CA1076913A - Methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for expanding organic substancesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1076913A CA1076913A CA218,432A CA218432A CA1076913A CA 1076913 A CA1076913 A CA 1076913A CA 218432 A CA218432 A CA 218432A CA 1076913 A CA1076913 A CA 1076913A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- carbon dioxide
- tobacco
- pressure
- liquid carbon
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B3/00—Preparing tobacco in the factory
- A24B3/18—Other treatment of leaves, e.g. puffing, crimpling, cleaning
- A24B3/182—Puffing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
- A23P30/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the process or apparatus
- A23P30/30—Puffing or expanding
- A23P30/38—Puffing or expanding by heating
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
- Preparation Of Fruits And Vegetables (AREA)
- Tea And Coffee (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXPANDING
ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Methods and apparatus for expanding an organic sub-stance, such as shredded tobacco leaves in which the substance is immersed in liquid carbon dioxide at pressures between approxi-mately 200-1070 p.s.ia. under corresponding equilibrium tempera-tures. The organic substances are placed within a suitable ores-sure vessel which is pressurized to an elevated pressure within the aforementioned range by carbon dioxide gas prior to intro-ducing liquid CO2 into the vessel at this pressure. The sub-stances are immersed in liquid carbon dioxide for a dwell period ranging between one minute and one hour. Upon termination of this period, the impregnated substances are removed from the liquid CO2 and are subjected to a stream of hot gases thereby expanding the substances in size from 10 to 100 percent or greater.
ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Methods and apparatus for expanding an organic sub-stance, such as shredded tobacco leaves in which the substance is immersed in liquid carbon dioxide at pressures between approxi-mately 200-1070 p.s.ia. under corresponding equilibrium tempera-tures. The organic substances are placed within a suitable ores-sure vessel which is pressurized to an elevated pressure within the aforementioned range by carbon dioxide gas prior to intro-ducing liquid CO2 into the vessel at this pressure. The sub-stances are immersed in liquid carbon dioxide for a dwell period ranging between one minute and one hour. Upon termination of this period, the impregnated substances are removed from the liquid CO2 and are subjected to a stream of hot gases thereby expanding the substances in size from 10 to 100 percent or greater.
Description
BACXGROUN~ CF THE INVEN~ION
The present invention relates to methods and aD~aratus for expanding organic substances.
In the course of preparing organic substances for con-sumption, it is commonly necessary to utilize sucn substances as filler materials. The natural or normally supplied condition of such substances, however, many times exhibit a bul~ density which is considerably greater than the normally required densities of such substances. Therefore, in order to economically utilize many organic substances, it is necessary to expand these materials.
Previously, the expansion in size of organic subs'ances has been of modest proportions and has been constrained by the frac~uring or shattering of the substances during expansion processes There~ore, any expansion of organic substances must be such as to ~6913 preserve the desired characteristics of the substance and yet must be of such an extent as to render the expansion process economical in terms of the ultimate utilization of the substances.
One organic substance commonly used as a filler matlerial is tobacco. In the course of processing tobacco, it is common to dry tobacco for storage and curing. Although such drying action enables the prolonged storage of tobacco, a cer-tain degree of shrinkage thereof also occurs. This shrinkage many times results in tobacco exhibiting a higher bulk density than is necessary in order to preserve smoking characteristics.
In addition, the cutting or shredding of tobacco frequently re-Qults in producing hard, dense, particles which, in turn re-flects a loss of tobacco filling capacity Thus in order to efficiently utilize tobacco as the same is normally supplied, it is de~irable to effect as great an expansion as is possible.
Again, during such expansion, shattering or otherwise deleteri-ously affecting the smoking characteristics of tobacco must be avoided Numerous techniques for expanding tobacco have been proposed. One such technique is described in U.S. Patent No.
1,789,435 and includes subjecting tobacco to a g~s such as air, carbon dioxide, or steam at a pressure of approximately 20 p.s.i.
for 45 minutes in order to achieve a volumetric expansion of tobacco between 5 and 15 percent. One obvious disadvantage of this technique i8 the relatively long dwell or residence time required in order to effect tobacco expansion. Another techni-que for expanding tobacco wherein vapors of volatile organic solvents are utilized in treating tobacco is described in U.S.
Patent No. 3,683,937, In addition to the foregoing techniques, it has also been proposed to impregnate tobacco with a suitable liquid chemi-cally inert thereto and to effect an expansion by exposing .
1t~769i3 tobacco to a stream of hot gases. This technique is generatly described in U.S. Patent No. 3,524,~52 which indicates that the foregoing process may ~e accomplished at ordinary ambient temperatures and pressures. Although the aforementioned liquid impregnating expansion process may resuit in increases in filling capacity, the substantial dwell times required for impregnation ~75-90 minutes) severely limits the efficacy of this expansion process.
OBJE~TS OF THE ~NVENTION
~= _ It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances.
It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and apparatus for rapidly expanding substantial quantities of organic substances.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances in a substantially automated manner.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances to volumetric extents heretofore unobtainable.
SU~RY
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a ~.ethod of expahding tobacco in a vessel comprising the steps of pressurizing the vessel to a pressure in the range of 200-1070 psia; impregnating said tobacco with liquid carbon dioxide while maintaining said pressure within said vessel; reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atmospheric pressure; and heating said impregnated to~acco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and cause expansion of said tobacco.
Another aspect of the invention relates to apparatus for expanding tobacco comprising a pressure vessel; means for C _ _ 10~6913 introducing tobacco into said vessel; means for pressurizing said vessel to a pressure between 400-1070 psia; means for introducing the liquid carbon dioxide into said vessel under said pressure such that said tobacco is impregnated with said liquid carbon dioxide; means for reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atomspheric pressure; means for removing said tobacco from said vessel and means for heating said impregnated tobacco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and to cause expansion of said impregnated tobacco in size by at least 10 per cent.
Expansion of organic substances, such as tobacco, may be accomplished by removing the impregnated substance from the vessel and subsequently subjecting this substance to a stream of heated gas or, by removing liquid carbon dioxide from the vessel and subsequently directing a stream of héated gas into the vessel and into contact with the impregnated substances therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~he invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment thereof in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of apparatus for impregnating organic substances in a pressure vessel; and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of apparatus for automating a process for expanding organic substances.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The exemplary method of expanding organic substances in accordance with the teachings of the present invention will -become apparent from the following description. Initially, a ~3A-, ' ~ - ' .
charge of the organic substance to be expanded is inserted into a suitable pressure vessel capable of withstanding internal pressures of approximately 1100 psia. The organic substance may be retained within the vessel in any suitable manner and for example may be retained in a single basket or in a plurality of basket-like shelves or levels. The vessel is then pressurized ~07~i~13 with carb~n dioxide gas and is preferably maintained under a pressure of 400-550 p.s,~a However~ it will be recognized that it has been found that any pressure within the range of 200-1070 p~s~1a~ will be acceptable and the particular pressure selected will vary in accordance with the particular organic substance to be expanded, Subsequent to the aforementioned pressurization of a vessel$ liquid carbon dioxide at the approximate corresponding equilibrium temperature is introduced into the vessel at the pre~sure previously established therein thereby immersing the substance to be expanded in liquid C02, The organic substance is maintained in the liquid for a "dwell" time ranging prefer-ably between 1 minute and 1 hour depending upon the particular substance to be expanded, Upon expiration of this predetermined immersion or dwell period, the impregnated substance i8 removed ~rom the vessel and is heated such as for example, by being sub~ected to a hot stream of gas such as air, nitrogen, etc.
