Dryer for herbaceous materials with inclined vanes

Abstract

The dryer includes a dryer container having an interior space for receiving herbaceous material, and a drive for rotating the dryer container about a rotation axis of the dryer container. Vanes extend from an interior surface of the dryer container into the interior space of the dryer container for engaging herbaceous material received within the interior space of the dryer container. In cross section, the vanes are inclined relative to the radial direction, with the cross section plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. Vane heating elements are integrated into the vanes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the drying of herbaceous material, in particular tobacco material. [Background technology]

[0002] CN202760152U discloses a drum-type dryer for shredded tobacco material for use in the tobacco industry. Heated air is introduced into the drying chamber of the dryer to heat the tobacco material therein. The oxygen content of the air in the dryer is stated to have a significant effect on the chemical composition of the dried tobacco. The oxygen content is controlled by implementing an oxygen / nitrogen separation system for automatically adjusting the oxygen content in the gas supplied to the dryer. Airlock devices are provided at the tobacco inlet and tobacco outlet of the dryer to avoid ambient air from entering the dryer in an uncontrolled manner.

[0003] CN101491368A discloses a rotating drum drying device for cut tobacco. The drying device comprises a fixed outer drum and a rotatable inner drum provided therein. A heating rod is provided in a gap between the circumferential surface of the inner drum and the circumferential surface of the outer drum. Furthermore, the circumferential surface of the inner drum has a double wall forming a space for receiving heating oil heated by the heating rod. When the heating oil is heated, the inner circumferential surface of the inner drum is heated and the heat is transferred to the tobacco material provided inside the inner drum. A blade for engaging the shredded tobacco material extends radially from the inner circumferential surface of the inner drum toward the center of the inner drum. Upon rotation of the inner drum, the blade agitates the shredded tobacco provided inside the inner drum.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a drying process that has a superior level of precision and adjustability. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a method of drying herbaceous material that results in high quality dried material. It would further be desirable to provide a method of drying herbaceous material that has improved efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention deals with the treatment of herbaceous materials. In particular, the herbaceous materials may consist of or include tobacco materials, such as cut, crushed or shredded tobacco materials, or combinations of cut, crushed or shredded tobacco materials. The herbaceous materials may be used, for example, as sensory media materials in smoking articles.

[0006] The present invention provides a rotary dryer for drying herbaceous material comprising a dryer vessel having an interior space for receiving herbaceous material and a drive for rotating the dryer vessel about its axis of rotation.

[0007] The tumble dryer comprises vanes for engaging the herbaceous material contained in the interior space of the dryer vessel. The vanes extend from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The interior surface may at least partially define the interior space of the dryer vessel. In particular, the interior surface may be a circumferential surface of the dryer vessel. Upon rotation of the dryer vessel, the vanes may engage and agitate the herbaceous material. Thus, heat within the dryer vessel may easily reach the herbaceous material. The vanes may heat the herbaceous material evenly. The vanes may contribute to an even distribution of the herbaceous material within the dryer vessel.

[0008] In cross section with a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the dryer vessel, the vanes are inclined relative to the radial direction. The radial direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis and radial to the rotation axis of the dryer vessel. The inclination of the vanes allows the vanes to better engage and agitate the herbaceous material in the interior space of the dryer vessel. In particular, the vanes can easily dip into and pick up herbaceous material located at the bottom of the interior space of the dryer vessel as the dryer vessel rotates. Due to their geometry, the inclined vanes keep the herbaceous material in contact with the vanes longer than radial vanes, as they can spoon the herbaceous material onto the vane surface. The inclined vanes can form pockets together with the interior surface of the dryer vessel, which can temporarily hold the herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel, thereby increasing the agitation and distribution of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel.

[0009] The rotary dryer preferably further comprises a vane heating element incorporated in the vane. The vane heating element may contribute to heating the herbaceous material. The vane heating element may contribute to drying the herbaceous material. Heating the vane with the vane heating element incorporated in the vane is very effective because the vane may directly contact a large amount of herbaceous material when stirring the herbaceous material. Furthermore, heating the vane with the vane heating element incorporated in the vane shows a synergistic effect with the inclination of the vane with respect to the radial direction. As mentioned above, due to the inclination of the vane, the herbaceous material is held by the vane during the increased rotation of the dryer vessel. Thus, the herbaceous material is subjected to heat from the heating element incorporated in the vane for an increased amount of time. This may increase the heating efficiency.

[0010] The properties and quality of the dried herbal material obtained by the drying process strongly depend on the drying process. For example, sensory media materials such as tobacco materials used in the smoking industry can develop a wide range of aromas and properties according to the sequence and parameters of the drying process. Therefore, the quality of the obtained product can be improved by improving the stirring or heating of the herbal material.

[0011] The interior space of the dryer container is preferably symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation of the dryer container. The body of the dryer container may extend from a first side of the body along a longitudinal direction to a second side of the body. The first side of the body may comprise a first end of the body. The second side of the body may comprise a second end of the body. The longitudinal direction may in particular be parallel and coaxial with the axis of rotation of the dryer container. In particular, the dryer container or its body may be at least substantially cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes are conceivable, such as parallelepiped, prism, or ellipse. In practice, the shape of the dryer container or its body is likely not to strictly conform to the shape shown. For example, the dryer container or its body may comprise a conveying portion or a concave portion.

[0012] The first side of the body may be the side from which the herbaceous material is introduced into the dryer vessel, and the second side of the body may be the side from which the herbaceous material is withdrawn from the dryer vessel.

[0013] The dryer vessel may include a first door provided on a first side of the body. The dryer vessel may include a second door provided on a second side of the body. The doors may be opened to access an interior space of the dryer vessel for maintenance, loading, or other purposes.

[0014] The dryer vessel may have a longitudinal length of at least 1 m, or at least 1.5 m, or at least 2 m, or at least 2.5 m. The length of the dryer vessel in the longitudinal direction may be less than 10 m, or less than 5 m, or less than 3 m, or less than 2 m. The extension of the dryer vessel perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be at least 0.5 m, or at least 0.7 m, or at least 1 m, or at least 1.5 m. The extension of the dryer vessel perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be less than 5 m, or less than 3 m, or less than 2 m, or less than 1.5 m. The capacity of the dryer vessel may be at least 0.5 cubic meters, or at least 1 cubic meters, or at least 1.5 cubic meters, or at least 2 cubic meters, or at least 3 cubic meters. The capacity of the dryer vessel may be less than 10 cubic meters, or less than 7 cubic meters, or less than 5 cubic meters, or less than 3 cubic meters, or less than 2 cubic meters.

[0015] The drive may be configured to rotate the dryer vessel at, for example, 0.2 rpm to 30 rpm, or 5 rpm to 20 rpm. Notably, the rpm of rotation of the dryer vessel may be adjustable by the user.

[0016] The rotary dryer preferably further comprises a tilting device for adjusting the tilt angle of the dryer vessel with respect to a horizontal plane. The tilt angle of the dryer vessel may be defined as the tilt angle between the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel and a horizontal plane. The tilt angle may be adjusted to optimize the transport and distribution of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel. The tilt angle may be used to set the residence time of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel. The tilt angle may be adjusted, for example, taking into account the particle size of the herbaceous material. The tilt angle may be adjustable, for example, from 0 degrees to 15 degrees, or from 0 degrees to 10 degrees. The tilt angle may also be periodically changed between two or more predetermined values, such as by a rocking motion.

[0017] The residence time of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel may be, for example, from 1 minute to 4 hours, or from 30 minutes to 4 hours, or from 1 hour to 3 hours. In particular, the residence time may be substantially 2 hours.

[0018] If the herbaceous material to be dried includes different types of material, the different types of material may be fed sequentially into the dryer vessel to have different residence times in the dryer vessel for the different types of material. The different types of material may include different types of biologically or chemically different types of material. The different types of material may include different types of material with respect to particle size of the material. The different types of material may include different types of material with respect to cutting width of the material, or leaf size of the material, or powder size of the material.

[0019] The dryer can be operated in a batch drying mode or a continuous drying mode.

[0020] In cross-section with the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the angle between the vanes and the radial direction is preferably lower than 30 degrees. In particular, the angle may be between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, or more preferably between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. The indicated range may be suitable for temporarily retaining the herbaceous material in the pocket formed by the vanes and the inner surface of the dryer vessel, while still allowing the herbaceous material to be easily picked up by the vanes.

