CN112533497A

CN112533497A - Hookah with absorption carrier

Info

Publication number: CN112533497A
Application number: CN201980052250.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·埃米特; A·I·冈萨雷斯弗洛雷斯
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2018-08-30
Filing date: 2019-08-21
Publication date: 2021-03-19
Also published as: JP2021536233A; IL280887A; WO2020044179A1; US20210321662A1; EP3843564A1

Abstract

The hookah (200) includes a body defining a cavity (218). An aerosol-forming substrate (300) and a sheet-forming absorbent carrier (310) impregnated with an aerosol former are disposed in the cavity. The absorbent carrier may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with the internal cavity surface, the aerosol-forming substrate, or both the internal cavity surface and the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol former impregnated in the absorbent carrier may improve aerosol formation when the cartridge is heated.

Description

Hookah with absorption carrier

The present disclosure relates to a hookah device, and to a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate for a hookah device; and more particularly to an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former for use in such cartridges.

Conventional hookah apparatus are used for smoking and are configured such that the vapor and smoke pass through a water reservoir before being inhaled by the consumer. The hookah apparatus may include one outlet or more than one outlet, such that the apparatus may be used by more than one consumer at a time. The use of hookah devices is considered by many as a leisure activity and social experience.

Tobacco used in hookah devices may be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of steam and smoke generated, change flavor, or both. Charcoal particles are commonly used to heat tobacco in conventional hookah apparatus, which may cause complete or partial combustion of the tobacco or other components. In addition, the charcoal particles may produce harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the water smoke vapor and pass through the water bath.

Some hookah devices have been proposed that use an electric heat source to consume tobacco, for example, to avoid byproducts from burning charcoal or to improve the consistency of heating the tobacco. Other hookah devices have been proposed that use e-liquid rather than tobacco. Hookah devices that use electronic liquid smoke would eliminate combustion byproducts, but would deprive hookah users of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

Other hookah devices have been proposed which use an electric heater to heat, but not burn, the tobacco. Such a heated non-burning hookah apparatus reduces or eliminates the byproducts associated with the burning of tobacco. However, such devices may reduce aerosol generation compared to conventional charcoal-based hookah devices. Aerosol generation may refer to any of the following: visible aerosol, aerosol mass, aerosol volume, or any combination thereof. Thus, such devices may not meet the user's expectations for a traditional hookah experience. The reduced aerosol generation may be more pronounced during the initial puff. The reduction in aerosol generation may be due to inefficient heat transfer between the heater and the tobacco-based substrate.

Some heated non-burning hookah devices are used in combination with a substrate that is quite different from traditional tobacco-based molasses. For example, the substrate for the e-hookah may comprise dry stone or an e-liquid. These matrices generally have a more homogeneous morphology and higher thermal conductivity than molasses. Molasses tends to be relatively more heterogeneous and therefore difficult to heat uniformly. However, users may believe that non-molasses matrices may undermine typical rituals and experiences.

Inefficient heat transfer between the electric heater and the substrate can result in a low total amount of aerosol material (TAM), especially during the first 20 puffs.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system for an electrically heated hookah apparatus that improves aerosolization. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system for an electrically heated hookah apparatus that increases TAM. It is also desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system for an electrically heated hookah apparatus that reduces the time a user can puff for the first time (also referred to as TT 1P). It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that allows the use of traditional substrates (e.g., molasses) while at the same time improving one or more of aerosolization, increasing TAM and decreasing TT 1P.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a hookah including a body defining a cavity and an interior cavity surface. The cartridge comprises an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity. The cartridge includes an absorbent carrier disposed in the cavity. The absorbent carrier may be formed into a sheet. The absorbent carrier is impregnated with a volatile aerosol former. The absorbent carrier may be arranged adjacent to the inner cavity surface, adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate, or adjacent to both the inner cavity surface and the aerosol-forming substrate (e.g. between the inner cavity surface and the aerosol-forming substrate). When the volatile aerosol-former in the cartridge and absorbent carrier is heated during use, the aerosol-former evaporates to form an aerosol.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent is disposed within a cartridge to improve aerosolization and release of the organoleptically active compound from the aerosol-forming substrate. The absorbent carrier may be impregnated with one or more aerosol-formers. Optionally, the absorbent carrier may also be impregnated with one or more organoleptic active compounds or precursors thereof. Aerosol-formers are compounds that promote aerosol formation in use. These compounds include, but are not limited to, glycerol and propylene glycol. A sensory active compound is a compound that allows triggering of a sensory response (e.g., a scent).