Carbon dioxide is thus expelled ~rom the organic substance re-sulting in a ~ubstsnce expanded in size from 10-100 percent or greater, In order to increase the rate of expanding organic substances and to reduce the labor costs thereof, the afore-described process may be substantially automated. This may be achieved, for example, by providing a suitable pressure vessel with rapidly opening top and bottom doors and separately feeding each of a plurality of vessels with organic substances to be expanded. A conveniently disposed conveyor apparatus may be utillzed to automatically introduce the organlc substances into pressure vessels through top doors and upon impregnation of the substances, bottom doors may be opened to permit the discharge of organic substances from the vessels. A further conveyor apparatus may be utilized to transport impregnated substances to 1~76~13 a heating devlce such QS a hot air drum in which the substances are expanded and yet another conveyor apparatus may be disposed to receive expanded organic substances from the heating device and transport the same to further manufacturing stations.
In removing impregnated substances from the pressure ve~sel, carbon dioxide residue gas may be vented to the atmo-sphere or may be returned to a suitable container therefor. In addition, the liquid carbon dioxide in which the organic sub- -stances are immersed~ may also be recycled to a suitable storage means. In this manner, liquid carbon dioxide is available as an agent for impregnating further organic substances.
In accordance with the teachings of the present inven-tion, the instant method of expanding organic materials has been found to be particularly ef~ective as a result of impregnating substances at elevated pressures Unlike processes for expand-lng organic materials taught by the prior art, where treatment of organic substances in expansion processes is effected at substantially atmospheric pressures, the impregnation of such substances in accordance with the present invention is accom-plished under elevated pressures such as~ for example, between200-1070 p.s.i~ Although precise theoretical explanations for the success of the process according to the present invention are not fully understood, experimental testing of the process has resulted in the uniform volumetric expansion of organic substances ~such as tobacco) generally between 50-100 percent.
It will be appreciated that the particular impregnat-ing agent, such as liquid carbon dioxide, is required to be sub-stantially inert to the organic substance to be expanded. In addition~ the impregnating agent must be a material which does not cause shattering or otherwise deleteriously affect the organic substances at elevated pressures. It has, however, been found that liquid carbon dioxide does satisfy the foregoing re-quirements of an impregnating agent utilized in practicing the 1~769~3 method according to the teachings of the present invention.
Referring now to Fig. 1, illustrated therein is an exemplary embodiment of apparatus for supplying a suitable im-pregnating agent to a pressure vessel in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The a~orementioned appara-tus is generally comprised of pressure vessels 10, 17 and 25, pumps 13 and 22, heater 16 and suitable valves and interconnect-ing conduits. Pressure vessel 10 may take the form of a con-ventional tank for storing liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 275 p.s.i.a. A conduit 11 is coupled between an outlet of vessel 10 and is effective to supply liquid carbon dioxide therethrough to a valve 12 and pump 13. Valve 12 which may comprise a conventional on-off or an adjustable flow valve is provided in known manner to effect a control over the flow of liquid carbon dioxide at this pressure. Pump 13, which may comprise a conventional cryogenic pump effective to increase the pressure of a liquid flowing therethrough is provided to supply llquid carbon dioxide at, for example, a pressure of 515 p.s.i.a.
A valve 14, which also may take the form of a conventional valve similar to valve 12 and a conventional check valve 36 are dis-posed in conduit 15 which in turn is effective to pass liquid carbon dioxide at the aforementioned pressure to a heater 16.
Liquid carbon dioxide is passed from heater 16 to pressure ves-sel 17 and is maintained therein at a corresponding equilibrium temperature with carbon dioxide gas. It will be recognized that liquid carbon dioxide in vessel 10 is normally maintained at Q
temperature o~ -6F and that the equilibrium temperature of carbon dioxide at 515 p.s.i.a. (the temperature within vessel 17) is approximQtely 33F. Therefore, a heater 16, which may take the form of any conventional heating device suitable to raise the temperature of a cryogenic liquid from the former to the latter value, is provided to heat liquid carbon dioxide in 10769i3 conduit 15. In order to maintain the equilibrium temperature within vessel 17, a further heating device 18, which may com-prise a conventional steam coil or electrical cable heating element is disposed about or in proximity to vessel 17 to main-tain the aforementioned equilibrium temperature therein. Al-though pump 13, heater 16 and vessel 17 have been described as suitable for maintaining equilibrium condltions for carbon dioxide at approximately 515 p.s.i.a. within vessel 17, it will be realized that depending upon the particular organic substance to be expanded, other pressures such as for example 1070 p.s.i.a.
may be necessary. In the latter instance, pump 13, heater 16 and vessel 17 will be formed of suitable elements for withstand-ing 1070 p.s.i.a. and for maintaining the corresponding equili-brium temperature therein. Pressure vessel 25 and vessel 17 are preferably designed to withstand pressures of at least 1100 p.s.i.a. Vessel 25 may be provided with a releasably secured top portion or door 26 and a suitable retaining means, which may comprise a basket-like member 27, is provided for holding organ-ic substances within pressure vessel 25. A conduit 32 is connected between vessel 25 through valve 33 to the upper reaches of vessel 17. Valve 33 may comprise a conventional valve device suitable for selectively enabling the flow there-through of carbon dioxide gas under a pressure within the range of approximately 200-1070 p.s.i.a. A further conduit 20 is coupled through valve 19 with the lower reaches of vessel 17 and is disposed in communication with conduit 21 and hence~ the inlet side of pump 22 Valve 1~ may comprise any standard com-mercially available valve device capable of selectively permit-ting the passage of liquid carbon dioxide under pressures of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. therethrough. Pump 22 may comprise a conventional pump suitable for passing liquid carbon dioxide under elevated pressures through a suitable valve 23 and conduit 24 ~or introduction of such liquid into pressure vessel 25 1C)7~;913 Valve 23 may conveniently comprise a cryogenic valve si~ilar in construction and operation, to valve device 19. It will be appreciated that pump 22 is effective to transfer liquid carbon dioxide under a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. into vessel 25 previously pressurized to approximately this pressure.