[0021] In principle, any number of vanes can be provided in the dryer vessel. It is preferred that there are at least four, at least six, at least eight, at least ten, or at least sixteen vanes. A greater number of vanes increases the agitation of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel, as long as there is still sufficient space between adjacent vanes. It is preferred that there are less than 32, less than 28, less than 24, less than 20, less than 16, less than 12, or less than eight vanes.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the vanes have a parallelepiped shape. Such vanes are easy to manufacture and place in the dryer vessel. However, other shapes of vanes are contemplated.

[0023] In particular, the vanes may have a curvature in cross section with the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Curved vanes may be able to better engage and pick up herbaceous material. The curvature of the vanes is preferably in the direction of the vane's inclination. This may increase the period of rotation of the dryer vessel during which herbaceous material is held on the vanes.

[0024] The profile of the curvature of the vane in a cross section having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation may vary continuously. In a cross section having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the profile of a portion of the vane, the portion having the curvature, may vary continuously. If the profile of the curvature varies continuously, cleaning may be easier compared to a vane portion that does not vary continuously, such as a vane portion having a sharp bend or kink. Furthermore, a curvature with a continuously varying profile may spoon-like scoop herbaceous material in a particularly smooth manner.

[0025] The vane may have one or more curvatures in cross section with the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The curved portion or portions may be curved in the direction of the inclination of the vane.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the vanes may extend along the interior surface of the dryer vessel parallel to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel, so that the herbaceous material may be agitated evenly along the longitudinal extension of the dryer vessel.

[0027] Alternatively, the vanes may extend along the interior surface of the dryer vessel on a path that is a superposition of an extension parallel to the axis of rotation and a rotation about the axis of rotation. Such a "twisted" extension of the vanes may contribute to transport of the herbaceous material parallel to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel.

[0028] The arch distance between two adjacent vanes relative to the axis of rotation is preferably equal to or greater than the height dimension of the vane. This ensures that adjacent vanes have less interference with the vane picking up of herbaceous material and optimizes the amount of material engaged per revolution of the dryer vessel. The term "arch distance" does not require that the interior surface of the dryer vessel between adjacent vanes has an arch-like curvature. For example, the interior surface may be flat between two adjacent vanes. The arch distance may be defined as the length of a section line of a portion of the interior surface of the dryer vessel between two adjacent vanes having a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. The height dimension of the vane may be defined as the length of a line connecting the center point of the radially outer base portion of the vane with the center point of the radially inner distal end of the vane at the interface between the vane and the interior surface of the dryer vessel, in a cross section having a cross section plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0029] For example, the height dimension of the vane may be at least 10 cm, or at least 15 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 25 cm, or at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm, or at least 50 cm. The height dimension of the vane may be less than 50 cm, or less than 40 cm, or less than 30 cm, or less than 20 cm, or less than 10 cm. The arch distance may be at least 10 cm, or at least 15 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 25 cm, or at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm, or at least 50 cm. The arch distance may be less than 1 m, or less than 70 cm, or less than 50 cm, or less than 40 cm, or less than 30 cm, or less than 20 cm. The height dimension of the vanes may be, for example, at least 5 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or at least 7 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or at least 10 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or at least 12 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or at least 15 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or at least 17 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel. The height dimension of the vanes may be, for example, less than 25 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or less than 22 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or less than 20 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or less than 17 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel, or less than 15 percent of the inner diameter of the dryer vessel.

[0030] The tumble dryer may further comprise a liquid distribution assembly comprising at least one nozzle assembly rotatably provided inside the interior space of the dryer vessel and configured to spray a liquid. For example, the nozzle may be used to spray a liquid for treating or refining the herbaceous material during drying. The nozzle may also be used to spray a cleaning liquid to clean the inside of the dryer vessel between uses. Because the nozzle can be rotated, it can spray liquid in hard to reach places inside the dryer vessel, such as, for example, in pockets formed between the vanes and the interior surface of the dryer vessel.

[0031] The tumble dryer may further comprise a conveyor for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The conveyor may comprise a chute for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The conveyor may comprise a conveyor screw, scraper, or spiral for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel.

[0032] The invention also provides a method for drying herbaceous material. The method includes introducing herbaceous material into an interior space of a dryer vessel having vanes extending from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel with the herbaceous material received therein rotates in a direction of rotation about an axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. During rotation, the herbaceous material received within the dryer vessel engages an engagement surface of the vanes, thereby agitating the herbaceous material within the dryer vessel and facilitating drying. The method may further include actively heating the vanes. The vanes are positioned such that, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel, an angle between the vanes and the interior surface of the dryer vessel is greater when measured in the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel than when measured relative to the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel. Because the angle is smaller when measured relative to the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel, the vanes are positioned to more easily engage herbaceous material collected at the bottom of the dryer vessel as they rotate, thereby collecting material between the vanes and the interior surface of the dryer vessel.

[0033] The method may further include temporarily trapping the herbaceous material between the engagement surface of the vane and the interior surface of the dryer vessel during rotation of the dryer vessel. Preferably, the herbaceous material is trapped between the engagement surface of the vane and the interior surface of the dryer vessel for at least one-quarter of a rotation of the dryer vessel, or at least one-third of a rotation of the dryer vessel, or at least one-half of a rotation of the dryer vessel, or more than one-half of a rotation of the dryer vessel.

[0034] The vanes are preferably heated using vane heating elements which are incorporated into the vanes.

[0035] The vanes may have a parallelepiped shape.

[0036] The vanes may have a curvature in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, preferably the curvature of the vane is in the direction of the inclination of the vane.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises treating the volatiles evaporated in the dryer vessel. The volatiles may include materials evaporated from the herbaceous material during drying. Such volatiles may, for example, carry flavors extracted from the herbaceous material. The treated volatiles may include, for example, aromatic substances or oils. The volatiles may include, for example, alkaloids such as nicotine. The volatiles may also include pyrazines, such as, for example, 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, or 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Other examples of volatiles include β-ionone, β-damascenone, or acetic acid.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the current environmental properties can be used to determine one or more drying process parameters. Examples of drying process parameters are the rpm of the dryer vessel, the temperature profile of the interior space of the dryer vessel, the treatment time of the herbaceous material, or the tilt angle. The environmental properties can include, for example, the properties of the herbaceous material to be dried.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, characteristics of the environment of a previous drying operation may be used to determine one or more process parameters.

[0040] In particular, machine learning can be used to determine one or more drying process parameters based on current environmental properties, environmental properties of previous drying operations, and data collected during previous drying operations.

[0041] The present invention further provides for the use of asymmetric structures on the interior surface of the rotating dryer vessel that receives the herbaceous material to affect the distribution of the herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel. The asymmetric structures may in particular be asymmetric with respect to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. The use of asymmetric structures may lead to improved agitation of the herbaceous material within the dryer vessel. Furthermore, the use of asymmetric structures may improve heat distribution to the herbaceous material. The use of asymmetric structures may improve drying efficiency and quality.

[0042] The asymmetric structure may be actively heated, in particular by a heating element incorporated in the asymmetric structure.

[0043] In particular, the asymmetric structure may be asymmetric with respect to the radial direction.

[0044] The present invention further provides a dryer for drying herbaceous material, as described below, the features of which may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods or uses described above. The dryer comprises a dryer vessel having an interior space for receiving herbaceous material, an access assembly providing access to the interior space of the dryer vessel, and a heating system.

[0045] The access assembly may provide access to the interior space of the dryer vessel for introducing herbaceous material into the dryer vessel or for retrieving herbaceous material from the dryer vessel. The access assembly may provide access to the interior space of the dryer vessel for introducing or retrieving any other materials to be treated together with the herbaceous material. The access assembly may provide access to the interior space of the dryer vessel for introducing or retrieving any other materials used to treat the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel. The access assembly may provide access to the interior space of the dryer vessel for, for example, maintenance and related purposes.

[0046] The heating system includes at least one access heating element for actively heating the access assembly, the at least one access heating element being preferably integrated into the access assembly, and heating the access assembly can prevent or reduce the formation of cooler temperature spots in the access assembly.

[0047] The lower temperature spots may lead to condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer assembly, such as water, aromatics, oils, or volatiles extracted from the herbaceous material during drying. Volatiles may include alkaloids, such as nicotine. Volatiles may also include pyrazines, such as 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, or 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Other examples of volatiles include β-ionone, β-damascenone, or acetic acid.

[0048] Condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer vessel can adversely affect drying efficiency. Condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer vessel can adversely affect the chemical composition and quality of the dried product. In particular, the herbaceous material being dried can stick and clump at the cooler spots due to moisture. Condensation at the cooler spots can also create cleaning efforts. In particular, there can be caramelization that is difficult to remove at the condensation points in the dryer vessel.