According to some aspects, the absorbent carrier may be disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the cavity. For example, the absorbent carrier may be arranged along a wall (such as a side wall), at the bottom, or along the top of the cartridge, or any combination thereof, such that when the cartridge is used, it is in direct contact with the surface being heated. In a preferred embodiment, when a cartridge is used, the absorbent carrier is in direct contact with the surface to be heated.

The term "sheet" is used herein to refer to a material that is substantially flat and has a width and height (e.g., several orders of magnitude greater) that the thickness of the material. An example of a sheet is paper. It should be understood that the term "sheet material" may also cover materials having a thickness greater than the thickness of the paper. The sheet of material may be bent, folded, curled, crumpled, etc.

The absorbent carrier may take any form or shape. The absorbent carrier can be flat, curved, rolled, folded, pleated, curled, crumpled, curved, etc., or can include a combination of forms and shapes (e.g., a flat portion and a pleated or curved portion).

The aerosol former impregnated into (e.g., absorbed into) the absorbent carrier is partially or fully vaporized when the cartridge and the absorbent carrier within the cartridge are heated during use. The vaporized compound aids in the formation of an aerosol. The aerosol former may improve aerosolization by increasing the total aerosolized material generated by the hookah apparatus, especially during the first few puffs. Thus, similar aerosol generation to charcoal-based hookah apparatus can be achieved with a heated non-burning hookah apparatus using a conventional substrate (molasses) and using an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former. This helps to preserve as much as possible of the taste, aroma and rituals associated with conventional hookah apparatus and substrates. In the absence of an absorbent carrier impregnated with a volatile aerosol former, the conventional molasses matrix may produce a relatively lower amount of total aerosol mass in a heated non-combustible hookah apparatus compared to a conventional charcoal heated hookah apparatus.

The term "aerosol" as used herein refers to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, such as air, which may contain volatile flavor compounds.

The absorbent carrier may act as a carrier for the volatile compounds (e.g. aerosol former). The use of an absorbent carrier impregnated with a volatile aerosol former in the cartridge can reduce the time to first puff, increase the Total Aerosol Mass (TAM), or both. The TAM is preferentially increased, especially during the first few puffs, because the electrically heated hookah is typically used in the first few puffs where the TAM is low.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a hookah apparatus. The hookah apparatus is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and the absorption carrier in the cartridge. The apparatus may be configured to heat the absorbent carrier and aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The shape and size of the cartridge is preferably designed to allow contact or minimise the distance from the heating element of the hookah apparatus to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge. The heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or by induction. To assist induction heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made of a material capable of acting as a susceptor (e.g., aluminum), or a susceptor material may be disposed within the chamber of the cartridge. The susceptor material may be provided in the cavity of the cartridge in any form, such as a powder, a solid mass, chips, etc.

The cartridge may have a generally cubic, cylindrical, frustoconical or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable body defining a cavity in which the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed. The body is preferably formed of one or more heat resistant materials, such as a heat resistant polymer or metal. Preferably, the body comprises a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may comprise any one of the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloy thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprises aluminium.

The body may include a top, a bottom, and sidewalls. The body may comprise one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the bottom may be an integral single part. The side wall and the bottom may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewall and the base may be configured to engage one another via a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the bottom may be two parts joined together. For example, the side walls and the bottom may be joined together by welding or adhesive. The top and side walls may be a single integral part. The side wall and the top may be two parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewall and top may be configured to engage one another via a threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the top may be two parts joined together. For example, the side wall and the top may be joined together by welding or adhesive. The top, side walls and bottom may all be a single integral part. The top, side walls and bottom may be three separate parts configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top, side walls and bottom may be configured to be joined by a threaded engagement, an interference fit, welding or adhesive.

The body defines a cavity in which an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol-former may be disposed. A portion of the body defining the chamber may have a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean a region of a wall or surface to which heat may be applied directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface may serve as a heat transfer surface. For example, a heatable wall or surface that defines a portion of the body of the chamber is a surface that: heat may be transferred from the exterior of the cavity through the body to the cavity or to the interior surface of the cavity through the surface.

The aerosol-forming substrate may occupy any suitable volume of the cavity. The volume of aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge may be varied by varying the amount, composition, shape, packing density or form of aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cartridge.