A conduit 29 i9 coupled through a suitable valve 28 to an out-let of pressure vessel 25 and to conduit 21 As will be de-scribed in greater detail hereafter, liquid carbon dioxide re-maining in vessel 25 upon the completion of the impregnation of organic substances therein may be returned to pressure vessel 17. In order to facilitate the aforementioned recycling of liquid carbon dioxide, a conduit 31 is selec~ively placed in communication through valve device 30 with the outlet of pump 22 Valve devices 28 and 30 may comprlse conventional cryogenic valves similar to previously descrlbed valves 19 and 23, and valve 37 may take the form of a known check valve.
The operation of the exemplar~ embodiment of apparatus for expanding organic substances illustrated in Fig. 1 will now be described. Initially, all valves are closed with the excep-tion of valves 12 and 14. Pump 13 is energized which in turn pumps liquid carbon dioxide from vesæel 10 to heater 16 and vessel 17 with the pressure of such liquid being increased from 275 p.s.i,a. to approximately 515 p.s.i.a. In addition~ the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide so transmitted is in-creased to the equilibrium temperature thereof in vessel 17 which as aforesaid, i8 approximately 33F. Upon introduction of a suitable amount of liquid carbon dioxide into vessel 17, valves 12 and 14 are closed and pump 13 is de-energized. Valve 33 is opened thereby introducing carbon dioxide gas into vessel 25 and pressurizing this vessel to approximately 515 p.s.i.a.
Upon completion of this pressurization, valves 19 and 23 are opened and pump 22 is energized thereby transferring liquid ~76913 carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. into vessel 25 and flooding or immersing the organic substances re-tained within basket 27. Valves 19 and 23 are then closed and the organic substances are impregnated for a predetermined "dwell" time. The dwell time may range from 1 min. to 1 hour depending on the particular organic substance to be impregnated.
Upon termination of this time period, valve 33 is opened to permit the carbon dioxide gas in vessel 25 to equalize in pres-sure with vessel 17. Valves 28 and 30 are then opened and pump 22 iæ energized in order to recycle liquid carbon dioxide within vessel 25 to vessel 17 thereby avoiding the wastage of signifi-cant amounts of this material. After the liquid is completely pumped from vessel 25, valves 28, 30 and 33 are clo~ed and pump 22 is de-energized. Valves 34 and 35 are opened to vent carbon dioxide gas to atmosphere, or alternatively, suitable valve devices (not shown) are opened to release the carbon dioxide gas to a vapor recovery system. Finally, top 26 of ves-sel 25 is opened, thereby enabling the removal of impregnated organic substances therefrom. Upon heating such substances for example by exposing the same to a stream of heated gases, the substances are expanded in size from 10-100 percent or greater.
It will be appreciated that in subsequent cycles of the fore-going process~ liquid carbon dioxide is only required to be supplied from veæsel 10 to vessel 17 in amounts suf~icient to maintain R suitable level of liquid C02 in vessel 17 with the amount supplied being approximately equal to the amount of carbon dioxide which is lost during such a cycle.
An exemplary embodiment of apparatus for automating the handling of organic substances to be expanded is illustrated in Fig. 2. The foregoing apparatus is generally comprised of conveyor means 35, 46 and 48, pressure vessels 37-39 and a heater means 47 Conveyor means 35 may comprise any conventional i~76g~3 conveyor device preferably adapted to convey a plurality of organic substances spaced transversely thereacross Each o~
pressure vessels 37-39 is provided with top portions 40-42 and bottom portions 43~45 respectively. Preferably, each top and bot-tom portion ls disposed so as to be automatically actuated between either an open or closed position and any suitable means (not shown) for implementing this operation may be utilized.
However, as the particular configuration of top and bottom por-tions of pressure vessels 37-39 and the actuating apparatus therefor forms no part of the present invention, further descrip-tion thereof is unnecessary.
Conveyor means 46 which may comprise a conventional conveyor device, is preferably disposed so as to receive organic substances 36 discharged from each of pressure vessels 37-39 and is effective to transport such substances to a suitable heater means 47. Preferably, a suitable inlet of heater means 47 is di~posed in a material receiving relationship beneath an end of conveyor 46 to enable the delivery of impregnated substances to heater means 47. Clearly, any suitable heating apparatus, such as a rotary hot air drum described in U.S. Patent No. 3,785,765 may be utilized as heating means 47. Finally, a suitable con-veyor means 48, well known to those skilled in the art, is dis-posed to receive organic substances expanded within heater means 47 and is effective to transport heated organic substances to subsequent manufacturing stations (not shown).
The operation of the exemplary embodiment of apparatus illustrated in Fig 2 will now be described. Initially, con-veyor means 35 is energized to transport organic substances 36 to an end thereof. The top portions 40-42 of corresponding pressure vessels 37-39 are opened in order to permit the inser-tion therein of organic substances 36 and upon such inæertion, the aforementioned top portions are closed. The pressure vessels 1~769~3 37-39 are now pressurized with carbon dioxide gas and liquid carbon dioxide is introduced therein through conduits 24, 24a and 24b in a manner similar to the flooding of vessel 25 hereto-fore described in connection with ap~aratus illustrated in Fig.
1. Accordingly, organic substances 36 are immersed in liquid carbon dioxide for predetermined dwell times and at the expira-tion thereof liquld carbon dioxide is removed from pressure vessels 37-39 through appropriate conduits 28, 28a and 28b. The carbon dioxide residue gas is then removed from the pressure vessels 37-39 through appropriate outlets 50, 50a and 50b and is either vented to atmosphere or admitted to a vapor recovery system (not shown), Bottom portions 43-45 of vessels 37-39 are subsequently opened to enable the discharge of impregnated organic substances 36 on to conveyor means 46 and the transport-ation Or such substances to heater means 47 In heater means 47, a stream of heated gases, such as hot air, is directed against impregnated organic substances 36. In addition, by utilizing a heater device such as a rotating hot air drum, or the like, an effective expan~ion of impregnated organic materials will be achleved although it will be understood that any suitable heater device may be utilized. The expanded organic substances are subsequently discharged from heater means 47 and are transported by conveyor means 48 to further manufacturing stations (not shown) as previously mentioned, Although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig.
The present invention relates to methods and aD~aratus for expanding organic substances.
In the course of preparing organic substances for con-sumption, it is commonly necessary to utilize sucn substances as filler materials. The natural or normally supplied condition of such substances, however, many times exhibit a bul~ density which is considerably greater than the normally required densities of such substances. Therefore, in order to economically utilize many organic substances, it is necessary to expand these materials.