[0049] Additionally, heating the access assembly may facilitate maintaining a desired temperature within the dryer vessel. Heating the access assembly may facilitate obtaining a desired temperature profile within the dryer vessel. Heating the access assembly may facilitate optimizing drying efficiency and quality. The desired temperature profile may be, for example, a uniform temperature throughout the dryer vessel, such as 20 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius, or 120 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius. This may require uniform heating due to heat losses by convection or conduction. The desired temperature profile may also be a non-constant temperature profile, such as a time-dependent or moisture-dependent temperature profile.

[0050] The properties and quality of the dried herbal material obtained by the drying process strongly depend on the drying process. For example, sensory media materials such as tobacco materials used in the smoking industry can develop a wide range of aromas and properties according to the sequence and parameters of the drying process. Therefore, the quality of the obtained product can be improved by improving the heating of the herbal material or preventing lower temperature spots.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the access assembly comprises a door provided on the dryer container, and the at least one access element comprises a door element integrated into the door. The door may be opened to access the interior space of the dryer container for maintenance, loading, or other purposes. The interior surface of the door may be a portion of the interior surface of the dryer container. Thus, heating the door may contribute to controlling the temperature of the interior surface of the dryer container.

[0052] The access assembly may comprise at least one of an inlet conveyor for feeding herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel and an outlet conveyor for removing herbaceous material from the interior space of the dryer vessel. The at least one access heating element may comprise a conveyor heating element integrated into the conveyor (the inlet conveyor or the outlet conveyor, or both). By heating the inlet conveyor or the outlet conveyor, the formation of lower temperature spots on the respective conveyor may be prevented. Furthermore, in the case of a heated inlet conveyor, the herbaceous material is preheated at the inlet conveyor before actually entering the interior space of the dryer vessel. This may prevent or reduce a reduction in temperature within the interior space of the dryer vessel upon introduction of new herbaceous material or ensure a uniform temperature of all herbaceous material within the dryer immediately after introduction into the dryer vessel. In the case of a heated outlet conveyor, the herbaceous material may be subjected to a final heating at the outlet conveyor to remove residual moisture.

[0053] The at least one access heating element may, for example, include an electrically resistive heating element. The electrically resistive heating element allows for direct, rapid and accurate control over the heating power. Alternatively, the at least one access heating element may include a heating fluid line through which a heating fluid flows. Heating by the heating fluid line provides improved heat transfer and simplified control over the heating temperature. For example, thermal oil, or steam, or superheated steam, or water, or pressurized water may be used as the heating fluid. The at least one access heating element may also include a radiant heating element. A further example of an access heating element is a tube furnace.

[0054] A temperature sensor is preferably provided for determining the access assembly temperature. The access assembly temperature may in particular be the temperature of the access assembly or at the access assembly. The access assembly temperature may be the temperature of the door of the dryer vessel or at the door of the dryer vessel. The access assembly temperature may be the temperature of an inlet conveyor for feeding herbaceous material to the interior space of the dryer vessel or at the temperature at an inlet conveyor for feeding herbaceous material to the interior space of the dryer vessel. The access assembly temperature may be the temperature of an outlet conveyor for removing herbaceous material from the interior space of the dryer vessel or at the temperature at an outlet conveyor for removing herbaceous material from the interior space of the dryer vessel. The access assembly temperature determined by the temperature sensor may be used to control at least one access heating element.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the dryer further comprises a controller configured to control the at least one access heating element to maintain at least a predetermined minimum access assembly temperature. The controller may control the at least one access heating element based on the access assembly temperature provided by the temperature sensor or sensors. The minimum access assembly temperature may be selected according to a particular drying process. For example, the minimum access assembly temperature may be between 15 degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius, or between 20 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius, or between 100 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius, or between 100 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, or between 120 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius.

[0056] The heating system may further comprise at least one wall heating element integrated into a wall of the dryer vessel. In particular, the at least one wall heating element may be integrated into a circumferential wall of the dryer vessel or into a wall of the body of the dryer vessel.

[0057] The heating system may further comprise a vane heating element for actively heating at least one vane extending from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel.

[0058] The at least one wall heating element, or the at least one vane heating element, or both, may comprise an electrically resistive heating element, a heating fluid line through which a heating fluid flows, a radiant heating element, or an annular furnace.

[0059] A desired temperature within the dryer vessel can be maintained or achieved by heating the walls of the dryer vessel, or at least one vane of the dryer vessel, or both. For example, the temperature within the dryer vessel can range from 15 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius, or from 20 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or from 100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or from 100 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius, or from 120 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one access heating element comprises a plurality of access heating elements arranged to be independently controlled. Independent control of the different access heating elements allows different heating zones to be set up according to a desired temperature profile or distribution to optimize drying. For example, the temperature may be higher or lower at the inlet side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material enters the dryer vessel than at the outlet side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material leaves the dryer vessel. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature of the central region of the dryer vessel between the inlet and outlet sides may be higher or lower than the temperature at the inlet side, or higher or lower than the temperature at the outlet side.

[0061] The present invention further provides a method for drying herbaceous material, as described below. The features of this method may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods, or uses described above. The method includes heating the herbaceous material in an interior space of the dryer vessel. The interior surface of the dryer vessel is heated such that the entire interior surface of the dryer vessel is maintained above the condensation temperature of gases evaporated inside the dryer vessel during heating of the herbaceous material. The condensation temperature may be at least 20 degrees Celsius, or at least 30 degrees Celsius, or at least 50 degrees Celsius, or at least 80 degrees Celsius, or at least 120 degrees Celsius. The entire interior surface of the dryer vessel, which defines the interior space of the dryer vessel, may be heated such that it is maintained entirely above the condensation temperature. This prevents condensation of gaseous material inside the dryer vessel during heating. Condensation may have a negative effect on drying efficiency and the quality of the dried product. The gases evaporated inside the dryer vessel during heating of the herbaceous material may be gases extracted from the herbaceous material during heating of the herbaceous material. Examples of gases that evaporate inside the dryer vessel during heating of the herbaceous material are water, aromatics, oils, and volatiles that are extracted from the herbaceous material during drying.

[0062] In particular, the interior surface of the dryer vessel may be heated to between 15 degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius, or between 20 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius, or between 100 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius, or between 100 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, or between 120 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius.

[0063] The method may further comprise actively heating an inlet conveyor for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel at least above the condensation temperature. The method may further comprise actively heating an outlet conveyor for removing the herbaceous material from the interior space of the dryer vessel at least above the condensation temperature. Heating of the inlet conveyor is preferably achieved using a conveyor heating element integrated into the inlet conveyor. Heating of the outlet conveyor is preferably achieved using a conveyor heating element integrated into the outlet conveyor. The inlet conveyor or the outlet conveyor, or the inlet conveyor and the outlet conveyor, are preferably heated to maintain them above the condensation temperature.

[0064] The method may further include actively heating at least one door of the dryer vessel, preferably by a door heating element integrated into the door.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first and second doors of the dryer vessel, provided on either side of the dryer vessel, are actively heated to different temperatures. Different temperature zones can be established within the dryer vessel to optimize the drying process.

[0066] The present invention also provides for the use of an access heating element to actively heat an access assembly that provides access to the interior space of the dryer vessel for receiving the herbaceous material and prevents the formation of lower temperature spots where gaseous materials evolved during drying of the herbaceous material may condense.

[0067] The present invention further provides a rotary dryer for drying herbaceous material, as described below, the features of which may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods or uses described above. The dryer comprises a dryer vessel having an interior space for receiving herbaceous material, and a drive for rotating the dryer vessel about a rotation axis of the dryer vessel.

[0068] The dryer further comprises a channel-type collector provided in the interior space of the dryer vessel for collecting the dried herbaceous material. The channel-type collector is at least partially open in the upper part of the channel-type collector. This means that the collector has an opening oriented to allow the herbaceous material to fall downwards into the collector from above by gravity. The shape of the collector with an open upper part allows the dried herbaceous material to easily find its way into the collector, while at the same time restricting or preventing the collected material from leaving the collector and returning to the dryer vessel. Furthermore, the collector has a simple structure and is economical to implement.

[0069] The characteristics and quality of the dried herbal material obtained by the drying process strongly depend on the drying process. For example, sensory media materials, such as tobacco materials, used in the smoking industry, can develop a wide range of aromas and characteristics according to the sequence and parameters of the drying process. Therefore, by improving the collection of herbal materials in the inner space of the dryer vessel, the quality of the obtained product can be improved.