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing a compound that can form an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or comprise solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least a solid.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant based material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco, and preferably the tobacco-containing material comprises volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: a powder, granules, pellets, chips, slivers, ribbon or sheet comprising one or more of the following: herbal leaf, tobacco vein segment, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol former in the substrate may be the same or different from the aerosol former impregnated into the absorbent carrier. The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperatures of the hookah apparatus. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, for example flavourants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerin or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol formers, such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any suitable amount of aerosol-former. For example, the aerosol former may be present in an amount equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight, and preferably greater than 30% by weight by dry weight. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% by dry weight. Preferably, the aerosol former is present in an amount of up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" as used herein refers to materials that do not substantially degrade at the temperatures to which the matrix is typically heated (e.g., about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃). The thermally stable support may be separate and distinct from the absorbent support. The thermally stable carrier may be used to provide support for the aerosol-forming substrate (e.g. molasses). The aerosol-forming substrate and the thermally stable carrier may be disposed in the centre of the cartridge. Alternatively, the absorbent carrier may be used as a carrier for the aerosol former. The absorbent carrier and aerosol former may be disposed adjacent the sidewall, the bottom, or both of the cartridge. The absorbent carrier and aerosol-forming agent may at least partially surround the aerosol-forming substrate and the thermally stable carrier.

The thermally stable carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is deposited on the first major surface, the second major surface, or both the first major surface and the second major surface. The thermally stable carrier may be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a lightweight open-pored metal screen, or a perforated metal foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the thermally stable carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, strands, ribbons, or sheets. The carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or a tow of fibers in which the tobacco component has been incorporated. The nonwoven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose-derived fibers.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises any suitable amount of one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises invert sugar, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises from about 1% to about 40% by weight of a sugar, such as invert sugar. In some examples, one or more sugars can be mixed with a suitable carrier such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavoring agents and sensory agents, such as cooling agents. Suitable flavoring agents include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit spices, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combinations thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise molasses. As used herein, "molasses" refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition comprising about 20% or more of sugar. For example, the molasses may comprise at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, the molasses will contain less than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% by weight sugar.

The aerosol-forming substrate for use with a conventional hookah apparatus is in the form of molasses, which may be heterogeneous, and may contain lumps and cavities. Such cavities prevent direct thermal contact between the substrate and the heated surface, making thermal conduction particularly inefficient. Thus, the electrically heated hookah apparatus tends to deviate from traditional molasses by using, for example, an electronic liquid or dry stone. Because of the use of an absorbent carrier that is sheet-formed and impregnated with a volatile aerosol former in the cartridges described in this disclosure, a more traditional aerosol-forming substrate (such as molasses) can be used to maintain a typical ceremonies and hookah experience when using electrical heating.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (e.g. molasses or tobacco substrate) may be provided in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3g (grams) to about 25g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6g, at least 7g, at least 8g or at least 9g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15g, up to 12 g; up to 11g, or up to 10g, of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7g to about 13g of aerosol-forming substrate is provided in the cavity. More preferably, about 10g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within a space defined by the absorbent carrier.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge is about 15cm in length or less. The cartridge may have an inner diameter of about 1cm or greater. The cartridge may have about 25cm in the cavity²To about 100cm²Such as about 70cm²To about 100cm²Of the heatable surface area of (a). The volume of the cavity may be about 10cm³To about 50cm³(ii) a Preferably about 25cm³To about 40cm³. In one embodiment, the length of the body is about 10cm or less. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75cm or greater. The body may have about 30cm in the cavity²To about 100cm²Such as about 70cm²To about 100cm²Of the heatable surface area of (a). The volume of the cavity may be about 10cm³To about 50cm³(ii) a Preferably about 25cm³To about 40cm³. In one embodiment, the length of the body is in the range of about 3.5cm to about 7 cm. The body may have an inner diameter of about 1.5cm to about 4 cm. The body may have about 30cm in the cavity²To about 100cm²Such as about 70cm²To about 100cm²Of the heatable surface area of (a). The volume of the cavity may be about 10cm³To about 50cm³(ii) a Preferably about 25cm³To about 40cm³. Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises an amount of aerosol-forming substrate which will provide a sufficient amount of aerosol for a hookah experience lasting from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes; preferably from about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes; more preferably from about 30 minutes to about 40 minutes.