Previously, the expansion in size of organic subs'ances has been of modest proportions and has been constrained by the frac~uring or shattering of the substances during expansion processes There~ore, any expansion of organic substances must be such as to ~6913 preserve the desired characteristics of the substance and yet must be of such an extent as to render the expansion process economical in terms of the ultimate utilization of the substances.
One organic substance commonly used as a filler matlerial is tobacco. In the course of processing tobacco, it is common to dry tobacco for storage and curing. Although such drying action enables the prolonged storage of tobacco, a cer-tain degree of shrinkage thereof also occurs. This shrinkage many times results in tobacco exhibiting a higher bulk density than is necessary in order to preserve smoking characteristics.
In addition, the cutting or shredding of tobacco frequently re-Qults in producing hard, dense, particles which, in turn re-flects a loss of tobacco filling capacity Thus in order to efficiently utilize tobacco as the same is normally supplied, it is de~irable to effect as great an expansion as is possible.
Again, during such expansion, shattering or otherwise deleteri-ously affecting the smoking characteristics of tobacco must be avoided Numerous techniques for expanding tobacco have been proposed. One such technique is described in U.S. Patent No.
1,789,435 and includes subjecting tobacco to a g~s such as air, carbon dioxide, or steam at a pressure of approximately 20 p.s.i.
for 45 minutes in order to achieve a volumetric expansion of tobacco between 5 and 15 percent. One obvious disadvantage of this technique i8 the relatively long dwell or residence time required in order to effect tobacco expansion. Another techni-que for expanding tobacco wherein vapors of volatile organic solvents are utilized in treating tobacco is described in U.S.
Patent No. 3,683,937, In addition to the foregoing techniques, it has also been proposed to impregnate tobacco with a suitable liquid chemi-cally inert thereto and to effect an expansion by exposing .
1t~769i3 tobacco to a stream of hot gases. This technique is generatly described in U.S. Patent No. 3,524,~52 which indicates that the foregoing process may ~e accomplished at ordinary ambient temperatures and pressures. Although the aforementioned liquid impregnating expansion process may resuit in increases in filling capacity, the substantial dwell times required for impregnation ~75-90 minutes) severely limits the efficacy of this expansion process.
OBJE~TS OF THE ~NVENTION
~= _ It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances.
It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and apparatus for rapidly expanding substantial quantities of organic substances.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances in a substantially automated manner.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances to volumetric extents heretofore unobtainable.
SU~RY
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a ~.ethod of expahding tobacco in a vessel comprising the steps of pressurizing the vessel to a pressure in the range of 200-1070 psia; impregnating said tobacco with liquid carbon dioxide while maintaining said pressure within said vessel; reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atmospheric pressure; and heating said impregnated to~acco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and cause expansion of said tobacco.
Another aspect of the invention relates to apparatus for expanding tobacco comprising a pressure vessel; means for C _ _ 10~6913 introducing tobacco into said vessel; means for pressurizing said vessel to a pressure between 400-1070 psia; means for introducing the liquid carbon dioxide into said vessel under said pressure such that said tobacco is impregnated with said liquid carbon dioxide; means for reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atomspheric pressure; means for removing said tobacco from said vessel and means for heating said impregnated tobacco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and to cause expansion of said impregnated tobacco in size by at least 10 per cent.
Expansion of organic substances, such as tobacco, may be accomplished by removing the impregnated substance from the vessel and subsequently subjecting this substance to a stream of heated gas or, by removing liquid carbon dioxide from the vessel and subsequently directing a stream of héated gas into the vessel and into contact with the impregnated substances therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~he invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment thereof in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of apparatus for impregnating organic substances in a pressure vessel; and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of apparatus for automating a process for expanding organic substances.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The exemplary method of expanding organic substances in accordance with the teachings of the present invention will -become apparent from the following description. Initially, a ~3A-, ' ~ - ' .
charge of the organic substance to be expanded is inserted into a suitable pressure vessel capable of withstanding internal pressures of approximately 1100 psia. The organic substance may be retained within the vessel in any suitable manner and for example may be retained in a single basket or in a plurality of basket-like shelves or levels. The vessel is then pressurized ~07~i~13 with carb~n dioxide gas and is preferably maintained under a pressure of 400-550 p.s,~a However~ it will be recognized that it has been found that any pressure within the range of 200-1070 p~s~1a~ will be acceptable and the particular pressure selected will vary in accordance with the particular organic substance to be expanded, Subsequent to the aforementioned pressurization of a vessel$ liquid carbon dioxide at the approximate corresponding equilibrium temperature is introduced into the vessel at the pre~sure previously established therein thereby immersing the substance to be expanded in liquid C02, The organic substance is maintained in the liquid for a "dwell" time ranging prefer-ably between 1 minute and 1 hour depending upon the particular substance to be expanded, Upon expiration of this predetermined immersion or dwell period, the impregnated substance i8 removed ~rom the vessel and is heated such as for example, by being sub~ected to a hot stream of gas such as air, nitrogen, etc.
Carbon dioxide is thus expelled ~rom the organic substance re-sulting in a ~ubstsnce expanded in size from 10-100 percent or greater, In order to increase the rate of expanding organic substances and to reduce the labor costs thereof, the afore-described process may be substantially automated. This may be achieved, for example, by providing a suitable pressure vessel with rapidly opening top and bottom doors and separately feeding each of a plurality of vessels with organic substances to be expanded. A conveniently disposed conveyor apparatus may be utillzed to automatically introduce the organlc substances into pressure vessels through top doors and upon impregnation of the substances, bottom doors may be opened to permit the discharge of organic substances from the vessels. A further conveyor apparatus may be utilized to transport impregnated substances to 1~76~13 a heating devlce such QS a hot air drum in which the substances are expanded and yet another conveyor apparatus may be disposed to receive expanded organic substances from the heating device and transport the same to further manufacturing stations.
In removing impregnated substances from the pressure ve~sel, carbon dioxide residue gas may be vented to the atmo-sphere or may be returned to a suitable container therefor. In addition, the liquid carbon dioxide in which the organic sub- -stances are immersed~ may also be recycled to a suitable storage means. In this manner, liquid carbon dioxide is available as an agent for impregnating further organic substances.
In accordance with the teachings of the present inven-tion, the instant method of expanding organic materials has been found to be particularly ef~ective as a result of impregnating substances at elevated pressures Unlike processes for expand-lng organic materials taught by the prior art, where treatment of organic substances in expansion processes is effected at substantially atmospheric pressures, the impregnation of such substances in accordance with the present invention is accom-plished under elevated pressures such as~ for example, between200-1070 p.s.i~ Although precise theoretical explanations for the success of the process according to the present invention are not fully understood, experimental testing of the process has resulted in the uniform volumetric expansion of organic substances ~such as tobacco) generally between 50-100 percent.