[0070] The channel collector preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. In particular, the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel may extend into the channel collector. The dryer vessel may rotate around the channel collector and may be configured such that the herbaceous material falls by gravity downwards and into the channel collector through an at least partially open top portion.

[0071] The channel collector may be located at an end portion of the dryer vessel relative to the extension direction of the rotation axis. Such an embodiment facilitates the provision of the channel collector in the interior space of the dryer vessel. Furthermore, the removal of the herbaceous material collected in the collector is facilitated. In particular, the channel collector may be provided at an access opening or door of the dryer vessel.

[0072] The channel collector is preferably stationary during rotation of the dryer vessel, ensuring that the open portion of the channel collector is always oriented towards the upper side. The herbaceous material may be collected in the collector by gravity.

[0073] The dryer may further comprise an exit conveyor configured to remove the dried herbaceous material collected in the channel collector from the interior space of the dryer vessel. The exit conveyor may preferably remove the dried herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel. The exit conveyor may enable a continuous mode of operation of the dryer.

[0074] The conveyor may include a chute for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The exit conveyor preferably includes a conveyor screw, scraper, or spiral that extends into the channel collector and out of the dryer vessel. The conveyor screw, scraper, or spiral may directly engage the herbaceous material collected in the channel collector.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the channel collector is asymmetric with respect to a plane defined by the axis of rotation and the vertical direction of the dryer vessel. The asymmetric nature of the collector can facilitate the entry of herbaceous material into the collector during rotation of the dryer vessel. Additionally, the asymmetric nature of the collector can prevent herbaceous material from exiting the collector and returning to the interior space of the dryer vessel.

[0076] The cross section of the channel collector may have two sections extending in different directions. The two sections preferably extend generally in an upward direction. In particular, the distance between the two sections may increase in the upward direction. This leads to the collector having a relatively large extension in the open upper part of the collector, so that the herbaceous material can easily enter the collector. The angle of the opening defined by the two sections may be at least 30 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees, or at least 50 degrees, or at least 60 degrees, or at least 70 degrees, or at least 80 degrees, or at least 90 degrees, or at least 100 degrees, or at least 110 degrees. The angle of the opening defined by the two sections may be less than 160 degrees, or less than 140 degrees, or less than 130 degrees, or less than 120 degrees, or less than 110 degrees, or less than 100 degrees, or less than 90 degrees, or less than 80 degrees, or less than 70 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 50 degrees.

[0077] Preferably, one section is shorter than the other section. In particular, the length of the shorter section may be at least 20 percent of the length of the longer section, or at least 30 percent of the length of the longer section, or at least 40 percent of the length of the longer section, or at least 50 percent of the length of the longer section, or at least 60 percent of the length of the longer section, or at least 70 percent of the length of the longer section. The length of the shorter section may be less than 90 percent of the length of the longer section, or less than 80 percent of the length of the longer section, or less than 70 percent of the length of the longer section, or less than 60 percent of the length of the longer section, or less than 50 percent of the length of the longer section, or less than 40 percent of the length of the longer section.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the channel collector comprises a central section in addition to the two sections. The two sections may extend from both ends of the central section as side sections. A curved or angled connecting section may connect the central section and the side sections. The central section and the side sections may be substantially flat or curved. In particular, the distance between the side sections may increase in a direction away from the central section, in particular in an upward direction. This leads to the collector having a relatively large extension in the open top part of the collector, so that the herbaceous material can easily enter the collector. The herbaceous material in the top part is then funneled towards the central section, where it can be picked up, for example, by a conveyor screw.

[0079] In particular, the cross section of the channel collector may be at least substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped. U-shaped means a shape having a straight or curved base section and two essentially parallel arms extending from both ends of the base section. V-shaped means a shape having two arms connected to each other at their first ends, the arms extending linearly away from the first ends of the arms such that the distance between the arms increases with the distance from the first ends of the arms. The channel collector may also be U / V-shaped. U / V-shaped means a shape having a straight or curved base section and two arms extending from both ends of the base section, the distance between the arms increases with the distance from the base section.

[0080] The dimension of the channel collector perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel is preferably less than half, or less than one third, or less than one quarter of the dimension of the interior space of the dryer vessel perpendicular to the axis of rotation, ensuring that the herbaceous material has enough space to move around within the dryer vessel without being obstructed by the collector to ensure high drying efficiency.

[0081] The rotary dryer may include a collector heating element configured to heat the channel-type collector. Heating the collector can remove residual moisture before the herbaceous material leaves the interior space of the dryer vessel. In particular, the collector heating element may include, for example, an electrically resistive heating element. An electrically resistive heating element allows for direct, rapid and accurate control over the heating power. Alternatively, the collector heating element may include a heating fluid line through which a heating fluid flows. Heating by the heating fluid line provides improved heat transfer and simplified control over the heating temperature. For example, thermal oil, or steam, or superheated steam, or water, or pressurized water can be used as the heating fluid. The collector heating element may also include a radiant heating element.

[0082] The present invention further provides a method for drying herbaceous material, as described below. The features of this method may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods or uses described above. The method comprises rotating a dryer vessel receiving herbaceous material about an axis of rotation of the dryer vessel, and collecting the dried herbaceous material in the dryer vessel in a collector comprising a plate partially surrounding the axis of rotation. The collector has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. Nevertheless, the plate partially surrounding the axis of rotation allows for efficient collection of the dried herbaceous material for removal from the dryer vessel. The collector allows for removal of material from the center of the dryer vessel.

[0083] The collector is preferably decoupled by rotation of the dryer vessel, ensuring that the plate faces open upwards and surrounds the axis of rotation such that the herbaceous material enters the collector and falls onto the plate to be collected by gravity.

[0084] The method may further include conveying the dried herbaceous material collected in the collector out of the dryer vessel. This is preferably done by use of a conveyor screw adapted to efficiently pick up the herbaceous material collected in a plate partially surrounding the rotating shaft. The herbaceous material may be removed from the dryer vessel during rotation of the dryer vessel or while the dryer vessel is not rotating.

[0085] The present invention also provides the use of a curved plate to collect herbaceous material during the drying process of the herbaceous material in a rotating dryer vessel.

[0086] The present invention further provides a dryer for drying herbaceous material, as described below, the features of which may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods or uses described above. The dryer comprises a dryer vessel having an interior space for receiving the herbaceous material, a heating system for heating the herbaceous material, and a controller configured to control the heating system.

[0087] The heating system comprises heating subsystems. The controller is configured to control the heating subsystems independently of each other. Independent control of the heating subsystems allows the heating to be tailored to specific requirements for specific areas of the dryer. For example, different temperature zones can be set up to optimize the drying process of the herbaceous material. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is also possible to have different control characteristics for different heating subsystems without having separate temperature zones. For example, at least one or some heating subsystems may have different feedback control parameters than other heating subsystems. Thus, at least one or some heating subsystems may react with more or less heating power, or more quickly or slowly, to deviations from the temperature target value. Independent control of the heating subsystems provides a high level of adjustability of the drying process.

[0088] The character and quality of the dried herbaceous material obtained by the drying process strongly depends on the drying process. For example, sensory media materials, such as tobacco materials used in the smoking industry, can develop a wide range of aromas and character according to the sequence and parameters of the drying process. Independent control over the heating subsystem allows a high degree of influence on the quality of the dried material.

[0089] Each of the heating subsystems preferably comprises at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may in particular comprise at least one resistive heating element. An electrically resistive heating element allows for direct, rapid and accurate control over the heating power. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one heating element may comprise a heating fluid line through which a heating fluid flows. Heating by the heating fluid line provides improved heat transfer and simplified control over the heating temperature. Furthermore, stable control over the heating temperature may be provided. For example, thermal oil, or steam, or superheated steam, or water, or pressurized water may be used as the heating fluid. The at least one heating element may also comprise a radiant heating element. A further example of an access heating element is a tube furnace.

[0090] The heating subsystem may include one or more body heating subsystems for heating the body of the dryer vessel. Preferably, at least two, or at least three, or at least four, or at least five, or six or more body heating subsystems for heating separate sections of the body of the dryer vessel are provided. This allows for independent control of heating of different sections of the body of the dryer vessel. According to one embodiment, different temperature sections having different temperatures are established along the longitudinal extension of the dryer vessel. For example, a higher temperature zone can be established near a doorway for feeding herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel so that moisture of the relatively wet herbaceous material entering the dryer vessel is evaporated. For example, a higher temperature zone can be provided at an outlet where the herbaceous material exits the dryer vessel so that residual moisture in the herbaceous material is removed.