The cartridge may include one or more vent holes.The vent may be an inlet, an outlet, or both. The vent holes may be located at the bottom, top, sides, or combinations thereof of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises one or more inlets and one or more outlets to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a hookah apparatus. In some embodiments, the top of the cartridge may define one or more apertures to form one or more inlets to the cartridge. The bottom of the cartridge may define one or more apertures to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide a suitable Resistance To Draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge from the one or more inlets to the one or more outlets may be about 10mm H₂O to about 50mm H₂O, preferably about 20mm H₂O to about 40mm H₂And O. The RTD of the sample refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample as the gas flow traverses the sample under steady conditions where the volumetric flow rate at the output end is 17.5 ml/sec. The RTD of the samples can be measured using the method specified in ISO standard 6565:2002 and any venting is prevented.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge includes an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former disposed inside the cartridge. The absorbent carrier may be formed into a sheet. The absorbent carrier material may be selected to absorb, adsorb, or both absorb and adsorb the volatile compounds. The absorbent carrier material may be selected to act as a support that can maintain the volatile compounds in close proximity or contact with the heated surface of the cartridge. Preferably, the absorbent carrier material is capable of maintaining the volatile compounds in direct, uniform contact with the heated surface of the cartridge. The absorbent carrier may at least partially surround the aerosol-forming substrate (e.g. molasses).

According to one embodiment, the absorbent carrier is impregnated with one or more aerosol-forming agents, which may assist in forming an aerosol upon heating of the absorbent carrier. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, polyols, glycol ethers, polyol esters, and fatty acids. The aerosol former may comprise one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, 1, 3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl dodecanoate, triacetin, erythritol, a mixture of glycerol diacetates, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillin, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, and myristic acid. Preferably, the aerosol-former comprises a compound which is relatively highly volatile and exhibits a relatively high hygroscopicity. In some embodiments, the aerosol former comprises glycerin (e.g., Vegetable Glycerin (VG)), propylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

The absorbent carrier may comprise any suitable amount of one or more aerosol-forming agents. For example, the absorbent carrier may comprise 0.3g or greater, 0.5g or greater, 0.8g or greater, 1g or greater, 1.2g or greater, or 1.5 or greater of aerosol former. The absorbent carrier may comprise at most 8g, at most 7g, at most 6g, at most 5.5g, at most 5g, at most 4.5g or at most 4g of aerosol former. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier comprises from 0.5 to 5g of aerosol former.

One or more aerosol-formers impregnated in (e.g., absorbed into) the absorbent carrier can increase the number of condensation nuclei available at the beginning of the smoking experience. The increased number of condensation nuclei available at the beginning of the smoking experience may allow aerosol generation to begin faster and generate more aerosol, especially during the first few puffs. For example, an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former may increase the amount of aerosol generated during the first 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 puffs.

The use of an aerosol former impregnated into an absorbent carrier may also reduce the time for the hookah device to be ready for a first puff (i.e., the time to first puff or TT1P) that contains a suitable or desired TAM (typically about 15 mg/puff). For example, TT1P may be about 17 minutes (including a 4 minute warm-up time) when using a cartridge employing molasses (containing no absorbent carrier impregnated with aerosol former). However, by increasing the amount of aerosol available during the first few puffs using an aerosol former impregnated into an absorbent carrier, TT1P can be reduced by about 1 minute to about 15 minutes. In some embodiments, (reduced) TT1P is about 5 minutes or greater, about 8 minutes or greater, or about 10 minutes or greater. (reduced) TT1P may be about 15 minutes, up to about 12 minutes, or up to about 10 minutes.

The absorption carrier may be arranged to directly contact the surface of the cartridge directly heated by the hookah apparatus. For example, the absorbent carrier may be arranged in direct contact with the inner surface of the barrel. The inner surface of the barrel may be a bottom, a sidewall, a top, or a combination thereof. The absorbent carrier may be arranged around the periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate. The arrangement around the periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate allows the effect of the aerosol former in the absorbent carrier to be directed to the first few puffs drawn from the cartridge during use in the hookah apparatus. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the absorbent carrier surrounds the matrix within the cartridge.

The absorbent carrier may have any suitable form or shape. For example, the absorbent carrier may comprise a cylindrical portion lining at least partially the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, at least partially surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate, or both. The absorbent carrier may also include a portion that covers the bottom of the cartridge. The absorbent carrier may include portions that are flat (e.g., planar), curved, rolled, folded, pleated, curled, crumpled, curved, etc., or may include a combination of forms and shapes (e.g., flat portions and pleated or curved portions). In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier has a rolled shape. For example, the absorbent carrier may be layered with the aerosol-forming substrate and rolled into a helical cylindrical shape comprising a plurality of alternating layers of absorbent carrier and aerosol-forming substrate. The rolled cylindrical shape may be arranged within the cartridge.