It will be appreciated that the particular impregnat-ing agent, such as liquid carbon dioxide, is required to be sub-stantially inert to the organic substance to be expanded. In addition~ the impregnating agent must be a material which does not cause shattering or otherwise deleteriously affect the organic substances at elevated pressures. It has, however, been found that liquid carbon dioxide does satisfy the foregoing re-quirements of an impregnating agent utilized in practicing the 1~769~3 method according to the teachings of the present invention.
Referring now to Fig. 1, illustrated therein is an exemplary embodiment of apparatus for supplying a suitable im-pregnating agent to a pressure vessel in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The a~orementioned appara-tus is generally comprised of pressure vessels 10, 17 and 25, pumps 13 and 22, heater 16 and suitable valves and interconnect-ing conduits. Pressure vessel 10 may take the form of a con-ventional tank for storing liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 275 p.s.i.a. A conduit 11 is coupled between an outlet of vessel 10 and is effective to supply liquid carbon dioxide therethrough to a valve 12 and pump 13. Valve 12 which may comprise a conventional on-off or an adjustable flow valve is provided in known manner to effect a control over the flow of liquid carbon dioxide at this pressure. Pump 13, which may comprise a conventional cryogenic pump effective to increase the pressure of a liquid flowing therethrough is provided to supply llquid carbon dioxide at, for example, a pressure of 515 p.s.i.a.
A valve 14, which also may take the form of a conventional valve similar to valve 12 and a conventional check valve 36 are dis-posed in conduit 15 which in turn is effective to pass liquid carbon dioxide at the aforementioned pressure to a heater 16.
Liquid carbon dioxide is passed from heater 16 to pressure ves-sel 17 and is maintained therein at a corresponding equilibrium temperature with carbon dioxide gas. It will be recognized that liquid carbon dioxide in vessel 10 is normally maintained at Q
temperature o~ -6F and that the equilibrium temperature of carbon dioxide at 515 p.s.i.a. (the temperature within vessel 17) is approximQtely 33F. Therefore, a heater 16, which may take the form of any conventional heating device suitable to raise the temperature of a cryogenic liquid from the former to the latter value, is provided to heat liquid carbon dioxide in 10769i3 conduit 15. In order to maintain the equilibrium temperature within vessel 17, a further heating device 18, which may com-prise a conventional steam coil or electrical cable heating element is disposed about or in proximity to vessel 17 to main-tain the aforementioned equilibrium temperature therein. Al-though pump 13, heater 16 and vessel 17 have been described as suitable for maintaining equilibrium condltions for carbon dioxide at approximately 515 p.s.i.a. within vessel 17, it will be realized that depending upon the particular organic substance to be expanded, other pressures such as for example 1070 p.s.i.a.
may be necessary. In the latter instance, pump 13, heater 16 and vessel 17 will be formed of suitable elements for withstand-ing 1070 p.s.i.a. and for maintaining the corresponding equili-brium temperature therein. Pressure vessel 25 and vessel 17 are preferably designed to withstand pressures of at least 1100 p.s.i.a. Vessel 25 may be provided with a releasably secured top portion or door 26 and a suitable retaining means, which may comprise a basket-like member 27, is provided for holding organ-ic substances within pressure vessel 25. A conduit 32 is connected between vessel 25 through valve 33 to the upper reaches of vessel 17. Valve 33 may comprise a conventional valve device suitable for selectively enabling the flow there-through of carbon dioxide gas under a pressure within the range of approximately 200-1070 p.s.i.a. A further conduit 20 is coupled through valve 19 with the lower reaches of vessel 17 and is disposed in communication with conduit 21 and hence~ the inlet side of pump 22 Valve 1~ may comprise any standard com-mercially available valve device capable of selectively permit-ting the passage of liquid carbon dioxide under pressures of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. therethrough. Pump 22 may comprise a conventional pump suitable for passing liquid carbon dioxide under elevated pressures through a suitable valve 23 and conduit 24 ~or introduction of such liquid into pressure vessel 25 1C)7~;913 Valve 23 may conveniently comprise a cryogenic valve si~ilar in construction and operation, to valve device 19. It will be appreciated that pump 22 is effective to transfer liquid carbon dioxide under a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. into vessel 25 previously pressurized to approximately this pressure.
A conduit 29 i9 coupled through a suitable valve 28 to an out-let of pressure vessel 25 and to conduit 21 As will be de-scribed in greater detail hereafter, liquid carbon dioxide re-maining in vessel 25 upon the completion of the impregnation of organic substances therein may be returned to pressure vessel 17. In order to facilitate the aforementioned recycling of liquid carbon dioxide, a conduit 31 is selec~ively placed in communication through valve device 30 with the outlet of pump 22 Valve devices 28 and 30 may comprlse conventional cryogenic valves similar to previously descrlbed valves 19 and 23, and valve 37 may take the form of a known check valve.
The operation of the exemplar~ embodiment of apparatus for expanding organic substances illustrated in Fig. 1 will now be described. Initially, all valves are closed with the excep-tion of valves 12 and 14. Pump 13 is energized which in turn pumps liquid carbon dioxide from vesæel 10 to heater 16 and vessel 17 with the pressure of such liquid being increased from 275 p.s.i,a. to approximately 515 p.s.i.a. In addition~ the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide so transmitted is in-creased to the equilibrium temperature thereof in vessel 17 which as aforesaid, i8 approximately 33F. Upon introduction of a suitable amount of liquid carbon dioxide into vessel 17, valves 12 and 14 are closed and pump 13 is de-energized. Valve 33 is opened thereby introducing carbon dioxide gas into vessel 25 and pressurizing this vessel to approximately 515 p.s.i.a.
Upon completion of this pressurization, valves 19 and 23 are opened and pump 22 is energized thereby transferring liquid ~76913 carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. into vessel 25 and flooding or immersing the organic substances re-tained within basket 27. Valves 19 and 23 are then closed and the organic substances are impregnated for a predetermined "dwell" time. The dwell time may range from 1 min. to 1 hour depending on the particular organic substance to be impregnated.
Upon termination of this time period, valve 33 is opened to permit the carbon dioxide gas in vessel 25 to equalize in pres-sure with vessel 17. Valves 28 and 30 are then opened and pump 22 iæ energized in order to recycle liquid carbon dioxide within vessel 25 to vessel 17 thereby avoiding the wastage of signifi-cant amounts of this material. After the liquid is completely pumped from vessel 25, valves 28, 30 and 33 are clo~ed and pump 22 is de-energized. Valves 34 and 35 are opened to vent carbon dioxide gas to atmosphere, or alternatively, suitable valve devices (not shown) are opened to release the carbon dioxide gas to a vapor recovery system. Finally, top 26 of ves-sel 25 is opened, thereby enabling the removal of impregnated organic substances therefrom. Upon heating such substances for example by exposing the same to a stream of heated gases, the substances are expanded in size from 10-100 percent or greater.