[0091] The body heating subsystems may each comprise a wall heating element mounted in a wall of the body of the dryer vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the body heating subsystems may each comprise a vane heating element mounted in a vane extending from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel.

[0092] The heating subsystem may include one or more access heating subsystems integrated into an access assembly that provides access to the interior space of the dryer vessel. Heating the access assembly may, for example, prevent or reduce the formation of lower temperature spots at the access assembly. Lower temperature spots may lead to condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer assembly, such as water, aromatics, oils, or volatiles extracted from the herbaceous material during drying. Condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer vessel may adversely affect drying efficiency. Condensation of gaseous materials in the dryer vessel may adversely affect the chemical composition and quality of the dried product. In particular, the herbaceous material being dried may stick and clump at the lower temperature spots due to moisture. Condensation at the lower temperature spots may also create cleaning efforts. Additionally, heating the access assembly may facilitate maintaining a desired temperature in the dryer vessel. Heating the access assembly may facilitate obtaining a desired temperature profile in the dryer vessel. Heating the access assembly may facilitate optimizing drying efficiency and quality. The desired temperature profile may be, for example, a uniform temperature throughout the dryer vessel, such as 20 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius, or 120 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius. This may require uniform heating due to heat losses by convection or conduction. The desired temperature profile may also be a non-constant temperature profile, such as a time-dependent or moisture-dependent temperature profile.

[0093] The one or more access heating subsystems may include one or more door heating elements integrated into the door of the dryer vessel. Door heating may contribute to controlling the temperature of the interior surfaces of the dryer vessel and may be used to create different localized zones on the door, particularly to prevent condensation.

[0094] The one or more access heating subsystems may comprise one or more conveyor heating elements for heating an inlet conveyor for feeding herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel or an outlet conveyor for removing herbaceous material from the interior space of the dryer vessel. By heating the inlet conveyor or the outlet conveyor, the formation of lower temperature spots at the respective conveyors can be prevented. Furthermore, in the case of a heated inlet conveyor, the herbaceous material is preheated at the inlet conveyor before or during its entry into the interior space of the dryer vessel. The herbaceous material may also be preheated at the inlet conveyor before and during its entry into the interior space of the dryer vessel. By heating the inlet conveyor, a reduction in the temperature in the interior space of the dryer vessel upon the introduction of new herbaceous material can be prevented. In the case of a heated outlet conveyor, the herbaceous material may be subjected to a final heating at the outlet conveyor to remove residual moisture.

[0095] The heating subsystem may comprise a collector heating subsystem. The collector heating subsystem may comprise one or more collector heating elements for heating a collector provided inside the interior space of the dryer vessel to collect the herbaceous material.

[0096] The dryer may further include sensors that determine a temperature corresponding to each heating subsystem. According to one embodiment, one sensor corresponds to one heating subsystem and determines a temperature corresponding to the one heating subsystem, which may be a temperature within a temperature zone heated by the heating subsystem. Alternatively, the sensor may provide control feedback to more than one heating subsystem and determine a temperature corresponding to the more than one heating subsystem, which may be a temperature within a temperature zone heated by the corresponding heating subsystem. The temperature sensor may include one or more temperature sensors. The sensor may also include one or more steam sensors. In particular, when heating with superheated steam, one or more steam sensors may be used in determining the temperature within the dryer vessel.

[0097] The controller may be configured to control the heating subsystems based on the output from the sensors, in particular, the controller may be configured to control each heating subsystem or each group of heating subsystems based on the output from a corresponding temperature sensor.

[0098] The controller may be configured to control the heating subsystems based on different temperature target values ​​for the different heating subsystems, thereby allowing different temperature zones having different temperatures to be established to optimize the drying process. The temperature target values ​​for the heating subsystems may preferably be set or selected by a user.

[0099] Preferably, heating system information is routed wirelessly to the controller. Data from the heating subsystem may be transmitted wirelessly to the controller. In particular, measurement data from the sensors may be transmitted wirelessly to the controller. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to wirelessly transmit instructions or data, or instructions and data, to the heating subsystem.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the heating subsystems are arranged front to back along the axis of rotation, which allows, for example, to establish different temperature zones or different temperature control zones along the axis of rotation.

[0101] The present invention further provides a method for drying herbaceous material, as described below. Features of the method may be combined with any one of the dryers, methods or uses described above. The method comprises controlling heating elements for heating the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel. Different heating elements or groups of heating elements are controlled independently.

[0102] Different heating elements or groups of heating elements are preferably controlled according to different temperature setpoints.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the temperature target value for the heating element provided on the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is fed into the dryer vessel is higher than the temperature target value on the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is removed from the dryer vessel. Due to the higher temperature on the side where the herbaceous material enters the dryer vessel, the relatively moist herbaceous material entering the dryer vessel is subjected to a more or less higher temperature, which results in a quicker reduction in moisture content. Since the herbaceous material is generally drier on the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is removed from the dryer vessel, the risk of damage or burning of the herbaceous material due to high temperatures is higher on that side of the dryer vessel. Due to the lower temperature target value on the side where the herbaceous material is removed from the dryer vessel, damage to the herbaceous material is prevented or the risk of damage to the herbaceous material is reduced.

[0104] Alternatively, the temperature target for the heating elements provided at the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is fed into the dryer vessel is lower than the temperature target at the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is removed from the dryer vessel. This allows the herbaceous material to be gently heated as it enters the dryer vessel to avoid damaging loss of flavorful ingredients, particularly flavorful ingredients or volatiles such as oils. As the moisture of the herbaceous material is reduced and the herbaceous material progresses to the side of the dryer vessel where the herbaceous material is removed from the dryer vessel, the higher temperatures can remove residual moisture.

[0105] The invention also provides the use of a heating element to create a temperature profile in the interior space of a dryer vessel receiving herbaceous material to be dried. The temperature profile preferably extends along the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. The temperature profile may include a temperature gradient.

[0106] The present disclosure relates to a dryer for drying herbaceous material, a method for drying herbaceous material, and uses. Features, advantages, and descriptions presented in relation to any one of these aspects may also be combined with and transferred to any one of the other aspects.

[0107] In the following, the present invention will be further explained by describing embodiments of the present invention with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0108] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a dryer for drying herbaceous material according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer according to an embodiment of the invention, with the cross-sectional plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an interior surface of a dryer vessel and vanes extending from the interior surface of the dryer vessel, taken along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an interior surface of the dryer vessel and vanes extending from the interior surface of the dryer vessel in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel in accordance with an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a channel collector and a portion of a conveyor tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interior surface of a dryer container door as viewed from inside the dryer container when the door is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that generally illustrates a control scheme for a dryer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, particularly with respect to the dryer's heating system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0109] FIG. 1 shows a schematic partial view of a tumble dryer 1 for drying herbaceous material, in particular tobacco material. The tumble dryer 1 comprises a dryer vessel 3 having an interior space 5 for receiving herbaceous material. The dryer vessel 3 can rotate about a rotation axis 10 of the dryer vessel 3. The dryer vessel 3 comprises a body 7, which extends along the rotation axis 10 from a first side 9 of the body 7 (the inlet side according to this embodiment) to a second side 11 of the body 7 (the outlet side according to this embodiment). In the illustrated embodiment, the body 7 of the dryer vessel 3 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes of the body 7 are also conceivable, such as, for example, a prismatic shape. The dryer vessel 3 further comprises a first door 13 provided on the first side 9 of the body 7. Furthermore, the dryer vessel 3 comprises a second door 15 provided on the second side 11 of the body 7. The doors 13, 15 can be opened to access the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 for maintenance or loading. When closed, the doors 13, 15 together with the body 7 of the dryer vessel 3 provide a substantially airtight seal. The substantially airtight seal allows for control of gas flowing into and out of the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. For example, the oxygen content in the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 can be controlled. According to one embodiment, an overpressure exists in the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 to avoid ambient atmosphere entering the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 in an uncontrolled manner. When the dryer vessel 3 is rotated, the body 7 and the doors 13, 15 rotate together.

[0110] In some embodiments, herbaceous material can be loaded into or removed from the dryer vessel 3 manually or automatically through the open doors 13, 15. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the herbaceous material is loaded into and removed from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 when the doors 13, 15 are closed. To feed the herbaceous material into the dryer vessel 3, an inlet system 17 is provided in the first door 13. The inlet system 17 comprises an inlet duct 19 that extends through a central opening in the door 13. The inlet duct 19 is stationary and does not rotate with the dryer vessel 3. The inlet duct 19 is connected to the first door 13 via a substantially airtight rotationally decoupled seal 21. The herbaceous material fed into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 is fed to an inlet 23 of the inlet system 17. An inlet conveyor 25 is provided inside the inlet duct 19, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet conveyor 25 comprises a conveyor screw rotated by a drive assembly 27 about an axis of rotation that is parallel and coaxial with the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3. Alternatively, the inlet conveyor 25 may comprise a rotating spiral for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. As another alternative, the inlet conveyor 25 may comprise a scraper configured to move back and forth to feed the herbaceous material into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. When the inlet conveyor 25 comprises, for example, a conveyor screw, or a rotating spiral, or a scraper, the inlet conveyor 25 comprises an active conveying system. However, the inlet conveyor 25 may alternatively be configured as a passive conveying system. In particular, the inlet conveyor 25 may comprise a chute for feeding the herbaceous material into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. The inlet conveyor 25 may be configured to feed herbaceous material into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 without the use of any actively driven components. The inlet conveyor 25 transports herbaceous material provided to the inlet 23 of the inlet system 17 into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3.

[0111] Similarly, an outlet system 29 is provided in the second door 15 for withdrawing herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. The outlet system 29 comprises an outlet duct 31 extending through a central opening in the door 15. The outlet duct 31 is stationary and does not rotate with the dryer vessel 3. The outlet duct 31 is connected to the second door 15 via a substantially airtight rotationally decoupled seal 33. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an outlet conveyor 37 is provided inside the outlet duct 31. The outlet conveyor 37 comprises a conveyor screw rotated by a drive assembly 39 about an axis of rotation that is parallel and coaxial with the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3. Alternatively, the outlet conveyor 37 may comprise a rotating spiral for removing the herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. As another alternative, the outlet conveyor 37 may comprise a scraper configured to move back and forth to remove the herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. If the exit conveyor 37 comprises, for example, a conveyor screw, or a rotating spiral, or a scraper, the exit conveyor 37 comprises an active conveying system. However, the exit conveyor 37 may also be configured as a passive conveying system. In particular, the exit conveyor 37 may comprise a chute for removing the herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. The exit conveyor 37 may be configured to remove the herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 without the use of any actively driven components. The exit conveyor 37 conveys the herbaceous material from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 to the outlet 35 of the exit system 29.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 2, the dryer vessel 3 may be mounted on a tilting device 41 for adjusting the tilt angle of the dryer vessel 3 with respect to a horizontal plane. In FIG. 2, the dryer vessel 3 is in a horizontal position, meaning that the tilt angle is zero. The tilting device 41 comprises an arm 43 that carries the dryer vessel 3. The arm 43 is tilted via a hinge 45 and a hydraulic cylinder 47, thereby allowing the dryer vessel 3 to be tilted by raising the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 with respect to the outlet side 11. The tilting device 41 may be configured to establish a tilt angle of, for example, 0 degrees to 90 degrees, or 0 degrees to 60 degrees, or 0 degrees to 45 degrees, or 0 degrees to 30 degrees, or 0 degrees to 15 degrees, or 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0113] The dryer 1 can be operated in two different operating modes: in batch mode, a load of herbaceous material is first loaded into the dryer vessel 3, then dried in the dryer vessel 3, and then removed from the dryer vessel 3. During drying, the inlet conveyor 25 and the outlet conveyor 37 can be rotated to push the material at the inlet side 9 and the outlet side 11 back into the interior space 5.

[0114] In particular, in batch mode, the herbaceous material to be dried may be introduced into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 via the inlet system 17, while the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 is elevated relative to the outlet side 11. The dryer vessel 3 preferably rotates during the introduction of the herbaceous material. Once all the material is loaded into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3, the tilting device 41 lowers the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 until the dryer vessel 3 is horizontally aligned. The material is then processed for a desired amount of time while the dryer vessel 3 rotates. During this time, the inlet conveyor 25 and the outlet conveyor 37 may be rotated to push the material back into the interior space 5 at the inlet side 9 and the outlet side 11. After the expiration of the desired time, the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 is elevated again relative to the outlet side 11 and the rotation direction of the outlet conveyor 37 is reversed, whereby the outlet conveyor 37 conveys the herbaceous material to the outlet 35. During this process, the dryer vessel 3 may still rotate.

[0115] According to the continuous mode, herbaceous material is continuously introduced into and withdrawn from the inner space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. The inlet conveyor 25 can continuously rotate to feed the herbaceous material from the inlet 23 into the inner space 5 of the dryer vessel 3, and the outlet conveyor 37 can continuously rotate to remove the herbaceous material from the inner space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 to the outlet 35. The residence time of the herbaceous material in the inner space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 can be regulated by appropriately setting the inclination of the dryer vessel 3 by the tilting device 41. Additionally or alternatively, the speed of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 can be regulated.

[0116] As mentioned above, the dryer vessel 3 is provided to be substantially airtight. The drying of the herbaceous material in the dryer vessel 3 is preferably carried out under certain atmospheric conditions. This allows for better control of the process. Furthermore, the yield of high quality dried products can be improved by controlling the atmosphere in the dryer vessel 3. The drying process can be carried out under an inert gas atmosphere in the dryer vessel 3. The inert gas in the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 can reduce the risk of fire. In particular, when processing tobacco material, it may be beneficial to carry out the drying process under a nitrogen atmosphere. Nitrogen may in particular serve as an inert gas. Also, other inert gases or mixtures of gases including inert gases can be used. In particular, the atmosphere in the dryer vessel 3 may include noble gases. The nitrogen or another gas or mixture of gases can be provided to the dryer vessel 3, for example, via a gas inlet 62. In FIG. 2, the gas inlet 62 is illustrated in the first door 13 as an example. Gas from the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 can be withdrawn via a gas outlet 80. 2, the gas outlet 80 is illustrated as an example at the outlet tube 31 of the outlet system 29. The drying process can also be carried out under vacuum.

[0117] The volatiles evaporated in the dryer vessel 3 during the drying of the herbaceous material can be processed. Such volatiles can include, for example, flavor compounds that evaporate during the drying of the herbaceous material, particularly during the drying of the tobacco material. The volatiles can, for example, carry flavors extracted from the herbaceous material. The volatiles can include, for example, aromatic substances or oils. The volatiles can include, for example, alkaloids, such as nicotine. The volatiles can also include pyrazines, such as, for example, 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, or 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Other examples of volatiles include β-ionone, β-damascenone, or acetic acid.

[0118] To increase the drying efficiency and quality of the resulting product, the herbaceous material inside the dryer vessel 3 can be agitated during drying. This can be achieved by vanes 49 extending from the interior surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3 into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. A respective vane 49 according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3A, which shows the interior surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3 and the vane 49 in a cross-sectional view with a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 10 of the dryer vessel 3. FIG. 3B shows a corresponding view according to a second exemplary embodiment. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the vane 49 has a parallelepiped shape. The vane 49 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3B has a curved shape.

[0119] According to both embodiments, the vanes 49 are inclined with respect to a radial direction that is radial to the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3 in a cross section having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3. The angle of inclination of the vanes 49 with respect to the radial direction is illustrated as angle 20 in the figure. To define the angle, the figure shows a radial line 30 in the cross section connecting the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3 with the center point of the base portion of the vane 49, the base portion being the part of the vane 49 where it meets the inner surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3. Furthermore, the figure illustrates an extension line 40, connecting the center point of the base portion of the vane 49 with the center point of the far end portion of the vane 49, the far end portion being the part of the vane that reaches furthest into the inner space 5 of the dryer vessel 3.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 20 between the vanes 49 and the radial direction is the same for each vane 49. Preferably, the angle 20 is less than 30 degrees. In particular, the angle 20 may be between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, or more preferably between 5 degrees and 15 degrees.

[0121] The arrows in Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3. As illustrated, the inclination of the vanes 49 is such that, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3, the angle between the vane 49 and an inner surface 51 of one of the dryer vessels 3 is larger when measured in the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 than when measured against the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3. The angle is measured in both cases starting from the respective vane 49 and ending at the inner surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3. The larger angle measured in the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 is indicated as angle 50 in the figures, while the smaller angle measured against the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 is indicated as 60. The angles 50 and 60 are again defined with reference to the extension 40 of the vane 49. Generally, for non-linear portions of the interior surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3, the angles 50 and 60 may be measured with reference to a tangent to the interior surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3 at the center of the base portion of each vane 49.

[0122] As can be seen from Figures 3A and 3B, the engagement surface 53 of the vane 49 engages the herbaceous material received within the dryer vessel 3 as the dryer vessel 3 rotates in the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 about the axis of rotation 10. The tilt of the vane 49 allows the vane 49 to better engage the herbaceous material. Furthermore, due to the tilt of the vane 49, a pocket 55 is formed between the vane 49 and the interior surface 51 of the dryer vessel 3. The pocket 55 can temporarily hold the herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel 3. Due to the tilt of the vane 49, the retention time of the herbaceous material within the pocket 55 is increased, thereby increasing the overall agitation within the dryer vessel 3. Furthermore, if the vane 49 is heated (see below), the increased contact time between the tilted vane 49 and the herbaceous material increases the heating efficiency.

[0123] 3B is curved in the direction of the inclination of the vane 49, allowing a larger amount of herbaceous material to be picked up by the vane 49. The curvature of the vane 49 may also increase the contact time between the vane 49 and the herbaceous material, as the curved vane 49 may cause the herbaceous material to slide slower than a straight vane during rotation of the dryer vessel 3.

[0124] The arch distance between two adjacent vanes 49 relative to the axis of rotation 10 is preferably equal to or greater than the height dimension of the vanes 49. This makes it possible to ensure that adjacent vanes 49 do not interfere too strongly with the picking up of the herbaceous material by the vanes 49.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, a collector 57 is provided in the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 at the outlet side 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the collector 57 is integrally formed with the outlet tube 31 of the outlet system 29. However, it is not necessary that the collector 57 and the outlet tube 31 are integrally formed. For example, the collector 57 can be fixed to the outlet tube 31 or another structure of the dryer 1. The collector 56 is stationary and does not rotate with the dryer vessel 3. Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the collector 57 and the outlet duct 31. The collector 57 is channel-shaped and open at its upper part. The collector 57 has at least two sections extending in different directions. The collector 57 may be, for example, essentially U-shaped, or essentially V-shaped, or essentially U / V-shaped. In particular, the collector 57 may have a central section 59 forming the bottom of the collector 57 and two side sections 61 extending upward from both ends of the central section 59. The distance between the side sections 61 may increase in the direction (upward) away from the central section 59. As the dryer vessel 3 rotates about its axis of rotation 10, the herbaceous material inside the dryer vessel 3 is agitated. During the rotation of the dryer vessel 3, the herbaceous material may enter the collector 57. In particular, the herbaceous material may be agitated, picked up by the vanes 49, and dropped into the collector 57 by gravity. The divergence in the upward direction of the side sections 61 of the collector 57 leads to a funneling effect that funnels the herbaceous material falling due to gravity towards the central section 59 of the collector 57.

[0126] The collector 57 creates a simple and effective way of collecting herbaceous material within the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel. In particular, the collector 57 may be constructed by or may comprise a curved plate defining a central section 59 and side sections 61.

[0127] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the upper rim of the collector 57 that defines the top opening of the collector 57 is angled downward. In particular, the upper rim of the side section 61 of the collector 57 may be angled downward. Herbaceous material that falls from above onto the angled rim may slide down the angled rim instead of remaining on the rim or adhering to the rim.

[0128] 5 shows a view onto the interior surface of the second door 15 from inside the dryer vessel 3. As illustrated, the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3 extends into the collector 57. In particular, the collector 57 extends parallel to the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3. An outlet conveyor 37 extends into the collector 57 through the outlet duct 31 and conveys herbaceous material collected in the collector 57 towards the outlet 35.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the collector 57 is asymmetric with respect to the plane defined by the axis of rotation 10 and the vertical direction. The asymmetric shape of the collector 57 may facilitate collecting the herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel 3. In particular, one of the side sections 61 of the collector 57 may be longer than the other side section 61 of the collector 57. The shorter side section 61 may facilitate the herbaceous material entering the collector 57. The longer side section 61 may contribute to retaining the herbaceous material within the collector 57. The dryer vessel 3 preferably rotates such that the shorter side section 61 is downstream of the longer side section 61 with respect to the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3.

[0130] The collector 57 may also be asymmetric with respect to the plane defined by the axis of rotation 10 and the otherwise vertical direction. For example, the shapes or dimensions, or shapes and dimensions, of the side sections 61 of the collector 57 may differ from one another. Also, the orientations of the side sections 61 of the collector 57 may differ from one another. Alternatively, the collector 57 may be symmetric with respect to the plane defined by the axis of rotation 10 and the vertical direction.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a liquid distribution assembly having two nozzles 61 is provided. The nozzles 61 are provided at the end of the conveyor screw of the inlet conveyor 25 and the conveyor screw of the outlet conveyor 37, respectively. A channel 63 is provided inside each conveyor screw for supplying liquid to the nozzles 61. The nozzles 61 are configured to spray liquid inside the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. During drying of the herbaceous material, liquid for treating the herbaceous material can be sprayed through the nozzles 61. Furthermore, when the dryer vessel 3 is washed between uses, the washing liquid can be sprayed by the nozzles 61. Since the nozzles 61 rotate, they can reach spots that are normally difficult to reach for washing. The nozzles 61 can be configured to rotate together with the respective conveyor screws. Alternatively, the nozzles 61 can be decoupled from the conveyor screws. For example, the nozzles 61 can be rotated by the liquid sprayed from the nozzles 61.

[0132] To facilitate drying of the herbaceous material, the dryer 1 includes a heating system 65. The heating system 65 includes a plurality of heating elements, which may include a wall heating element 67, a vane heating element 69, a door heating element 71, a conveyor heating element 73, and one or more collector heating elements 74. The wall heating element 67 may be incorporated into the circumferential wall of the body 7 of the dryer vessel 3. The vane heating element 69 may be incorporated into the vane 49 that protrudes into the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. The door heating element 71 may be incorporated into the first and second doors 13, 15 of the dryer vessel 3. The conveyor heating element 73 may be incorporated into the inlet conveyor 25 and the outlet conveyor 37. The collector heating element 74 may be incorporated into the collector 57. The wall heating element 67, the vane heating element 69, and the door heating element 71 are illustrated in FIG. 2. The conveyor heating element 73 and the collector heating element 74 are not illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. The conveyor heating element 73 may be incorporated, for example, in the conveyor screw of the inlet conveyor 25. Alternatively, or in addition, the conveyor heating element 73 may be incorporated, for example, in the outlet conveyor 37. The conveyor heating element 73 may also be incorporated in the inlet tube 19. Alternatively, or in addition, the conveyor heating element 73 may also be incorporated in the outlet tube 31.

[0133] The first and second doors 13 and 15, as well as the inlet and outlet conveyors 25 and 37, are part of an access assembly that provides access to the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. Heating such access assemblies by the door heating elements 71 and conveyor heating elements 73 facilitates maintaining a particular temperature level within the dryer vessel 3. In cases where only the wall and vane heating elements 67 and 69 are present, parts of the access assembly such as the doors 13, 15, or conveyors 25, 37 may provide space for the formation of cooler temperature spots. In cooler temperature spots, gaseous materials evolved during drying of the herbaceous material within the dryer vessel 3 may condense, which may adversely affect the drying efficiency and the quality of the dried material.

[0134] Heating the vanes 49 using the vane heating elements 69 built into the vanes 49 is very effective because the vanes 49 are in direct contact with a large amount of herbaceous material as they are stirred. Furthermore, because the vanes 49 are tilted, the duration of contact between the herbaceous material and the vanes 49 is increased, which may increase the heating efficiency.

[0135] Heating the collector 57 with the collector heating element 74 may help remove residual moisture before the herbaceous material exits the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 .

[0136] 6 illustrates the control scheme for heating system 65. Heating elements 67, 69, 71, 73, 74 are grouped into heating subsystems 75 that are controlled independently of each other by a controller 78.

[0137] According to the exemplary embodiment, five separate body heating subsystems 75a are provided. Each of the body heating subsystems 75a comprises a plurality of wall heating elements 67 and a plurality of vane heating elements 69. An alternative would be to provide a wall heating subassembly and a vane heating subassembly that are separately controlled, instead of providing a body heating subassembly 75a that comprises both the wall heating elements 67 and the vane heating elements 69. As shown in FIG. 2, along the direction of extension of the rotation axis 10 of the dryer vessel 3, there are five rows of wall heating elements 67 and five rows of vane heating elements 69. These correspond to the five body heating subsystems 75a. This means that according to the exemplary embodiment, the wall heating elements 67 and the vane heating elements 69 are grouped into a body heating subassembly 75a by defining groups of heating elements 67, 69 that are placed one behind the other along a direction parallel to the rotation direction A of the dryer vessel 3. Independent control of the body heating subassembly 75 a by the controller 78 allows for the establishment of independently controlled heating zones along the extension of the axis of rotation 10 of the dryer vessel 3 .

[0138] According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating system 65 further comprises two door heating subassemblies 75b, each of which comprises a door heating element 71 integrated into a corresponding one of the first door 13 and the second door 15. Independent control of the two door heating subassemblies 75b by the controller 78 allows, for example, the first door 13 and the second door 15 to be heated to different temperatures. Also, the first door 13 and the second door 15 may be heated to the same target temperature but with different feedback control parameters.

[0139] Additionally, according to the exemplary embodiment, the heating system 65 includes two conveyor heating subsystems 75c. The conveyor heating subsystems 75c may include conveyor heating elements 73 on a corresponding one of the entrance conveyor 25 and the exit conveyor 37.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment, the heating system 65 includes a collector heating subsystem 75d. The collector heating subsystem 75d may include one or more collector heating elements 74.

[0141] FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically temperature sensors 77 distributed at suitable locations on the dryer 1 to measure temperatures corresponding to each heating subsystem 75. FIG. 6 illustrates ten temperature sensors 77, one for each of the heating subsystems 75. The temperature sensors 77 are provided with a wireless transmission device 79 that wirelessly transmits the value of each temperature sensor to the controller 78. Alternatively, there may be a wired connection between the temperature sensors 77 and the controller 78. The controller 78 controls each of the heating subsystems 75 based on the output of the corresponding temperature sensor 77. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the heating subsystems 75 are controlled independently of each other based on the sensed values ​​from the respective temperature sensors 77. However, it may also be envisioned to group some or all of the heating subsystems 75 to be controlled together or at least based on the output of the same temperature sensor 77.

[0142] Having independently controlled heating subassemblies 75 provides a high level of control over the temperature distribution in the dryer vessel 3 during drying of the herbaceous material. Thus, the drying process can be precisely controlled and adjusted to obtain a high quality product. Depending on the herbaceous material to be treated and the desired properties of the resulting product, different principles of operating the heating subsystem 75 are conceivable. For example, the body heating subassemblies 75a can be controlled to provide a temperature gradient in the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3 along the extension direction of the rotation axis 10 of the dryer vessel 3. This can be achieved, for example, by using different temperature target values ​​for the control of the different body heating subassemblies 75a. For example, the temperature gradient may be such that the temperature is higher at the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 and the temperature is lower at the outlet side 11 of the dryer vessel 3. Alternatively, the temperature gradient can be established such that the temperature is lower at the inlet side 9 of the dryer vessel 3 and higher at the outlet side 11 of the dryer vessel 3. The temperature difference between the inlet side and the outlet side 9, respectively, may be, for example, at least 10 degrees Celsius, at least 20 degrees Celsius, at least 30 degrees Celsius, at least 50 degrees Celsius, at least 100 degrees Celsius, or even more than 100 degrees Celsius.

[0143] It is also conceivable to use the same temperature target value for all body heating subassemblies 75a, but use sensing values ​​from different temperature sensors 77 for each body heating subassembly 75a for independent control adapted to the characteristics of the body heating subassembly 75a, such as thermal capacity, thereby achieving a highly uniform temperature throughout the entire longitudinal direction of the dryer vessel 3.

[0144] The door heating subassembly 75b and the conveyor heating subassembly 75c are preferably controlled to maintain at least a predetermined minimum temperature, also referred to as the minimum access assembly temperature, at the door 13, door 15, or the entrance conveyor 25 and the exit conveyor 37, respectively. The minimum access assembly temperature may be selected to prevent the formation of cooler temperature spots at the access assemblies, particularly at the doors 13, 15, or the conveyors 25, 37. Preventing cooler temperature spots may prevent condensation at such spots of gaseous material evolved during drying of the herbaceous material.

[0145] The door heating subassembly 75b is preferably controlled based on different temperature target values ​​for the first door 13 and the second door 15. This can be done especially in combination with a temperature gradient established by appropriately controlling the body heating subassembly 75a.

[0146] The temperature target values ​​for each heating subsystem 75 may be input by a user via input device 81. Alternatively, or in addition, the temperature target values ​​for each heating subsystem 75 may be stored in memory device 83.

[0147] 6 also illustrates an optional pressure sensor 82. The pressure sensor 82 may be configured to determine the pressure within the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3. If superheated steam is used to heat the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel 3, the temperature within the interior space 5 of the dryer vessel may be inferred from the determined pressure. The pressure determined by the pressure sensor 82 may be wirelessly transmitted to the controller 78 and used to control one or more of the heating subassemblies 75.

[0148] 6, each of the heating subsystems 75 includes an actuator 85 that is controlled by the controller 78 to appropriately activate the respective heating elements 67, 69, 71, 73, 74. The actuators may include, for example, an electrical circuit for powering a resistive heating element, or a pump or valve for providing the heating element configured as a heating fluid line containing a suitably heated fluid.

[0149] Furthermore, the controller 78 may be configured to control the drive 90 for rotating the dryer vessel 3 about the axis of rotation 10. The controller 78 is preferably configured to control the drive 90 to rotate the dryer vessel 3 exclusively in one direction of rotation. However, the controller 78 may also be configured to control the drive 90 to change the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3. In particular, the direction of rotation of the dryer vessel 3 may be changed at intervals to improve the distribution of the herbaceous material within the dryer vessel 3. The controller 78 may also control the hydraulic cylinder 47 of the tilting device 41.

Claims

1. 1. A rotary dryer for drying herbaceous material, comprising: a dryer vessel having an interior space for containing herbaceous material; and a drive for rotating the dryer container about an axis of rotation of the dryer container; the tumble dryer includes vanes for engaging herbaceous material contained within an interior space of the dryer vessel, the vanes extending from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel; In a cross section having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, the vanes are inclined with respect to a radial direction, the vane has a curvature in a cross section having the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation; The rotary dryer further comprising a vane heating element integrated into the vane.

2. The tumble dryer of claim 1 further comprising a tilt device for adjusting the tilt angle of the dryer vessel relative to a horizontal plane.

3. 3. The rotary dryer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the curvature of the vane is in the direction of inclination of the vane.

4. The rotary dryer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vanes extend along an interior surface of the dryer vessel parallel to the axis of rotation.

5. 4. The rotary dryer of claim 1, wherein the vanes extend along the interior surface of the dryer vessel on a path that is a superposition of an extension parallel to the axis of rotation and a rotation about the axis of rotation.

6. 6. The rotary dryer according to claim 1, wherein an arc distance between two adjacent vanes relative to the axis of rotation is equal to or greater than a height dimension of the vanes.

7. 7. The tumble dryer of claim 1, further comprising a liquid distribution assembly rotatably provided inside the interior space of the dryer vessel and comprising at least one nozzle assembly configured to spray a liquid.

8. A tumble dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a conveyor for feeding herbaceous material into the interior space of the dryer vessel.

9. 1. A method for drying herbaceous material comprising the steps of: - introducing herbaceous material into an interior space of the dryer vessel having vanes extending from an interior surface of the dryer vessel into the interior space of the dryer vessel; - rotating the dryer vessel with the herbaceous material contained therein in a rotational direction about the axis of rotation of the dryer vessel; - engaging the herbaceous material contained within the dryer vessel with an engagement surface of the vane; and - actively heating said vanes using vane heating elements integrated in said vanes, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, an angle between the engagement surface of the vane and an interior surface of the dryer container is greater when measured in the direction of rotation of the dryer container than when measured against the direction of rotation of the dryer container; wherein in the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the vanes have a curvature.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising temporarily trapping the herbaceous material between the engagement surface of the vane and the interior surface of the dryer vessel during a rotation of the dryer vessel, wherein the herbaceous material is preferably trapped between the engagement surface of the vane and the interior surface of the dryer vessel for at least one quarter of a rotation of the dryer vessel.

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, further comprising treating evaporated volatiles in the dryer vessel.

12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the curvature of the vane is in the direction of inclination of the vane.

13. 1. Use of an asymmetric structure on an interior surface of a rotating dryer vessel containing herbaceous material to affect the dispersion of the herbaceous material during rotation of the dryer vessel about an axis of rotation, said asymmetric structure being actively heated by a heating element incorporated in said asymmetric structure, said asymmetric structure being a vane, said vane being inclined relative to a radial direction and having a curvature in a cross section having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

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