The absorbent carrier may be made of a porous material. In some embodiments, the absorbent carrier comprises fibers. For example, the absorbent carrier may be made of refined cellulosic material. The term "refined cellulosic material" is used herein to refer to a cellulose-based material (e.g., derived from a plant), but which has been treated (e.g., refined) to remove compounds, alter the chemical structure of the material, or both. The compounds removed may be compounds other than water, such that the refining process includes steps in addition to or in addition to the drying process. Examples of suitable refined cellulose materials for the absorbent carrier include paper, filter paper, cardboard, rayon (e.g., lyocell, viscose, modal), and the like. According to some embodiments, the absorbent carrier may comprise other fibrous materials, such as silk, wool, cotton, linen, and the like.

The absorbent carrier can have any suitable thickness. For example, the thickness of the absorbent carrier may be about 0.1mm or greater, about 0.2mm or greater, about 0.5mm or greater, or about 1mm or greater. The absorbent carrier may have a thickness of up to about 5mm, up to about 4mm, up to about 3.5mm, up to about 3mm, up to about 2.5mm, or up to about 2 mm. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier has a thickness of about 0.1mm to about 3 mm.

The absorbent support can have any suitable surface area. For example, the surface area of the absorbent support may be about 2cm²Or greater, about 3cm²Or greater, about 3.5cm²Or greater, about 4cm²Or greater, about 5cm²Or greater, about 6cm²Or greater or about 8cm²Or larger. The surface area of the absorbent support may be up to about 50cm²At most about 40cm²At most about 30cm²At most about 25cm²At most about 20cm²At most about 18cm²At most about 15cm²Or up to about 10cm². In one embodiment, the surface area of the absorbent support is about 4cm²To 20cm²。

The absorption carrier may also comprise a layer of thermally conductive or inductive material. For example, the absorptive carrier may be coated or laminated with a thermally conductive or inductive material. Examples of suitable thermally conductive or inductive materials include various metals, such as aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, stainless steel, and combinations thereof. Susceptor materials may also include or be made from: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; inconel alloy (I)

alloy) (austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloys); a metallized film; such as oxidationCeramics such as zirconium; transition metals such as Fe, Co, Ni, etc., or metalloid components such as B, C, Si, P, Al, etc. Such thermally conductive or inductive materials may act as thermal bridges and provide a more uniform temperature distribution. If the absorbent carrier is provided in rolled form, a layer of heat conducting or inductive material is preferably used.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge comprises a body defining a cavity and an inner surface, and the cartridge contains a substrate and an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former within the cavity. The absorbent carrier may be formed into a sheet. The absorbent carrier may be disposed at the bottom, top, side walls, or a combination thereof of the cartridge. The cartridge may comprise at least 6g, at least 7g, at least 8g or at least 9g or at most 15g, at most 12g, at most 11g or at most 10g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise 0.3g or more, 0.5g or more, 0.8g or more, 1g or more, 1.2g or more, or 1.5g or more, or up to 8g, up to 7g, up to 6g, up to 5.5g, up to 5g, up to 4.5g, or up to 4g of one or more aerosol-formers impregnated into the absorbent carrier. The absorbent carrier can be disposed under the substrate or around (e.g., at least partially surrounding) the substrate, or both. For example, the absorbent carrier may form a cup or pouch shape with the matrix disposed inside. In one embodiment, the absorbent support is provided as alternating layers (e.g., rolled up) with the substrate. The absorbent carrier forming the sheet may be flat, curved, rolled, folded, pleated, curled, crumpled, curved, etc., or may include a combination of forms and shapes (e.g., flat portions and pleated or curved portions).

The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlet and outlet to prevent leakage of the cartridge contents and to extend shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable label, sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive, crimping, welding or otherwise joining to the container. The seal may include a tab that can be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

The hookah according to the present invention may be used with any suitable hookah apparatus. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to burn the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the hookah apparatus may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to within the range of about 150 ℃ to about 300 ℃; more preferably from about 180 ℃ to about 250 ℃ or from about 200 ℃ to about 230 ℃.

The hookah apparatus may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The hookah apparatus includes a heating element configured to contact or be proximate to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle. The hookah may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electrical heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the heat generated over a wider area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The hookah apparatus may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated in the cartridge. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and controller. The controller may include one or more of the following: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or a comparable discrete or Integrated logic Circuit. The control electronics may include a memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to implement functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functions attributable to the control electronics in the present disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

The electronic circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply. Power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of current pulses.

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and control the supply of power to the heating element in dependence on the resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The hookah apparatus may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into a cartridge received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the hookah apparatus or portion thereof. The sensor may transmit a signal to the control electronics regarding the sensed temperature. The control electronics can adjust the heating of the heating element in response to a signal that achieves a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to the power source. The hookah apparatus may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the hookah apparatus may be a battery or battery pack. The battery of the power source may be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, heavy duty or standard batteries, such as those used in industrial heavy duty power tools, are available on the market. Alternatively, the power supply may be any type of power supply, including a super capacitor. Alternatively, the components may be connected to an external power source, and electrically and electronically designed for such purposes. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to function the assembly normally for at least one hookah period until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, before the device is recharged or needs to be connected to an external power source. Preferably, the power source preferably provides sufficient energy to allow the assembly to function properly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before the device is recharged or otherwise needs to be connected to an external power source.

In one example, a hookah device includes an aerosol-generating element including a cartridge holder, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and a fresh air inlet. The cartridge holder is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former. The cartridge may be as described above. The heating element may define at least a portion of a surface of the receptacle.

The hookah apparatus includes a fresh air inlet passage fluidly connected to the receiver. In use, as the absorbent carrier inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol former impregnated in the absorbent carrier vaporises. Air flowing through the cartridge from the fresh air inlet passage entrains aerosol generated from the aerosol former component and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated hookah apparatuses employ preheated air and typically employ an airflow path such that the air travels near the heat source when drawn. In addition, some electrically heated hookah apparatuses employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the surface area that is heated.

The fresh air inlet passage may include one or more apertures through the cartridge receiver such that fresh air from outside the hookah apparatus may flow through the passage and into the cartridge receiver through the one or more apertures. If the channel includes more than one aperture, the channel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the channel to each aperture. Preferably, the hookah apparatus comprises two or more fresh air inlet passages.

As mentioned above, the cartridge includes one or more inlets formed in the housing to allow air to flow through the chamber of the cartridge in use. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet apertures, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may be aligned with apertures in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignment feature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of the receptacle to align the inlet of the cartridge with the aperture of the receptacle upon insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle.

Air entering the cartridge may cross or pass over or over and through the absorbent carrier impregnated with aerosol former. Air entering the cartridge may cross or pass over the aerosol-forming substrate, entrain aerosol, and exit the cartridge and receptacle through the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-laden air enters the container of the hookah apparatus from the aerosol outlet.

The hookah apparatus may comprise any suitable container defining an internal volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in a headspace above a liquid fill level. The container may include an optically clear or opaque shell to allow a consumer to view the contents contained in the container. The container may include a liquid fill boundary, such as a liquid fill line. The reservoir housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the container housing may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the container is removable from the portion of the hookah assembly comprising the aerosol generating element to allow a consumer to fill, clean or clean the container.

The consumer can fill the container to a liquid fill level. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, fragrances, or both. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the botanical or herbal granules.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned in the container. The conduit may be coupled to an aerosol outlet of an aerosol-generating element of the hookah assembly and may have an opening below a liquid fill level of the container, such that aerosol flowing through the container flows through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid into a headspace of the container and out of the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose that includes a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may comprise an activation element, such as a switch actuable by a user, a puff sensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both a switch and a puff sensor actuable by a user. The activation element is operatively coupled to the control electronics of the hookah apparatus. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element rather than constantly energizing the heating element. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element rather than constantly energizing the heating element. Thus, the use of an actuating element may serve to save energy relative to devices that do not employ such elements to provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, a method of using a hookah apparatus as described herein is provided below chronologically. The container may be separated from the other components of the hookah apparatus and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juice, botanicals, and herbal infusions can be added to water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed the fill level indicia that may optionally be present on the container. The container is then reassembled to the hookah apparatus. A portion of the aerosol-generating element may be removed or opened to allow insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle. The aerosol-generating element is then assembled or closed. The device may then be turned on. The opening means may activate the heating profile of the heating element to heat the absorption carrier and the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature equal to or above the vaporisation temperature of the aerosol-former and the aerosol-forming substrate impregnated in the absorption carrier but below the combustion temperature of the absorption carrier and the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol former compound impregnated in the absorbent carrier vaporizes, generating an aerosol. The user may smoke the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device until more aerosol is not visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut down when the cartridge is depleted of available aerosol-generating substrate. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge after receiving an indication from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted, for example. If refilled with a fresh cartridge, the device may continue to be used. Preferably, the user can turn off the hookah apparatus at any time, for example by switching off the apparatus.

The hookah apparatus may have any suitable air management. In one example, the suction action of the user will create a suction effect, causing a depression inside the device, which will cause outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the fresh air inlet passage and into the receptacle. Air may then flow into the cartridge in the receptacle to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol entrained air then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through the conduit into the liquid inside the container. The aerosol will then gush out of the liquid and into the headspace above the liquid level in the container, flowing out of the headspace outlet and delivered to the consumer through the hose and mouthpiece. The flow of outside air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah apparatus may be driven by the user's suction action.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like parts. It should be understood, however, that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number. Additionally, the use of different numbers to refer to parts in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered parts cannot be the same or similar to other numbered parts. The drawings are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic diagrams presented in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hookah apparatus.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional side view of a cartridge having an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier forming a sheet and impregnated with an aerosol former.

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a cartridge having an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier forming a sheet and impregnated with an aerosol former.

Figure 2C is a cross-sectional top view of a cartridge having an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier formed as a rolled sheet and impregnated with an aerosol former.

Fig. 3A and 3B are schematic bottom and top views of the cartridge.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge.

Fig. 5 is a graphical representation of test data from example 1.

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hookah apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level of the liquid 19. Liquid 19 preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more fragrances, or one or more colorants and one or more fragrances. For example, water may be injected with one or both of the botanical or herbal granules.

The device 100 further comprises an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 comprises a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and an absorbent carrier, the absorbent carrier forming a sheet and being impregnated with an aerosol former. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a heating element 160 forming at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 160 defines a top surface and side surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 further comprises a fresh air inlet channel 170 which draws fresh air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the fresh air inlet passage 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters the receptacle 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200 (which is also heated by the heating element 160) to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol former and aerosol-generating substrate. Air exits the outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters the conduit 190.

The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol below the level of the liquid 19 in the container 17. The air and aerosol can bubble through the liquid 19 and then exit the headspace outlet 15 of the container 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol into the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or formed as part of the hose.

In use, an exemplary air flow path of the device is indicated by the bold arrows in fig. 1.

The mouthpiece 25 may comprise an activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button, etc., or may be a suction sensor, etc. The actuating member 27 may be placed in any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in use or to cause the control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by having the power source 35 power the heating element 140.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location of the aerosol-generating element 130, rather than at the bottom of the element 130 as shown in figure 1.

Referring to fig. 2A-2C, the cartridge 200 has a body 210 defining a cavity 218 in which an aerosol-forming substrate 300 and an absorbent carrier 310 may be disposed, the absorbent carrier forming a sheet impregnated with aerosol former. The body 210 includes a top 215, a bottom 213, and sidewalls 212. The body 210 may be formed of one or more sections. For example, the top 215 or bottom 213 may be removably attached from the side wall 212 to allow the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and the absorbent carrier 310 to be disposed in the cavity 218.

An absorptive carrier 310 may be disposed along the sidewalls 212 and bottom 213 of the cavity 218. The absorbent carrier 310 may also be disposed along the top 215, or along any combination of the bottom 213, top 215, or sidewalls 212, and/or may partially cover any of these surfaces. In the example shown in figure 2B, the absorbent carrier 310 has a pleated side around the perimeter of the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Figure 2C shows an arrangement in which the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and the absorbent carrier 310 form a spiral cylindrical shape comprising a plurality of alternating layers of the absorbent carrier 310 and the aerosol-forming substrate 300. A rolled cylindrical shape is disposed within the body 210 of the cartridge 200.

The cartridge 200 has a heatable surface area inside the cavity 218, which is the surface of the absorption carrier 310 and aerosol-forming substrate 300 that is capable of transferring heat applied to the exterior of the body into the cavity 218, for example, by a heating element of a hookah apparatus.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3B, the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have a plurality of

apertures

217, 216 to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. The

openings

216, 217 of the top 215 and bottom 213 may be aligned. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include an aperture along the sidewall 212. The absorbent carrier 310 may be disposed along the bottom 213, top 215, sidewalls 212, or a combination thereof, covering some or all of the apertures. The

openings

217, 216 may be further closed by a peelable seal or lid when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary cartridge 200. The sidewall 212 defines a frustoconical shape. The bottom 213 defines a plurality of openings. The top includes a flange 219 extending from the sidewall 212. The flange 219 may rest on a shoulder of a receptacle of the hookah apparatus so that the cartridge 300 may be easily removed from the receptacle after use by grasping the flange.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative of the invention. However, other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, and it is to be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, "having," "comprising," "including," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It is understood that "consisting essentially of … …", "consisting of … …", and the like are included in the "comprising" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

The term "substantially" as used herein has the same meaning as "significantly" and is understood to modify the term at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% prior. The term "non-substantially" as used herein has the same meaning as "not significantly" and is understood to have the opposite meaning as "substantially", i.e., modifying the term before no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

Any directions mentioned herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations described herein for clarity and brevity are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein can be used in a variety of directions and orientations.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Embodiment 1:

the effect of an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former on aerosol formation was evaluated. An absorption carrier having a surface area of 40cm is arranged in the cylinder²A sheet (cellulose paper) impregnated with about 1.5g of a 1:1 mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. The absorbent carrier has a cylindrical shape positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the cartridge. The cartridge was then filled with 10g of commercial molasses (Al-Fakher) in a cylinder of porous material. A control sample was prepared without an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former.

The cartridge was inserted into a test hookah apparatus where the cartridge was heated at a set point temperature of 200 ℃ using a ceramic heating element. The heater set point temperature was chosen to bring the molasses (between puffs) to a temperature similar to that of charcoal-operated hookahs.

To improve the aerosolization process, a finned nozzle made of aluminum was placed about 55mm from the heated engine, with an exit orifice of about 3 mm.

The generated aerosols were collected using a total of five Cambridge pads and the weight of these pads was recorded before and after testing. Only one pad collects the generated aerosol at any given time during the test.

The total duration of the suck test corresponds to 105 puffs. To obtain the desired aspiration experience, four programmable dual syringe pumps (PDSP, available from tombers, netherlands, Pomac b.v.) were used simultaneously to create the aspiration protocol. The pumping protocol was as follows: samples and controls were subjected to 105 puff tests. The number of puffs was divided into five consecutive portions, 21 puffs each, and the aerosol from each portion was collected in a separate Cambridge pad. After each 21 puffs, the valve will ensure that the aerosol is transferred onto the correct Cambridge pad. Thus, aerosol production can be monitored as a function of time.

The results of the Total Aerosol Mass (TAM) collected at the first 21 puffs and the results of all 105 puffs of the control and sample are shown in table 1 below and in fig. 5. The results of the first 21 puffs were calculated in mg per puff and the results for the total duration of the test (15 puffs) are given as the cumulative total mass in mg.

Table 1 TAM results.

It was observed that during the first 21 puffs and throughout the experiment, a significant increase in aerosol generation could be achieved by using an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol former. The total cumulative TAM over the test period was also greater for the absorbent carrier impregnated with aerosol former.

Thus, a cartridge for a hookah apparatus is described. Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. While the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in mechanical techniques, chemical techniques, and aerosol-generating article manufacture or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hookah pipe, comprising:

a body comprising a cavity and an interior cavity surface;

an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity;

an absorbent carrier disposed in the cavity; and

an aerosol former impregnated into the absorbent carrier.

2. The hookah of claim 1, wherein said aerosol former comprises glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

3. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier comprises from 0.1 grams to 8 grams of aerosol former.

4. A hookah according to any preceding claim, wherein said absorbent carrier is adjacent said internal cavity surface, said aerosol-forming substrate, or both said internal cavity surface and said aerosol-forming substrate.

5. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier is in direct contact with said interior cavity surface.

6. The hookah pipe of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier comprises a refined cellulose material.

7. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier comprises paper.

8. A hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of absorbent carrier is pleated.

9. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier has a thickness of 0.1mm to 5 mm.

10. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier has 2cm²To 50cm²Surface area of (a).

11. A hookah according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent carrier and the aerosol-forming substrate form a spiral of alternating layers of absorbent carrier and aerosol-forming substrate.

12. A hookah pipe according to any preceding claim, wherein said absorbent carrier is lined with a thermally conductive or inductive material.

13. The hookah according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier forms a sheet.

14. The hookah pipe of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent carrier comprises a cylindrical portion disposed along an interior sidewall of said cavity.

15. A hookah system, comprising:

a hookah according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and

a hookah apparatus, said hookah apparatus comprising:

a receptacle for receiving the cartridge;

a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the hookah apparatus;

a container having a liquid fill level and defining a headspace above the liquid fill level;

an aerosol conduit for conveying aerosol from the container below the liquid fill level in the container; and

an outlet in communication with the headspace.