It will be appreciated that in subsequent cycles of the fore-going process~ liquid carbon dioxide is only required to be supplied from veæsel 10 to vessel 17 in amounts suf~icient to maintain R suitable level of liquid C02 in vessel 17 with the amount supplied being approximately equal to the amount of carbon dioxide which is lost during such a cycle.
An exemplary embodiment of apparatus for automating the handling of organic substances to be expanded is illustrated in Fig. 2. The foregoing apparatus is generally comprised of conveyor means 35, 46 and 48, pressure vessels 37-39 and a heater means 47 Conveyor means 35 may comprise any conventional i~76g~3 conveyor device preferably adapted to convey a plurality of organic substances spaced transversely thereacross Each o~
pressure vessels 37-39 is provided with top portions 40-42 and bottom portions 43~45 respectively. Preferably, each top and bot-tom portion ls disposed so as to be automatically actuated between either an open or closed position and any suitable means (not shown) for implementing this operation may be utilized.
However, as the particular configuration of top and bottom por-tions of pressure vessels 37-39 and the actuating apparatus therefor forms no part of the present invention, further descrip-tion thereof is unnecessary.
Conveyor means 46 which may comprise a conventional conveyor device, is preferably disposed so as to receive organic substances 36 discharged from each of pressure vessels 37-39 and is effective to transport such substances to a suitable heater means 47. Preferably, a suitable inlet of heater means 47 is di~posed in a material receiving relationship beneath an end of conveyor 46 to enable the delivery of impregnated substances to heater means 47. Clearly, any suitable heating apparatus, such as a rotary hot air drum described in U.S. Patent No. 3,785,765 may be utilized as heating means 47. Finally, a suitable con-veyor means 48, well known to those skilled in the art, is dis-posed to receive organic substances expanded within heater means 47 and is effective to transport heated organic substances to subsequent manufacturing stations (not shown).
The operation of the exemplary embodiment of apparatus illustrated in Fig 2 will now be described. Initially, con-veyor means 35 is energized to transport organic substances 36 to an end thereof. The top portions 40-42 of corresponding pressure vessels 37-39 are opened in order to permit the inser-tion therein of organic substances 36 and upon such inæertion, the aforementioned top portions are closed. The pressure vessels 1~769~3 37-39 are now pressurized with carbon dioxide gas and liquid carbon dioxide is introduced therein through conduits 24, 24a and 24b in a manner similar to the flooding of vessel 25 hereto-fore described in connection with ap~aratus illustrated in Fig.
1. Accordingly, organic substances 36 are immersed in liquid carbon dioxide for predetermined dwell times and at the expira-tion thereof liquld carbon dioxide is removed from pressure vessels 37-39 through appropriate conduits 28, 28a and 28b. The carbon dioxide residue gas is then removed from the pressure vessels 37-39 through appropriate outlets 50, 50a and 50b and is either vented to atmosphere or admitted to a vapor recovery system (not shown), Bottom portions 43-45 of vessels 37-39 are subsequently opened to enable the discharge of impregnated organic substances 36 on to conveyor means 46 and the transport-ation Or such substances to heater means 47 In heater means 47, a stream of heated gases, such as hot air, is directed against impregnated organic substances 36. In addition, by utilizing a heater device such as a rotating hot air drum, or the like, an effective expan~ion of impregnated organic materials will be achleved although it will be understood that any suitable heater device may be utilized. The expanded organic substances are subsequently discharged from heater means 47 and are transported by conveyor means 48 to further manufacturing stations (not shown) as previously mentioned, Although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig.
2 contemplates the utilization of an impregnating agent such as liquid carbon dioxide maintained at a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. within pressure vessels 37-39, any suitable impreg-nating agent and consequently any suitable elevated pressure may be utilized in dependence upon the particular organic sub-stance to be expanded. Hcwever, in the course of expanding or-ganic substances such as tobacco, carbon dioxide maintained in 1~76gl3 an equilibrium condition under pressures ranging between 400-550 p.s.i.a. is preferred.
In effecting the impregnation of organic substances by, for example, the exemplary embodiment of apparatus illu-strated in Fig. 1, the following steps and representative time periods required there~or may be set forth as ~ollows Cycle Steps Minutes Insertion of organic substance into Processing Vessel 5 Pressure Equalization of Pressure Vessel with C02 Gas Filllng of Pressure Vessel with Liquid C02 2 Dwell Time of Substances in Liquid C02 2 Liquld and Gas Evacuation from Pressure Vessel 3 Dlscharge of Impregnated Sub-stances and Closure of Top Portion 2 In the course of expanding organic substances in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the following exemplary tests were conducted.
Example I
A charge of shredded tobacco was introduced into a pressure vessel which was pressurized by carbon dioxide gas to 525 p.s.i.a. Ten pounds of liquid carbon dioxide were intro-duced therein at an equilibrium temperature of 360F and upon slight heating of the impregnated tobacco, "movement" of the tobacco leaves indicating excellent impregnation of the tobacco leaves with liquid carbon dioxide was noticed. The "movement"
occurred from expulsion of carbon dioxide from tobacco shreds.
Example II
A charge of æhredded tobacco was immersed in liquid carbon dioxide under 515 p~s.i,a. for a dwell period oP 10 7~gl3 minutes. The reactor vessel containing the impregnated tobacco was equalized with the carbon dioxide storage vessel by placing the gas space of each vessel in communication. Liquid carbon dioxide was drained from the reactor vessel and residue gas w~s subsequently blown to atmosphere. The impregnated tobacco was heat-treated with hot air and an expansion of the treated tobacco of approximately 100~ was observed Example III
The experiment described in Example II was essentially repeated under non equilibrium conditions. The reactor vessel was completely isolated from the storage vessel after impregnat-ing shredded tobacco with liquid tobacco under a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. As liquid carbon dioxide was drained from the reactor vessel, the pressure therein decreased and upon completion of such drainage and blow-down of the residual carbon dioxide gas, the impregnated tobacco was observed to be covered with carbon dioxide "snow". The impregnated tobacco was then removed from the reaction vessel and heat-treated with hot air. Expansion of the tobacco of approximately 110-120% was visually observed.
Example IV
A charge of various dried food products which con-sisted of prunes, apricots, pears and raisins was introduced into a pressure vessel which was pressurized to 800 p.s.i.a.
with C02 gas. Liquid carbon dioxide was introduced therein at a pressure of 850 p s.i.a. and the foregoing substances were immersed for 30 minutes in the liquid C02.
