as in the first expansion step may be applied. Thus, expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step may include exposing the cut tobacco stems to steam. This may involve applying steam using a heating tunnel, an STS (stem steaming) unit, or generally using a steam jet under pressure. The expansion of the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step may be performed in the same or an additional unit as the expansion of the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step.

[0032] During further expansion of the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step, the moisture content (OV) of the cut tobacco stems remains at least the same as it was before the second expansion step. By way of example, the moisture content (OV) may be about 1 to 5 percentage points, preferably 1 to 2 percentage points, greater after the second expansion step compared to before the second expansion step. A moisture content (OV) that is 1 percentage point greater may be understood as an increase in moisture content (OV) from about 38% (before the second expansion step) to 39% (after the second expansion step).

[0033] The fill value of the cut tobacco stems after expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step may be at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, and most preferably at least 40% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step, i.e., the fill value of untreated cut tobacco stems. As an example, the fill value may be about 450-550 ml / 100 g, i.e., 450-550 cc / 100 g or 4.5-5.5 ml / g, before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step and / or before treating the cut tobacco stems. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step, the fill value may be about 750-850 ml / 100 g, i.e., 750-850 cc / 100 g or 7.5-8.5 ml / g. The fill value should be measured at a specific normalized or target moisture content. As an example, such a normalized moisture content may be 12.5% ​​oven volatiles (OV). Fill values ​​may vary slightly if any other normalized moisture content value is applied.

[0034] The first and second expansion steps may fully expand the cut tobacco stems, i.e., the fill value of the cut tobacco stems may reach an optimal level after, for example, the second expansion step, such as immediately after, and therefore further substantial expansion may not be necessary or required.

[0035] An increase in fill value is valued because it results in less tobacco per volume of the final product. In other words, an increase in fill value leads to a reduction in the weight of material required to fill the tobacco rod. Therefore, the net tobacco weight (NTW) can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the final product. Furthermore, the same rod hardness can be maintained, thereby ensuring sufficient rigidity. If the NTW is maintained to achieve the same overall pressure drop of the smoking article, it may also be possible to reduce the length of the filter. Another advantage of an increased fill value is that it can be used to improve the quality of the final product. For example, the hardness of the tobacco rod can be increased. In addition, the looseness of the ends of the tobacco rod can be reduced. Therefore, the overall integrity, mechanical stability, and rigidity of the final product can be improved. This is recognized by the user when touching such a final product.

[0036] It is also understood that the cut tobacco stems have a moisture content (OV) after the second expansion step that is equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step. This can be understood as the moisture content measured immediately after or at the end of the second expansion step being equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step. The inventors have found that in this way, expansion can be carried out more efficiently, as the moisture content promotes and facilitates expansion. In addition, the proposed method ensures predictable, reproducible, and reliable quality of the final product compared to conventional methods, which often lead to high product variability.

[0037] Therefore, the increased fill value reached or achieved after the second expansion step, for example, immediately after the second expansion step (which may in some cases be at the end of the second expansion step), may also be applicable to the final product, i.e., the tobacco product. This is beneficial for the final product, as it may benefit from the advantageous effects associated with the increased fill value of the cut tobacco stems. It may therefore be appreciated that no substantial loss in fill value occurs after the second expansion step. As an example, if there are one or more further processing steps after the second expansion step, such as drying and / or cooling steps, no substantial loss in fill value of the cut tobacco stems may occur. Thus, the advantageously increased fill value of the expanded cut tobacco stems may be easily recognized in the final product.

[0038] According to a second embodiment, in the preceding embodiment, the cut tobacco stems are maintained at a moisture content of at least 10% OV, preferably at least 20% OV, most preferably at least 30% OV during the second expansion step, preferably during the first and second expansion steps, most preferably during and between the first and second expansion steps; and / or The cut tobacco stems are maintained at a moisture content of up to 50% OV, preferably up to 45% OV, and most preferably up to 40% OV during the second expansion step, preferably during the first and second expansion steps, and most preferably during and between the first and second expansion steps.

[0039] Maintaining the cut tobacco stems at at least a specified moisture content means that such specified moisture content is at least substantially maintained. In other words, the moisture content may be higher, but should at least meet the specified minimum moisture content. Conversely, similar considerations may apply to the upper moisture content limit. As an example, during the second expansion step, the moisture content should preferably be maintained at at least 20% OV and / or at most 40% OV. Thus, if the second expansion step begins at a moisture level of about 30% OV, the moisture content should not fall below 30% OV. However, the moisture content may be higher than 30% OV (up to 40% OV) during the second expansion step.

[0040] The term "during" the first / second expansion step includes the time frame from the start to the end of the first / second expansion step, respectively.

[0041] Most preferably, the specified moisture content value is maintained during and between the first and second expansion steps. Therefore, if there are additional processing steps between the first and second expansion steps, there may be no substantial change in the moisture content as measured by oven volatiles (OV). As used herein, "no substantial change" may encompass slight changes in moisture content. As an example, moisture evaporation may occur (e.g., naturally), which may result in slight changes.

[0042] Such a method is advantageous because no expansion may occur between the first and second expansion steps, and therefore the moisture content may not need to be substantially modified, which contributes to a more efficient method of processing the shredded tobacco stems.

[0043] According to a third embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the first expansion step and / or the second expansion step comprises contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam, preferably a jet of steam under pressure.

[0044] Contacting means that an interaction between the cut tobacco stems and steam occurs. It may be sufficient if either the first expansion step or the second expansion step includes contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam. Preferably, both steps include contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam.

[0045] Steam is beneficial in that it facilitates the opening of the structure of the cut tobacco stem and promotes diffusion into the interior of the stem. Therefore, such a configuration promotes efficient expansion of the cut tobacco stem. Furthermore, steam can be applied using a heating tunnel or an STS (stem steaming) unit. It is understood that steam under pressure further enhances water penetration.

[0046] According to a fourth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the moisture content of the cut tobacco increases by at most 5 percentage points OV, preferably at most 3 percentage points OV, and most preferably at most 2 percentage points OV after the first expansion step and / or the second expansion step.

[0047] This embodiment should be understood to increase the moisture content by up to 5 percentage points OV after the first expansion step, for example, compared to the moisture content before the first expansion step. In an illustrative example, a 5 percentage point increase in moisture content (OV) means that the moisture content (OV) increases from about 30% (before the first expansion step) to 35% (after the first expansion step).

[0048] It should be further understood that the configuration according to the fourth embodiment may increase the moisture content after the second expansion step by, for example, up to 5 percentage points OV compared to the moisture content before the second expansion step.

[0049] The increased moisture content (OV) may be the result of the application of steam during the first and / or second expansion steps. The amount of steam is carefully selected to result in and ensure efficient expansion of the cut tobacco stems. This ultimately results in a total power consumption that is just sufficient to provide the required steam. Thus, the method is efficient. The method facilitates the production of products in an overall cost-effective manner. As an example, the products may be less expensive compared to conventional products due to the reduced net tobacco weight. The moisture content (OV) may be beneficially adjusted to, for example, eliminate the need for greater energy consumption in subsequent steps. In some examples, it may be possible to increase the moisture content of the cut tobacco by more than 5 percentage points OV.

[0050] According to a fifth embodiment, in any one of the third or fourth embodiments, contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam includes injecting the steam using an expansion steam tunnel.

[0051] Expansion steam tunnels facilitate a highly efficient expansion process. Such tunnels can be easily integrated into the overall method. In another example, an STS (Stem Steaming) system or unit can be applied. STS can result in (high) expansion without adversely affecting the product. As an example, STS may not adversely affect the remaining parameters such as moisture content, chemical and / or sensory properties. This is evaluated by the user.

[0052] According to a sixth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the method includes cooling the cut tobacco stems between the first and second expansion steps, and the cooling optionally includes reducing the temperature of the cut tobacco stems to less than 45°C, preferably less than 40°C, more preferably less than 35°C, and most preferably less than 30°C.

[0053] Cooling refers to at least a slight reduction in the temperature of the cut tobacco stems. Cooling between the first and second expansion steps should be understood as cooling occurring after the end of the first expansion step and before the start of the second expansion step. The first and second expansion steps can thereby be considered as separate steps, both steps being separated by a cooling step.

[0054] Cooling can be achieved by passive or active cooling means. Passive cooling can be understood as cooling that occurs during storage, rest, lifting, and / or movement of the cut tobacco stems. Active cooling means, for example, that there are one or more cooling conveyors arranged to cool the cut tobacco stems. A cooling conveyor can be understood as a cooling belt. In one example, ambient air or cold air can pass through or contact the cut tobacco stems for cooling purposes.

[0055] According to a seventh embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprises aging the cut tobacco stems between the first and second expansion steps by storing the cut tobacco stems for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 5 minutes, more preferably at least 10 minutes, and most preferably at least 15 minutes and / or for up to 240 minutes, preferably up to 180 minutes, more preferably up to 140 minutes, and most preferably up to 120 minutes.

[0056] Aging may be understood as a conditioning step or the like. It may be possible to allow some resting of the cut tobacco stems. For example, aging may occur in a buffer box, a pre-mixer silo, a bulk silo, and / or a (full) batch-size mixing silo. The aging time in a buffer box may be about 15 minutes. The aging time in a pre-mixer silo may be about 30 minutes. The aging time in a (full) batch-size mixing silo may be about 120 minutes or more. In some, but not all, examples, aging the cut tobacco stems may be understood as storing the cut tobacco stems.

[0057] Aging provides a high degree of flexibility to the cellular structure of the cut tobacco stems. It is particularly understood that the aging time, e.g., the time the cut tobacco stems are stored, can be adjusted depending on the aging process. This provides the benefit of an improved cellular structure that can be adjusted to maximize the second, subsequent expansion step. Thus, the overall expansion efficiency is increased.