The liquid carbon dioxlde was removed to the atmo-sphere at the bottom of the vessel and the carbon dioxide gas was likewise vented The impregnated substances were then heated in an air drier for approximately three minutes and the following expansions in size were obtained:
:1~76~3 Percent Apricots 20-100 Plums 30 Raisins 20 pears 10 Tea leaves 10 While the expansion of organic substances in accord-ance with the present invention has been particularly described in terms of specific processes and embodiments of apparatus for effecting such proceæses, it will be understood that numerous variations upon the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art, which variations are yet within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit o~
the claims now appended hereto
In effecting the impregnation of organic substances by, for example, the exemplary embodiment of apparatus illu-strated in Fig. 1, the following steps and representative time periods required there~or may be set forth as ~ollows Cycle Steps Minutes Insertion of organic substance into Processing Vessel 5 Pressure Equalization of Pressure Vessel with C02 Gas Filllng of Pressure Vessel with Liquid C02 2 Dwell Time of Substances in Liquid C02 2 Liquld and Gas Evacuation from Pressure Vessel 3 Dlscharge of Impregnated Sub-stances and Closure of Top Portion 2 In the course of expanding organic substances in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the following exemplary tests were conducted.
Example I
A charge of shredded tobacco was introduced into a pressure vessel which was pressurized by carbon dioxide gas to 525 p.s.i.a. Ten pounds of liquid carbon dioxide were intro-duced therein at an equilibrium temperature of 360F and upon slight heating of the impregnated tobacco, "movement" of the tobacco leaves indicating excellent impregnation of the tobacco leaves with liquid carbon dioxide was noticed. The "movement"
occurred from expulsion of carbon dioxide from tobacco shreds.
Example II
A charge of æhredded tobacco was immersed in liquid carbon dioxide under 515 p~s.i,a. for a dwell period oP 10 7~gl3 minutes. The reactor vessel containing the impregnated tobacco was equalized with the carbon dioxide storage vessel by placing the gas space of each vessel in communication. Liquid carbon dioxide was drained from the reactor vessel and residue gas w~s subsequently blown to atmosphere. The impregnated tobacco was heat-treated with hot air and an expansion of the treated tobacco of approximately 100~ was observed Example III
The experiment described in Example II was essentially repeated under non equilibrium conditions. The reactor vessel was completely isolated from the storage vessel after impregnat-ing shredded tobacco with liquid tobacco under a pressure of approximately 515 p.s.i.a. As liquid carbon dioxide was drained from the reactor vessel, the pressure therein decreased and upon completion of such drainage and blow-down of the residual carbon dioxide gas, the impregnated tobacco was observed to be covered with carbon dioxide "snow". The impregnated tobacco was then removed from the reaction vessel and heat-treated with hot air. Expansion of the tobacco of approximately 110-120% was visually observed.
Example IV
A charge of various dried food products which con-sisted of prunes, apricots, pears and raisins was introduced into a pressure vessel which was pressurized to 800 p.s.i.a.
with C02 gas. Liquid carbon dioxide was introduced therein at a pressure of 850 p s.i.a. and the foregoing substances were immersed for 30 minutes in the liquid C02.
The liquid carbon dioxlde was removed to the atmo-sphere at the bottom of the vessel and the carbon dioxide gas was likewise vented The impregnated substances were then heated in an air drier for approximately three minutes and the following expansions in size were obtained:
:1~76~3 Percent Apricots 20-100 Plums 30 Raisins 20 pears 10 Tea leaves 10 While the expansion of organic substances in accord-ance with the present invention has been particularly described in terms of specific processes and embodiments of apparatus for effecting such proceæses, it will be understood that numerous variations upon the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art, which variations are yet within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit o~
the claims now appended hereto
Claims (8)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of expanding tobacco in a vessel comprising the steps of pressurizing the vessel to a pressure in the range of 200-1070 psia; impregnating said tobacco with liquid carbon dioxide while maintaining said pressure within said vessel; reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atmospheric pressure; and heating said impregnated tobacco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and cause expansion of said tobacco.
2. A method as defined in Claim 1 wherein said step of impregnating tobacco includes introducing liquid carbon dioxide into said vessel and immersing said tobacco in the introduced liquid carbon dioxide under said pressure for a dwell period between 1 minute and 1 hour.
3. A method as defined in Claim 1 wherein said step of heating said impregnated substances includes subjecting said substance to a stream of heated gases.
4. A method as defined in Claim 1 additionally comprising the steps of extracting said liquid from said vessel and depressurizing said vessel prior to removing said tobacco from said vessel.
5. A method as defined in Claim 1 additionally comprising the steps of providing a supply of said liquid carbon dioxide in a storage vessel, draining excess liquid carbon dioxide from said vessel before reducing said pressure, and recycling liquid CO2 drained from said vessel to said storage vessel.
6. Apparatus for expanding tobacco comprising a pressure vessel; means for introducing tobacco into said vessel; means for pressurizing said vessel to a pressure between 200-1070 psia; means for introducing liquid carbon dioxide into said vessel under said pressure such that said tobacco is impregnated with said liquid carbon dioxide;
means for reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atmospheric pressure; means for removing said tobacco from said vessel and means for heating said impregnated tobacco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and to cause expansion of said impregnated tobacco in size by at least 10 per cent.
means for reducing the pressure in said vessel to substantially atmospheric pressure; means for removing said tobacco from said vessel and means for heating said impregnated tobacco to expel carbon dioxide therefrom and to cause expansion of said impregnated tobacco in size by at least 10 per cent.
7. Apparatus as defined in Claim 6 further comprising means for storing a supply of liquid carbon dioxide;
means for extracting said liquid carbon dioxide from said vessel;
means for recycling said extracted liquid CO2 to said means for storing said liquid carbon dioxide.
means for extracting said liquid carbon dioxide from said vessel;
means for recycling said extracted liquid CO2 to said means for storing said liquid carbon dioxide.