[0058] In some cases, it may be feasible to combine the aging and cooling steps. Thus, the number of steps may be advantageously reduced. In other examples, cooling may be performed separately from aging (e.g., using a cooling conveyor).

[0059] According to an eighth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprises aging the cut tobacco stems prior to the first expansion step by storing the cut tobacco stems for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 5 minutes, more preferably at least 10 minutes, and most preferably at least 15 minutes and / or for up to 240 minutes, preferably up to 180 minutes, more preferably up to 140 minutes, and most preferably up to 120 minutes.

[0060] In the above configuration, a aging step is also provided before the first expansion step, i.e., before the first expansion step. Such a aging step may be similar to a aging step between the first and second expansion steps. Furthermore, such a aging step may improve water penetration into the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step, thereby improving the expansion of the cut tobacco stems.

[0061] In the aging step before the first expansion step, the temperature may not be critical to determining the aging time. This may be true because no substantial or direct heating occurs before the first expansion step. In other words, the cut tobacco stems may have a substantially ambient temperature. Therefore, the aging time may also be shortened. However, the aging time should preferably be 5 minutes or more.

[0062] According to a ninth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, prior to the first expansion step, the moistened cut tobacco stems provided in step (a) have a moisture content of at least 10% OV, preferably at least 20% OV, most preferably at least 30% OV, and / or at most 50% OV, preferably at most 45% OV, most preferably at most 40% OV.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the cut tobacco stems are provided with a sufficient moisture content (e.g., at oven volatilization, OV) for subsequent processing. Such moisture content can be provided by steeping the cut tobacco stems in a liquid. The liquid can include water or other suitable fluids. Thus, the tobacco stems can be moistened or made to be moist. It may also be feasible to flatten and cut the cut tobacco stems after steeping.

[0064] According to a tenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the method includes drying the cut tobacco stems after the second expansion step.

[0065] Drying can be achieved by passive or active drying means. Passive drying can be understood as drying that occurs while the cut tobacco stems are stored, stationary, lifted, and / or in motion. Preferably, active drying is performed to provide an efficient overall process. Active drying is achieved using a dryer, for example, one or more fluidized bed dryers, flash tower dryers, rotary dryers, and / or band dryers. Thus, moisture reduction can be achieved that is beneficial for reaching the target moisture content.

[0066] As an example, the target or desired moisture value may be about 11% to 14% oven volatiles (OV), whereby it may be feasible to substantially fix the fill value, which may be understood as allowing the fill value to be corrected to the target moisture value.

[0067] According to an eleventh embodiment, in the preceding embodiment, drying comprises reducing the moisture content to below 20% OV and / or above 10% OV.

[0068] The cut tobacco stems should be dried to a target moisture content that meets the needs of the blend and / or type of cut tobacco stem being used. One reason for doing this is that different tobacco materials may have different starting moisture contents.

[0069] It may also be advantageous to dry to a slightly higher than target moisture content value to account for slight losses of moisture that may occur in subsequent process steps. This allows such losses to be compensated for. Furthermore, slight changes or variations may occur during processing. By way of example, these changes or variations may depend on process parameters (e.g., temperature and / or humidity). Therefore, such variations may also be accounted for by providing a moisture content range of approximately 10% to 20%.

[0070] The specified moisture content of the final product should preferably be the same as or at least similar to the moisture content of the eleventh embodiment. In one example, the moisture content of the final product may be based on measurements of one or more samples. Based on such measurements, slight modifications to the drying step may be implemented to reach the target moisture value.

[0071] According to the twelfth embodiment, in either the tenth or eleventh embodiments, the cut tobacco stems, after drying, have a fill value that is at least about 30% greater, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 60% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before the first expansion step.

[0072] According to the above embodiment, an increased fill value after drying is provided. The fill value after drying may be understood as the fill value of the cut tobacco stems prevailing at the end of drying. The fill value after drying may also be understood as the fill value of the cut tobacco stems prevailing immediately after drying. As an example, an increased fill value from 500 ml / 100 g (before the first expansion step) to 700 ml / 100 g (after drying) may correspond to a value of 40% defined according to this embodiment. It may be possible that the determination of such a fill value can be carried out at a standard (or reference or normalized) moisture value. An applicable standard moisture value may be in the range of 11% to 14%, for example 12.5%.

[0073] According to the thirteenth embodiment, in any one of the tenth to twelfth embodiments, the cut tobacco stems after the second expansion step have a fill value of at least 700 ml / 100 g, preferably comprised between 750 ml / 100 g and 850 ml / 100 g.

[0074] As explained above, the fill value may depend on the moisture content at oven volatiles (OV). Thus, according to the above embodiment, the fill value of the cut tobacco stem after the second expansion step may be measured at a moisture content of about 12.5% ​​OV. The above specified fill value may also be provided at a target moisture content, which may be slightly higher and / or lower (OV). However, for control purposes, the fill value should be based on 12.5% ​​OV.

[0075] According to a fourteenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the cut tobacco stems prior to the first expansion step have a fill value of at most 600 ml / 100 g, preferably at most 550 ml / 100 g, and / or at least 400 ml / 100 g, preferably at least 550 ml / 100 g. Optionally, the fill value may be measured / determined at a target moisture content of 12.5% ​​OV.

[0076] It may be possible that the determination of the fill value (which may apply to substantially all fill values ​​described herein) can be performed at a standard (or reference or normalized) moisture value. A typical standard (or reference or normalized) moisture value may be in the range of 11% to 14.5%, for example, 12.5% ​​OV. In one example, the cut tobacco stems are adjusted (e.g., by drying or wetting) to such a standard moisture content before measuring / determining the fill value. A variation of 1% OV may result in a difference in fill value of approximately 50 ml / 100 g.

[0077] The standard moisture value may be the same as the target moisture value used herein.

[0078] Comments the same as or similar to those outlined in relation to the previous embodiment may apply to this embodiment mutatis mutandis.

[0079] Device A 15th embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: (a) means for providing moist cut tobacco stems; (b) means for expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step; (c) means for further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step; (d) optionally, means for cooling / drying the cut tobacco; The present invention relates to an apparatus including:

[0080] The features and advantages mentioned and explained above with respect to the method according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention also apply to the apparatus outlined in the above embodiments.

[0081] The means for providing the moistened cut tobacco stems may include any means suitable for providing something. By way of example, the means may be one or more belts or one or more conveyors.

[0082] The means for expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step may include any means suitable for expanding cut tobacco stems. In particular examples, the means may include one or more or a combination of the following: a heating tunnel, an STS (stem steaming) unit, or a jet of steam, generally under pressure.

[0083] The means for further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step may include the same means as the means for expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step. In one example, the means for the second expansion step may be the means for the first expansion step.

[0084] The optional means for cooling the cut tobacco stems can be any means at least partially suited to the temperature of the cut tobacco stems.

[0085] The optional means for drying the cut tobacco stems can be any means suitable for at least partially reducing the moisture content in the oven volatiles (OV) of the cut tobacco stems.

[0086] Tobacco products A sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is directed to a tobacco product, such as an expanded cut tobacco product, comprising cut tobacco stems, obtainable by the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, and having a fill value that is at least about 30%, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 60% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before application of the method.

[0087] The same applies to the determination of such fill values ​​(eg, at standard (or reference or normalized) moisture values) as described elsewhere herein.

[0088] The features and advantages mentioned and explained above in relation to the method according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention and / or the device according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention also apply to the tobacco products outlined in the above embodiments.

[0089] Tobacco products may refer to any product manufactured or sold in the tobacco industry. Tobacco products may include pipe tobacco, cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars. Tobacco products may include tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco substitutes, or any combination thereof. In addition, tobacco products such as snus, snuff, solid or hard tobacco, and heat-not-burn tobacco may be included. Tobacco products may be smoking articles, vaping articles, aerosol-generating articles, or tobacco products may be incorporated into such smoking articles.

[0090] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0091] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] 4 is a flowchart of a method according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a diagram of moisture content in percentage of oven volatiles at different steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A-3C illustrate tobacco stem fill values ​​at different steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a tobacco product according to an embodiment of the present invention compared to a tobacco product obtained by a conventional method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: As will be described in detail below, the embodiments are interchangeable and individual features of one embodiment may also be applied to another embodiment.

[0093] Throughout the drawings and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements unless otherwise specified. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience. The drawings do not limit the scope of the claims, but are merely intended to aid in understanding the invention.

[0094] 1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for processing cut tobacco stems according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 100 includes a step 110 of providing moistened cut tobacco stems. This means that such moistened cut tobacco stems should at least be available or should become available. For example, the cut tobacco stems should be available for one or more subsequent method steps.

[0095] Cut tobacco stems are tobacco stems that have been at least partially processed, for example, the stems may be cut or otherwise broken into smaller pieces. Examples of tobaccos that can be used herein are Virginia, Burley, Oriental, (Galpao) Comum, Amarelinho, and Maryland tobacco, or any similar tobacco type and any blends of these types.

[0096] The moistened cut tobacco stems provided should have a moisture content of about 30% to about 40% oven volatiles (OV), most preferably about 36% OV.

[0097] The fill value of the cut tobacco stems is approximately 450-550 ml / 100g, i.e., 450-550 cc / 100g or 4.5-5.5 ml / g, before expansion in the first expansion step 120 and / or before processing the cut tobacco stems. By way of example, such a fill value is measured at a particular standard (or reference, normalized, or target) moisture content. By way of example, such a normalized moisture content may be 11%-14%, preferably 12.5% ​​oven volatiles (OV). It may be beneficial to measure the fill value at a target moisture content to reduce the influence of moisture content on the measured fill value. It should be noted that the fill value may not change substantially when measurements are performed at different moisture content values ​​(a variation of 1% OV may result in a difference of approximately 50 ml / 100g).

[0098] The method 100 includes a step 120 of expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step. This can be done by exposing the moistened cut tobacco stems to steam injection (e.g., a steam tunnel). This can be performed by a heating tunnel, an STS (Stem Steaming) unit, or generally by steam jets under pressure (supplied by Garbuio Dickinson). The treatment conditions can consider a base flow rate (flow rate of the raw material at the inlet of the unit) of approximately 1000 to 2600 kg / h and a steam flow rate (flow rate of the steam injected into the pipe of the expansion device) of approximately 500 to 1000 kg / h. Steam injection, preferably under pressure, can achieve sufficient penetration into the cut tobacco stems. It is possible to achieve deep penetration of water into the cut tobacco stems and / or their cells. The pressure is then released or reduced, allowing the steam to expand and increase the volume of the tobacco cells. Thus, the treated tobacco stems have an increased volume, i.e., the tobacco stems are expanded. In one example, the expanding step 120 includes water implosion, which results in further expansion of the tobacco stem. By way of example, water implosion can be understood as compressing and collapsing water molecules inwards using phase conjugate and / or centripetal implosion.

[0099] Expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120 can also include exposing the cut tobacco stems to heat.

[0100] During expansion of the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the moisture content (OV) of the cut tobacco stems remains at least the same as it was before the first expansion step 120. After the first expansion step 120, the moisture content (OV) is about 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2 percentage points higher than it was before the first expansion step 120. A moisture content (OV) that is 2 percentage points higher means that the moisture content (OV) increases, for example, from 36% (before the first expansion step 120) to 38% (after the first expansion step 120).

[0101] The method 100 includes further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step 130. A similar expansion mechanism as in the first expansion step 120 is applied in the second expansion step 130. Such second expansion 130 produces water implosion as described herein, resulting in further expansion of the cut tobacco stems.

[0102] Immediately after the second expansion step 130, the cut tobacco stems have a moisture content that is equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step 120. The moisture content is measured by oven volatiles (OV). Thus, after the cut tobacco stems are further expanded in the second expansion step 130, the moisture content (OV) of the cut tobacco stems is about 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2 percentage points higher than it was before the second expansion step 130. A moisture content (OV) that is 1 percentage point higher means that the moisture content (OV) increases, for example, from 38% (before the second expansion step 130) to 39% (after the second expansion step 130).

[0103] The fill value of the cut tobacco stems after expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130 is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, even more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 40% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. As described herein, the fill value may be about 450-550 ml / 100g, i.e., 450-550 cc / 100g or 4.5-5.5 ml / g, before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120 and / or before treating the cut tobacco stems, and after expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the fill value is about 750-850 ml / 100g, i.e., 750-850 cc / 100g or 7.5-8.5 ml / g. The fill value could be measured at a moisture content of approximately 12.5% ​​oven volatiles (OV). The fill value may vary slightly if other normalized moisture values ​​are applied. The fill value of the cut tobacco stems after expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130 may also be at least 60% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. As an example, an increase from 450 ml / 100 g to 850 ml / 100 g may correspond to an 89% increase.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment of the method 100 according to the present invention, the inventors have found a viable way to satisfy the demand for imparting a plain flavor to expanded cut tobacco stems upon combustion. In particular, conventional cut tobacco stems have a low fill value (or fill value, fill power, or fill capacity), insufficient aroma, high pungentness, low intensity, and a strong woody flavor. The above-described embodiment overcomes these drawbacks, ensuring fewer drawbacks, such as a woody flavor, which is appreciated by users. Furthermore, a consistent and predictable expansion volume is ensured. Therefore, the method 100 is suitable for automation, which makes the method 100 more efficient. The final product can be used, for example, in cigarettes.

[0105] It should be noted that, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, the moisture content of the cut tobacco stems does not substantially increase during the first expansion step 120 and / or the second expansion step 130. The following non-limiting example may serve as an explanation as to why the moisture content of the cut tobacco stems does not substantially increase during the first expansion step 120 and / or the second expansion step 130. That is, without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that steam can be injected into a heating means, such as a heating tunnel, which may be a vibrating conveyor having holes. The steam pressure can be 2 to 6 bar, preferably 2.5 to 4.5 bar, and most preferably about 4 bar.

[0106] To avoid initial steaming, the vapors may be removed. For this purpose, suction means such as a suction hood may be used. The suction means may be provided above the heating means. In one example, this may be called a suction hood.

[0107] Because increasing the moisture content of the cut tobacco stems can adversely affect the capacity of drying means such as a dryer and / or can adversely affect the taste of the final product, the process parameters of the heating means and suction means are set to ensure that the moisture content of the tobacco stems is not significantly affected.

[0108] This approach facilitates the expansion of the tobacco stems without facilitating conditioning the tobacco stems and / or increasing their moisture content (which may have adverse effects as described elsewhere herein). Surprisingly, it has been discovered that this is a previously unknown side effect that may make the expansion process more efficient.

[0109] 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 according to an embodiment of the invention, which may be compatible with the embodiment of the method 100 of the preceding figure. Boxes with dashed borders may represent optional method steps.

[0110] Steps 210, 220, and 230 correspond to steps 110, 120, and 130, respectively, as outlined above in the preceding figures.

[0111] The method 200 of this further embodiment is similar to that presented in the previous figures. In addition, the method 200 includes step 205, which involves soaking the provided tobacco stems in water. This is sometimes referred to as conditioning, and is beneficial for subsequent steps. In particular, the moisture content of the cut tobacco stems can be adjusted in a controlled and repeatable manner.

[0112] Step 205 further includes flattening the tobacco stems. This may be accomplished by applying rollers with a gap between them. Such a gap may be 1 mm. Step 205 also includes cutting the tobacco stems into pieces, for example, less than about 0.5 mm.

[0113] The method 200 of this further embodiment also includes a aging and / or cooling step 215. Aging (a type of conditioning) means that the cut tobacco stems are given a certain amount of rest time. Aging can occur in a buffer box, a pre-mixer silo, a bulk silo, and / or a (full) batch-size mixing silo. The aging time in a buffer box can be, for example, about 15 minutes. The aging time in a pre-mixer silo can be, for example, about 30 minutes. The aging time in a (full) batch-size mixing silo can be, for example, about 120 minutes or more. Typically, the aging time in this step 215 is 5 minutes or more.

[0114] Step 215 can follow step 210 of providing moistened cut tobacco stems. Step 215 precedes expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step 220. This is beneficial because it enhances water penetration into the cells of the cut tobacco stems, making the first expansion step 220 more efficient.

[0115] The cooling step within step 215 is optional (as indicated by the dashed border of the box in this figure), and may depend on the initial temperature of the prepared tobacco stems and / or subsequent process steps.

[0116] The method 200 of this further embodiment additionally includes a aging and / or cooling step 225 performed after the first expansion step 220. Again, in this step, aging may be performed as described above. The aging 225 results in greater flexibility of the cellular structure of the cut tobacco stems.

[0117] Cooling in step 225 means reducing the temperature of the cut tobacco stem to a value below 45°C, preferably below 40°C, more preferably below 35°C, and most preferably below 30°C. Cooling between the first expansion step 220 and the second expansion step 230 means that cooling occurs after the end of the first expansion step 220 and before the (start of) the second expansion step 230. The first expansion step 220 and the second expansion step 230 are identifiable as separate steps. The first expansion step 220 and the second expansion step 230 are separated by a ripening and / or cooling step 225.

[0118] Cooling can be achieved by passive or active cooling means. Passive cooling means that cooling occurs during storage, rest, lifting, movement, and / or aging of the cut tobacco stems. Active cooling can be achieved using one or more cooling conveyors (or belts) arranged to cool the cut tobacco stems. It is also feasible to use ambient air or cold air for cooling. As an example, such air can be forced into contact with the cut tobacco stems. Thus, forced convection can assist cooling.

[0119] The method 200 of this further embodiment further comprises a cooling, drying, sieving and / or packaging step 240. Step 240 follows the step of expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 230.

[0120] Cooling 240 may be performed as described above with respect to cooling in step 225 .

[0121] Drying 240 can be performed using passive or active drying means. Passive drying can be performed while the cut tobacco stems are stored, stationary, lifted, and / or in motion. Active drying is beneficial for speeding up the process, thereby making it more efficient. Active drying includes the application of one or more fluidized bed dryers, flash tower dryers, rotary dryers, and / or band dryers. Thus, moisture reduction can be achieved, which is beneficial for reaching the target moisture content. Drying 240 results in a moisture content of 20% or less oven volatiles (OV) and / or 10% or more OV. Preferably, the target or desired moisture value is about 11% to 14% OV.

[0122] Sieving 240 may also be performed, which refers to, for example, the separation of heavy and / or solid particles from the cut tobacco stems, which may depend on the size and / or weight of the particles, improving the quality of the final product.

[0123] Packaging 240 may also be included in the method 200. Packaging means that the cut tobacco stems are packaged, for example, according to their size, to obtain the final (expanded) cut tobacco stem product. During packaging, the cut tobacco stems have approximately the same fill value as they had immediately after the second expansion step 230. The fill value is therefore approximately 750-850 ml / 100 g, i.e., 750-850 cc / 100 g or 7.5-8.5 ml / g. This is based on a moisture content of approximately 12.5% ​​oven volatiles (OV).

[0124] 2a is a flowchart of a method 300 according to a still further embodiment of the present invention, in which the method steps of the method 200 of the preceding figure are explained in more detail. Furthermore, in this embodiment, optional method steps of the preceding figure are shown.

[0125] The tobacco stems are soaked in water, flattened, cut, and aged / cooled (corresponding to method step 205). Further tobacco stems are prepared (corresponding to method step 210). Then, a first expansion step is performed (corresponding to step 220). Aging / cooling is also performed (corresponding to step 225). Then, a second expansion step is performed (corresponding to step 230). Then, cooling, drying, sieving, and packaging are performed (corresponding to method step 240).

[0126] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the amount of moisture in the oven volatiles (OV), i.e., percentage of OV, at different steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Steps 210, 220, and 230 correspond to steps 110, 120, and 130, respectively, as described herein.

[0128] As explained above, moisture content refers to oven volatiles (OV). It should be noted that oven dry mass is therefore the mass remaining after the volatiles have been driven off by heating. Oven dry mass is expressed as a percentage of the total mass. Oven volatiles (OV) is the mass of volatiles that have been driven off. Moisture content (oven volatiles) can be measured as the loss in mass when a sample, for example a tobacco sample, is dried in a forced air oven at a temperature adjusted to 110°C ± 1°C for 3 hours ± 0.5 minutes. Different standards for measuring moisture content may also be applied.

[0129] In this exemplary embodiment of the figure, two graphs are shown: on the Y-axis, moisture content is shown; and on the X-axis, exemplary method steps are shown according to the nomenclature as described above.

[0130] The bottom graph, i.e., the graph with the black circles, shows a moisture content of about 30% OV before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the moisture content is greater than or equal to 30% OV. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the moisture content is about 32% OV, e.g., an increase of 2% OV. After further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the cut tobacco stems have an OV moisture content that is greater than or equal to the OV moisture content after the first expansion step 120. In this example, after further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the moisture content is 34% OV. After a drying step, e.g., step 240, the OV moisture content is at least about 10% OV and at most about 20% OV. In this exemplary embodiment, the moisture content is about 11%. References to "before" or "after" a particular method step may be understood as immediately before or immediately after such step, and thus, there may be no further steps in between. Thus, the moisture content after expanding 120 the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120 may be understood as the moisture content immediately after (or even at the end of) the first expansion step 120.

[0131] The top graph, i.e., the graph with the white filled circles, shows a moisture content of about 36% OV before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the moisture content is greater than 36% OV, i.e., about 37% OV, i.e., an increase of 1% OV (1 percentage point). After further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the cut tobacco stems have an OV moisture content that is equal to or greater than the OV moisture content after the first expansion step 120. In this example, the moisture content is 38% OV after further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130. After a drying step, e.g., step 240, the OV moisture content is at least about 10% OV and at most about 20% OV. In this exemplary embodiment, the moisture content is about 14%.

[0132] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of tobacco stem fill values ​​at different steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Steps 210, 220, and 230 correspond to steps 110, 120, and 130, respectively, as described herein.

[0134] In this exemplary embodiment of the figure, two graphs are shown: on the Y axis, the fill value is shown; on the X axis, the exemplary method steps are shown according to the nomenclature as described above.

[0135] The bottom graph, i.e., the graph with the black filled circles, shows a fill value of about 450 ml / 100 g before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the fill value is about 550 ml / 100 g. After further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the cut tobacco stems have a fill value of about 750 ml / 100 g. After a drying step, e.g., step 240, the fill value is approximately the same, e.g., about 750 ml / 100 g.

[0136] The top graph, i.e., the graph with the white filled circles, shows a fill value of about 550 ml / 100 g before expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120. After expanding the cut tobacco stems in the first expansion step 120, the fill value is about 750 ml / 100 g. After further expanding the cut tobacco stems in the second expansion step 130, the cut tobacco stems have a fill value of about 850 ml / 100 g. After a drying step, e.g., step 240, the fill value is approximately the same, e.g., about 850 ml / 100 g.

[0137] Therefore, the increased fill value reached or achieved after the second expansion step 130, for example, immediately after the second expansion step 130 (possibly this may be at the end of the second expansion step 130), is also applied to the final product, i.e., the tobacco product. This is beneficial for the final product, as it can benefit from the advantageous effects associated with the increased fill value of the cut tobacco stems. Therefore, no substantial loss of fill value occurs after the second expansion step 130, which is appreciated.

[0138] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically a tobacco product 1 according to an embodiment of the invention (on the right side of the figure) compared to a tobacco product 1′ obtained by a conventional method (on the left side of the figure).

[0139] The tobacco product 1 is an expanded shredded tobacco product comprising shredded tobacco stems 10 having a fill value that is at least about 30%, preferably 35%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 60% greater than the fill value of the shredded tobacco stems before the method 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0140] The same applies to the determination of such fill values ​​(eg, at standard (or reference or normalized) moisture values) as described elsewhere herein.

[0141] Tobacco product 1 is any product manufactured or sold in the tobacco industry, such as a pipe, cigarette, cigarillo, cigar, or the like. Tobacco product 1 can also be a smoking article or can be incorporated into such a smoking article. As such, it is understood that tobacco product 1 benefits from the advantageous effects of the increased fill value imparted to tobacco products by the method of the present invention.

[0142] The figure highlights that the increased fill value can be directly recognized in the tobacco product 1. It can be observed that the volume of the cut tobacco stem 10 is higher compared to a conventional tobacco product 1' including the cut tobacco stem 10' for the same total weight of the cut tobacco stem 10'. Furthermore, the overall integrity, mechanical stability, and rigidity of the tobacco product 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the reduced weight of the cut tobacco stem 10 can improve taste, since less cellulose content is accepted by the user. The tobacco product 1 can be a cigarette with a filter (e.g., when other cigarette parts are added). In such an example, the reduced net tow weight can also be reliably recognized and measured in the tobacco product 1.

[0143] The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments disclosed in the above drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1. Tobacco products 1. Traditional tobacco products 10 (expanded) tobacco stems 10' Traditional (Expanded) Tobacco Stem 100, 200, 300 ways 205 Method Steps: Dipping / Flattening / Cutting 110, 210 Method Step: Preparation 215 Method Step: Aging / Cooling 120, 220 Method step: First inflation 225 Method Step: Aging / Cooling 130, 230 Method step: Second expansion 240 process steps: cooling / drying / sieving / packaging

Claims

1. 1. A method for treating cut tobacco stems, comprising: (a) providing moistened cut tobacco stems; (b) expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step; (c) further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step; Including, The method, wherein the cut tobacco stems have a moisture content immediately after the second expansion step that is equal to or greater than the moisture content after the first expansion step, the moisture content being measured by oven volatiles (OV).

2. the cut tobacco stems are maintained at a moisture content of at least 10% OV, preferably at least 20% OV, most preferably at least 30% OV during the second expansion step, preferably during the first and second expansion steps, most preferably during and between the first and second expansion steps; and / or 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cut tobacco stems are maintained at a moisture content of at most 50% OV, preferably at most 45% OV, most preferably at most 40% OV during the second expansion step, preferably during the first and second expansion steps, most preferably during and between the first and second expansion steps.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first expansion step and / or the second expansion step comprises contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam, preferably a jet of steam under pressure.

4. 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moisture content of the cut tobacco increases by at most 5 percentage points OV, preferably at most 3 percentage points OV, most preferably at most 2 percentage points OV after the first expansion step and / or the second expansion step.

5. 5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein contacting the cut tobacco stems with steam comprises injecting steam using an expanding steam tunnel.

6. further comprising cooling the cut tobacco stems between the first and second expansion steps; 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein cooling optionally comprises reducing the temperature of the cut tobacco stem to less than 45°C, preferably less than 40°C, more preferably less than 35°C, and most preferably less than 30°C.

7. storing the cut tobacco stems for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 5 minutes, more preferably at least 10 minutes, and most preferably at least 15 minutes; and / or Storing the cut tobacco stems for a maximum of 240 minutes, preferably a maximum of 180 minutes, more preferably a maximum of 140 minutes, and most preferably a maximum of 120 minutes. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising aging the cut tobacco stems between the first and second expansion steps by

8. storing the cut tobacco stems for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 5 minutes, more preferably at least 10 minutes, and most preferably at least 15 minutes; and / or Aging the cut tobacco stems prior to the first expansion step by storing the cut tobacco stems for a maximum of 240 minutes, preferably a maximum of 180 minutes, more preferably a maximum of 140 minutes, and most preferably a maximum of 120 minutes. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

9. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, prior to the first expansion step, the moistened cut tobacco stems provided in step (a) have a moisture content of at least 10% OV, preferably at least 20% OV, most preferably at least 30% OV, and / or at most 50% OV, preferably at most 45% OV, most preferably at most 40% OV.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising drying the cut tobacco stems after the second expanding step.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein drying comprises reducing the moisture content to below 20% OV and / or above 10% OV.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the cut tobacco stems after drying have a fill value that is at least about 30% greater, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 60% greater than the fill value of the cut tobacco stems before the first expansion step.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cut tobacco stems after the second expansion step have a fill value of at least 700 ml / 100 g, preferably comprised between 750 ml / 100 g and 850 ml / 100 g.

14. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cut tobacco stems before the first expansion step have a fill value of at most 600 ml / 100 g, preferably at most 550 ml / 100 g, and / or at least 400 ml / 100 g, preferably at least 550 ml / 100 g.

15. An apparatus configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: (a) a means for providing moist cut tobacco stems; (b) means for expanding the cut tobacco stems in a first expansion step; (c) means for further expanding the cut tobacco stems in a second expansion step; (d) optionally, means for cooling / drying said cut tobacco; 1. An apparatus comprising:

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