8. Apparatus as defined in Claim 6 wherein said means for heating said impregnated substance comprises a rotary hot air drum.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US43980474A | 1974-02-05 | 1974-02-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1076913A true CA1076913A (en) | 1980-05-06 |
Family
ID=23746198
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA218,432A Expired CA1076913A (en) | 1974-02-05 | 1975-01-22 | Methods and apparatus for expanding organic substances |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5329000B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE825133A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1076913A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH604570A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2503636B2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2259546B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1484536A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1031068B (en) |
| MY (1) | MY8100131A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL171012C (en) |
| SU (1) | SU589895A3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (27)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1570270A (en) * | 1977-08-08 | 1980-06-25 | Philip Morris Inc | Process for expanding tobacco |
| US4336814A (en) * | 1977-08-08 | 1982-06-29 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Process for expanding tobacco |
| USRE32014E (en) * | 1977-08-08 | 1985-10-29 | Philip Morris, Inc. | Process for expanding tobacco |
| AU525910B2 (en) * | 1978-03-29 | 1982-12-09 | Philip Morris Products Inc. | Puffing tobacco leaves |
| US4257431A (en) * | 1978-11-13 | 1981-03-24 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Process for expanding tobacco |
| US4270553A (en) * | 1978-11-13 | 1981-06-02 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Process and apparatus for expanding tobacco |
| DE2903300C2 (en) * | 1979-01-29 | 1982-06-09 | H.F. & Ph.F. Reemtsma Gmbh & Co, 2000 Hamburg | Process for improving the filling capacity of tobacco |
| US4377173A (en) * | 1979-02-16 | 1983-03-22 | Airco, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for expanding tobacco |
| US4366825A (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1983-01-04 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Expansion of tobacco |
| DE3200305C2 (en) * | 1982-01-08 | 1983-11-17 | B.A.T. Cigaretten-Fabriken Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg | Process for improving the filling capacity of tobacco, in particular tobacco leaf cut |
| US4460000A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1984-07-17 | The Boc Group, Inc. | Vacuum and gas expansion of tobacco |
| US4531529A (en) * | 1982-10-04 | 1985-07-30 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Process for increasing filling capacity of tobacco |
| JPS59171904U (en) * | 1983-05-02 | 1984-11-16 | 角利産業株式会社 | plane cover |
| DE3690664C2 (en) * | 1985-12-27 | 1992-09-10 | House Food Industrial Co | Foaming food pressurising with water-soluble gas - then depressurising at controlled rate to form voids in the food |
| JPS62139471U (en) * | 1986-02-28 | 1987-09-02 | ||
| JPH0330660A (en) * | 1989-06-19 | 1991-02-08 | R J Reynolds Tobacco Co | Bulking up of tobacco material |
| US5165426A (en) * | 1989-08-18 | 1992-11-24 | British-American Tobacco Company Limited | Processing of tobacco leaves |
| US5143096A (en) * | 1991-02-04 | 1992-09-01 | The Boc Group, Inc. | Method and apparatus for expanding cellular materials |
| US5251649A (en) * | 1991-06-18 | 1993-10-12 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Process for impregnation and expansion of tobacco |
| SK139993A3 (en) * | 1992-12-17 | 1994-09-07 | Philip Morris Prod | Method of impregnation and expanding of tobacco and device for its performing |
| GB9402473D0 (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 1994-03-30 | Mg Gas Products Ltd | Dry ice expanded tobacco |
| JP3165791B2 (en) * | 1997-03-27 | 2001-05-14 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Method for producing expanded tobacco material |
| US6209546B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-04-03 | Truman W. Ellison | Apparatus and method for improved hydrate formation and improved efficiency of recovery of expansion agent in processes for expanding tobacco and other agricultural products |
| GB0209690D0 (en) | 2002-04-27 | 2002-06-05 | British American Tobacco Co | Improvements relating to smoking articles and smokable filler materials therefor |
| WO2012110819A1 (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2012-08-23 | British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited | Smoking articles |
| GB201207211D0 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2012-06-06 | British American Tobacco Co | Smoking articles |
| RU2505080C1 (en) * | 2012-08-27 | 2014-01-27 | Олег Иванович Квасенков | Tamarillo food product manufacture method |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2344106A (en) * | 1939-07-14 | 1944-03-14 | Larus & Brother Company Inc | Method of and apparatus for treating tobacco |
| CH458905A (en) * | 1966-02-15 | 1968-06-30 | Nestle Sa | Process for preparing extracts of plant materials |
| IT1035505B (en) * | 1967-12-26 | 1979-10-20 | Philip Morris Inc | IMPROVEMENT IN PROCEDURES FOR THE PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT OBTAINED |
| US3524451A (en) * | 1968-04-10 | 1970-08-18 | Reynolds Tobacco Co R | Process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco |
| US3665061A (en) * | 1969-07-16 | 1972-05-23 | United States Banknote Corp | Process for producing collagen sponges |
| US3628408A (en) * | 1969-10-08 | 1971-12-21 | Xerox Corp | Stamp dispenser |
| DE2013293A1 (en) * | 1970-03-20 | 1971-10-07 | A/S Atlas, Kopenhagen | Freeze drying liquids contg expanding gas |
| CA931039A (en) * | 1970-05-27 | 1973-07-31 | American Brands | Method of puffing tobacco tissue |
| DE2043537C3 (en) * | 1970-09-02 | 1975-08-07 | Studiengesellschaft Kohle Mbh, 4330 Muelheim | Process for the extraction of nicotine from tobacco |
| CA971067A (en) * | 1970-12-21 | 1975-07-15 | John W. Madures | Process for puffing tobacco |
| BE786024A (en) * | 1971-07-07 | 1973-01-08 | Reynolds Leasing Corp | METHOD FOR INCREASING THE VOLUME OF TOBACCO BY EXPOSURE TO HIGH FREQUENCY WAVES |
| US3753440A (en) * | 1972-03-07 | 1973-08-21 | Reynolds Tobacco Co R | Tobacco expansion process |
-
1975
- 1975-01-21 IT IT19480/75A patent/IT1031068B/en active
- 1975-01-21 FR FR7501846A patent/FR2259546B1/fr not_active Expired
- 1975-01-22 CA CA218,432A patent/CA1076913A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-01-29 GB GB3897/75A patent/GB1484536A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-01-29 DE DE2503636A patent/DE2503636B2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1975-02-03 BE BE153016A patent/BE825133A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-02-03 JP JP1420975A patent/JPS5329000B2/ja not_active Expired
- 1975-02-04 SU SU752108170A patent/SU589895A3/en active
- 1975-02-04 NL NLAANVRAGE7501312,A patent/NL171012C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-02-04 CH CH133375A patent/CH604570A5/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1981
- 1981-12-30 MY MY131/81A patent/MY8100131A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SU589895A3 (en) | 1978-01-25 |
| MY8100131A (en) | 1981-12-31 |
| NL171012B (en) | 1982-09-01 |
| DE2503636B2 (en) | 1980-10-30 |
| GB1484536A (en) | 1977-09-01 |
| NL7501312A (en) | 1975-08-07 |
| JPS5329000B2 (en) | 1978-08-17 |
| FR2259546A1 (en) | 1975-08-29 |
| CH604570A5 (en) | 1978-09-15 |
| IT1031068B (en) | 1979-04-30 |
| FR2259546B1 (en) | 1979-08-24 |
| DE2503636A1 (en) | 1975-08-14 |
| NL171012C (en) | 1983-02-01 |
| AU7769175A (en) | 1976-08-12 |
| JPS50115169A (en) | 1975-09-09 |
| BE825133A (en) | 1975-08-04 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |