EP2934196B1 - Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes - Google Patents

Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2934196B1
EP2934196B1 EP13811796.5A EP13811796A EP2934196B1 EP 2934196 B1 EP2934196 B1 EP 2934196B1 EP 13811796 A EP13811796 A EP 13811796A EP 2934196 B1 EP2934196 B1 EP 2934196B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
product
temperature
process gas
cooling medium
zone
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.)
Active
Application number
EP13811796.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2934196A1 (de
Inventor
Otto Virag
John Spicer
Szu-Sung Yang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to EP13811796.5A priority Critical patent/EP2934196B1/de
Priority to PL13811796T priority patent/PL2934196T3/pl
Publication of EP2934196A1 publication Critical patent/EP2934196A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2934196B1 publication Critical patent/EP2934196B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for expanding a product containing starch.
  • the invention further relates to a product containing starch expanded by the method or apparatus, for example tobacco.
  • expansion agents such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, Freon or organic solvents.
  • water is used as an expansion medium.
  • the first category provides excellent expansion, but it requires the additional impregnation process to allow the expansion agents to be useful.
  • the second category also provides expansion, but it has reduced effectiveness because of the limitation on the maximum temperature. And not only is the maximum temperature limited, but a higher temperature applied for too long a period can have an undesired impact on taste or quality of the expanded product.
  • starch containing products which can be expanded using the method described include food products, for example corn or rice. These products can be transformed by means of expansion into popcorn or puffed rice, respectively.
  • US 3 881 498 A discloses an apparatus for increasing the volume of moist tobacco, wherein heated and dried tobacco is subjected to a cooling fluid in a cooling unit, namely a cooling duct, in which an ascending current of cool air entrains the tobacco particles.
  • US 4 646 760 A discloses a method and apparatus for volume expansion of tobacco, wherein tobacco is subjected to heating medium in a tubing system, such that impregnating medium contained in its cells is rapidly transformed to steam, which is supposed to result in a volume increase. Afterwards, a slower final volume expansion of the tobacco occurs in a pneuma tube, which may be cooled.
  • DE 31 30 778 A1 discloses a method to improve the filling capacity of tobacco, wherein after heating and drying, air respectively inert gas, vapor and/or liquid, in particular water, may be injected to cool down the tobacco.
  • US 5 379 780 A discloses a method and system for expanding tobacco, which centrally relies on the use of expanding agent, wherein tobacco is initially impregnated with expanding agent in the form of carbon dioxide at low temperature and then expanded by means of feeding the tobacco into a gas-flow drying pipe, wherein several injection nozzles for steam and water are provided in a deceleration section thereof.
  • the invention relates to a method for expanding a product containing starch according to claim 1.Thus, a cooling process with several different locations for injecting cooling medium is provided. In particular, the temperature gradient is obtained by injecting the cooling gas throughout a certain distance in the flow direction of the process gas.
  • the product is not only conveyed in the process gas, but by the process gas.
  • the temperature around the product can be lowered very quickly such that after product expansion, the product is not unnecessarily subjected to heat while being conveyed in the process gas.
  • the injection of a cooling medium also allows the product to be heated to a higher temperature and maintained at that higher temperature because the cooling medium will quickly reduce the heat the product is subjected to. By heating to a higher temperature and maintaining that higher temperature to enhance thermal shock, better expansion is achieved while preventing undesired taste impacts in the product.
  • the method according to the present invention provides a reliable way of limiting the exposure time of the product to heat.
  • the method allows for a higher filling power for expanded tobacco due to the high temperature shock but it prevents undesired taste impacts by limiting the exposure of the product to heat for an extended period. So, no significant taste change of the product occurs due to the improved cooling.
  • the apparatus may use only water as an expansion medium.
  • the invention enables that a product containing starch to be exposed to high temperatures for expansion, while it can actively limit the time of this exposure.
  • the temperature can therefore be elevated to levels which are not possible in the prior art without using an expansion agent.
  • the duration of the exposure can be more freely established and controlled in an individual manner to the needs of the thermal shock required for product expansion of a product.
  • the process gas is super-heated steam, such that its heat transfer capability can be improved.
  • the process gas may comprise super-heated water steam.
  • the method may be conducted in a flash tower drying system.
  • the product containing starch is tobacco, preferably cut tobacco, tobacco lamina, tobacco stems or whole tobacco leaves.
  • the expansion of stem parts may enable to obtain a product with high filling power but low nicotine content.
  • the product may be another product containing starch, such as corn or rice, which can be expanded as well, due to their starch content.
  • the tobacco has a water or moisture content that is not below about 7 to 8 weight percent of water. More preferably, the moisture content in the tobacco is from about 13 to about 30 weight percent. Further, by adjusting the properties of the process gas or cooling medium, in particular the content of steam, the moisture content of the tobacco can be controlled.
  • the subjecting of the product to hot process gas and the lowering of the temperature of the process gas are conducted in adjacent portions of a pipe in which the process gas flows.
  • the conveying of the product during the expansion and cooling allows to quickly change the temperature around the product and thus to subject the product to the predetermined temperatures in a reliable manner.
  • the cooling medium may preferably be a cooling gas, such as air.
  • cooling liquids can be used as the cooling medium.
  • the cooling medium may in particular be water or water steam.
  • the cooling medium is demineralized water or water steam.
  • the cooling medium comprises or is composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide or Argon. All these media or gases are generally not chemically reacting with starch containing products and are therefore not changing the taste or appearance of the product in an undesired manner.
  • the process medium or the cooling medium or the process gas and cooling medium comprise less than about 10 percent of air, or less than about 2 percent of oxygen. This prevents the starch containing product from being subject to oxidation.
  • the cooling medium or process gas is comprised of mainly nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the cooling medium may be injected at several locations, which are in a distance to each other in the downstream direction of the flow of process gas.
  • the product is conveyed by means of the process gas.
  • additional conveying means for the product are not necessary.
  • conveying means for the product may be additionally or alternatively provided.
  • the method comprises adjusting the amount of injected cooling medium.
  • This may include operating a valve by a control means.
  • the method may comprise the step of separating the product from the process gas after expansion and cooling.
  • the method may be operated in a closed loop, wherein the process gas is at least partially or fully recycled and heated after the product separation to provide the necessary heated process gas for product expansion.
  • the method may comprise determining the temperature of the process gas at one or several locations in which cooling medium is injected.
  • the determined temperature may be used for controlling the temperature conditions during product expansion or cooling.
  • the method may comprise determining the pressure at least of the hot process gas during product expansion.
  • the determined pressure may be used for controlling the pressure conditions during expansion.
  • the invention further relates to an apparatus for expanding a product containing starch according to claim 3.
  • a product containing starch Preferably, two to ten cooling medium inlets are provided. This arrangement allows a more rapid and efficient cooling of the process gas and the product comprised therein. Furthermore, a more precise adjustment of the temperature gradient in the downstream direction of the temperature reduction zone can be achieved.
  • the temperature around the product can be lowered very quickly such that after product expansion, the product is not unnecessarily subjected to heat while continuing through the apparatus.
  • the injection of a cooling medium also allows the product to be heated to a higher temperature and maintained at that higher temperature because the cooling medium will quickly reduce the heat the product is subjected to. By heating to a higher temperature and maintaining that higher temperature to enhance thermal shock, better expansion is achieved while preventing undesired taste impacts in the product.
  • the present invention provides a reliable way of limiting the exposure time of the product to heat.
  • the invention allows for a higher filling power for expanded tobacco due to the high temperature shock but it prevents undesired taste impacts by limiting the exposure of the product to heat for an extended period. So, no significant taste change of the product occurs due to the improved cooling.
  • the apparatus may use only water as an expansion medium.
  • the invention enables that a product containing starch to be exposed to high temperatures for expansion, while it can actively limit the time of this exposure.
  • the temperature can therefore be elevated to levels which are not possible in the prior art without using an expansion agent.
  • the duration of the exposure can be more freely established and controlled in an individual manner to the needs of the thermal shock required for product expansion of a product.
  • the process gas is super-heated steam, such that its heat transfer capability can be improved.
  • the process gas may comprise super-heated water steam.
  • the apparatus may be a flash tower drying system.
  • the starch containing product is tobacco, preferably cut tobacco, tobacco lamina, tobacco stems or whole tobacco leaves.
  • the expansion of stem parts may enable to obtain a product with high filling power but low nicotine content.
  • the product may be another starch containing product, such as corn or rice, which can be expanded as well, due to their starch content.
  • the tobacco has a water content that is not below about 7 to 8 weight percent of water. More preferably, the moisture content in the tobacco is from about 13 to about 30 weight percent. Further, by adjusting the properties of the process gas or cooling medium, in particular the content of steam, the moisture content of the tobacco can be controlled.
  • the product is also conveyed in the temperature reduction zone.
  • the high temperature zone and the temperature reduction zone are formed by adjacent portions of a pipe. The conveying of the product during the expansion and cooling allows to quickly change the temperature around the product and thus to subject the product to the predetermined temperatures in a reliable manner.
  • the cooling medium may preferably be a cooling gas, such as air.
  • cooling liquids can be used as the cooling medium.
  • the cooling medium may in particular be water or water steam.
  • the cooling medium is demineralized water or water steam.
  • the cooling medium comprises or is composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide or Argon. All these media or gases are generally not chemically reacting with starch containing products and are therefore not changing the taste or appearance of the product in an undesired manner.
  • the process medium or the cooling medium or the process gas and cooling medium comprise less than about 10 percent of air, or less than about 2 percent of oxygen. This prevents the starch containing product from being subject to oxidation.
  • the cooling medium or process gas is comprised of mainly nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the cooling medium inlet comprises a valve adapted to adjust the amount of injected cooling medium.
  • the throughput of the valve or valves can be continuously adjusted.
  • a precise control of the temperature in the temperature reduction zone can be attained.
  • the valve may be controlled by a feedback control having a temperature condition as a feedback value, in particular, a temperature in or at the end of the temperature reduction zone.
  • a valve may be assigned to each cooling medium inlet.
  • the valves are controlled independently of each other.
  • the valves may also be controlled dependent on each other, for example by proportionally setting their valve opening degrees.
  • only one valve may be provided for several cooling medium inlets, such that by means of a central valve the throughput of cooling medium through several inlets can be controlled.
  • a control means is provided, which is adapted such that the valves of the several subsequently arranged cooling medium inlets are controlled separately to enable a defined temperature gradient in the downstream direction of the temperature reduction zone. This allows a better and more precise control of the temperature gradient in the temperature reduction zone.
  • the control means allows adapting the apparatus to different throughput quantities of the product.
  • the control means controls the valve in accordance with the required temperature at the end of the temperature reduction zone, which may in particular be determined by a sensor.
  • the apparatus further comprises an expansion medium inlet.
  • the expansion medium inlet is in particular upstream of the product inlet, and more in particular upstream of the heater.
  • the expansion medium is steam, preferably super-heated steam.
  • further heat can be applied by the heater, such that the process gas becomes super-heated steam.
  • the steam may in particular replace the gas or air which is introduced in the system together with the tobacco. Therefore, some of the tail gas may be removed from the circulation of process gas before expansion medium is injected into the process gas.
  • the heater is arranged upstream the product inlet.
  • the product inlet may be arranged in the high temperature zone.
  • the heater heats the process gas to about 160 to 600 degrees Celsius, preferably to about 200 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the heater is heated to a temperature of about 220 to 1000 degrees Celsius.
  • the apparatus further comprises a product separation unit, in which the product is separated from the process gas.
  • the product separation unit may be a gravity operated product separation unit, in which the product falls under gravity, while the flow of the process gas is directed in another direction, in particular towards the top.
  • the flowing velocity of the process gas can be reduced in the product separation unit, in particular by increasing the diameter of the pipe or cylinder in the product separation unit.
  • Other possible product separation units which can be applied in embodiments of the invention include cyclone separation units or sieves.
  • the high temperature zone and the temperature reduction zone are arranged in a closed loop, with the product separation unit being arranged at a position downstream of the temperature reduction zone and the product inlet being arranged in the high temperature zone.
  • the expansion medium comprised in the process gas may be reused.
  • Temperature sensors are distributed at least along the temperature reduction zone.
  • the temperature sensors preferably provide an input signal in the form of the temperature of the process gas at several positions to the control means of the at least one valve of the at least one cooling medium inlet.
  • at least one temperature sensor is provided at the downstream end of the temperature reduction zone.
  • temperature sensors may be arranged before or after the cooling medium inlets. The signals of all temperature sensors may be provided to one control means, which accordingly bases the control also on the correlation of the temperatures.
  • pressure sensors can be provided in the apparatus according to the invention.
  • the apparatus can be controlled such that a pressure below ambient pressure is maintained in the high temperature zone to foster the expansion of the product.
  • the control means is adapted to control that the pressure in the high temperature zone is lower or at least not significantly higher than ambient pressure.
  • the product is conveyed by means of the flow of the process gas.
  • the product is in the form of small pieces, such that the process gas can apply sufficient force for the conveying of the product.
  • the process gas flows with a sufficiently high velocity through a pipe into which the product is inserted.
  • the product may be conveyed by an additional conveying means, such as a conveyor belt or the like.
  • the invention provides a tobacco product comprising tobacco processed by the method or apparatus according to the invention as specified beforehand.
  • the tobacco product is in particular cut filler tobacco.
  • the tobacco product may also be full or cut tobacco leaves or final products such as smoking articles, in particular cigarettes or cigars.
  • the tobacco product may be a tobacco containing product for a smoking device, which only heats but not burns the tobacco.
  • the tobacco product differs from expanded tobacco products in the prior art by having a higher expansion level.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • An expansion medium inlet 2 is arranged at the upstream pipe 1.
  • the expansion medium inlet 2 comprises in particular a controlled valve to adjust the amount of injected expansion medium.
  • the expansion medium is in particular replacing or diluting the process gas which is recycled in the process.
  • the expansion medium replaces gas or air which is brought into the process gas by the tobacco.
  • the upstream pipe 1 leads to a furnace or heat exchanger 3 in which the process gas can be heated.
  • the furnace or heat exchanger 3 may comprise a flue gas outlet 4 to divide flue gas from the process gas.
  • the heat exchanger 3 may use the heat of recycled process gas or tail gas to heat the process gas.
  • a heater 5 Downstream of the heat exchanger 3 a heater 5 may be provided downstream of the heat exchanger 3 .
  • the heater 5 may have a temperature of about 220 to 1000 degrees Celsius during operation and may heat the process gas from 160 to 600 degrees Celsius, preferably to 180 degrees Celsius.
  • the section downstream of the heat exchanger 3 or the heater 5 is a high temperature zone 6.
  • the high temperature zone 6 extends in particular in between the heating means 3, 5 and the cooling medium inlets 7.
  • a product inlet 8 is arranged in the high temperature zone 6.
  • the product inlet 8 is arranged at a substantially upstream position in the high temperature zone. More in particular, the product inlet 8 is arranged slightly downstream of the heater 5 or the heat exchanger 3 in the high temperature zone 6.
  • the product inlet 8 is adapted to continuously provide a controlled amount of starch containing product per time to the high temperature zone 6. This may obtained by providing a rotating drum as a dosage means in the product inlet 8, such that the amount of product can be controlled. When the product is subjected to the high temperature zone 6, an enhanced thermal shock occurs and the product is expanded. Apart from tobacco, other starch containing products may be expanded.
  • the product is exposed to extreme temperature, while the time of this exposure is limited by means of the length of the high temperature zone 6 and flow rate of the process gas therein.
  • a high heat transfer coefficient to the product is achieved by using super-heated process gas as the medium for heat transfer, in particular super-heated water steam.
  • Tobacco provided by the product inlet 7 is in particular cut tobacco, which may already be pretreated, such as by applying a casing, impregnation or steam.
  • the type, pressure, temperature and composition of the process gas may be controlled by means of the expansion medium inlet 2, the flue gas outlet 4, and the heat exchanger 3 and heater 5.
  • the tobacco fed through the product inlet 8 comprises at least about 7 to 8 weight percent of water. More preferably, 13 to 30 weight percent of moisture content in the tobacco are desired.
  • the moisture content is important regarding the expansion of the tobacco, as the sudden generation of steam in the starch is the main cause of the expansion of the starch in the tobacco.
  • Downstream of the high temperature zone 6 several cooling medium inlets 7 are provided in a temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the cooling medium inlets 7 are arranged subsequently in the temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the cooling medium inlets 7 comprise injection nozzles, which are provided directly in the pipe forming the temperature reduction zone 9, and flow control valves 10, which control the flow of cooling medium through each of the cooling medium inlets 7.
  • the cooling medium inlets 7 are adapted to inject a cooling medium.
  • the cooling medium is in particular a gas of a lower temperature than the process gas in the high temperature zone 6.
  • the process gas and the tobacco then flow into a reduced temperature zone 11, which is arranged downstream of a temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the duration of the exposure of the product to the high temperature medium as provided by the process gas is controlled by providing a set of cooling medium inlets 7, in particular in the form of injection nozzles, and a control means, such that cooling medium can be introduced to the mixture of process gas and product particles, in particular tobacco particles, in order to reduce their temperature.
  • the duration of the high temperature exposure can be freely established. This allows elevating the temperature to levels in the high temperature zone 6 which are not possible in the prior art without using expansion agents.
  • the tobacco can be exposed to extreme temperatures, which foster an expansion of the tobacco.
  • the temperature reduction zone 9 may be formed by a pipe, whose extension direction in the flow direction comprises at least a vertical component.
  • the pipe in the temperature reduction zone 9 may extend substantially in the upward vertical direction.
  • the flow of the product may be slightly slower than the flow of the process gas, which increases the time that the product is in the temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the flow control valves 10 are controlled to inject the cooling medium.
  • the cooling medium inlets 7 can be arranged in different configurations and positions to achieve the desired cooling effect. In the present embodiment, the cooling medium inlets 7 are arranged substantially equidistant along the pipe of the temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the reduced temperature zone 11 extends in the present embodiment in a substantially horizontal direction. Downstream of the reduced temperature zone 11 a product separation unit 12 is provided downstream of the reduced temperature zone 11 a product separation unit 12 is provided downstream of the reduced temperature zone 11 .
  • the product separation unit 12 is in particular a gravity operated product separation unit.
  • the product separation unit 12 may have the form of a cylinder in its upper region and of a cone in its lower region. At the lowermost position of the cone a product outlet 13 is provided.
  • the product outlet 13 may either be an opening, a closable opening or may comprise conveying means, such as rotatable drums to remove the processed product from the product separation unit 12.
  • the product separation unit 12 is connected in its upper region to a recirculation pipe 14.
  • the process gas in the recirculation pipe 14 has a temperature of about 140 degrees Celsius.
  • the flow of the process gas in the closed loop system of the apparatus is enabled by a pump or fan 15 provided in the recirculation pipe 14.
  • a tail gas outlet 16 is provided at the downstream end of the recirculation pipe 14 for removing parts of the process gas before other parts of the process gas flow into the upstream pipe 1.
  • the recirculation pipe 14 and the upstream pipe 1 may be integral.
  • the tail gas outlet 16 may be provided with a valve to control the outflow of tail gas.
  • one or several temperature sensors may be arranged.
  • the temperature sensor may enable a control of the temperature of the process gas and of the tobacco.
  • several temperature sensors may allow controlling a temperature profile throughout the apparatus, and in particular in the temperature reduction zone 9.
  • the temperature in the temperature reduction zone 9 may be determined by the type, temperature, volume, flow rate or droplet size of the cooling medium.
  • a pressure control may be implemented in the apparatus, comprising pressure sensors and accordingly controlling the fan or pump and the respective valves throughout the apparatus.
  • a balancing of the pressure or a control of the pressure can be obtained.
  • the duration of the high temperature exposure of the product can be controlled.
  • All aforementioned control parameters define the exit conditions of the product, in particular the expansion level of the tobacco, that is the percentage of volume gained of the tobacco, and the level of thermal shock.
  • process gas which may at least partially be recirculated, can be provided with expansion medium through an expansion medium inlet in an upstream pipe 1.
  • the process gas is heated by means of a heat exchanger 3 or a heater 5 or a heat exchanger 3 and a heater 5.
  • the heater 5 may in particular be an electrical heater.
  • the heater 5 may also be a heater through which a heating medium flows.
  • a product, in particular cut filler tobacco is provided through the product inlet 8 to the high temperature zone 9. Due to the moisture in the product and the starch content of the product, the thermal shock which occurs during the rapid temperature change of the product expands the product.
  • the product is fed through the product inlet 8 at a temperature significantly lower than the temperature in the high temperature zone 6.
  • the product is fed through the product inlet 8 at ambient temperature or even at a temperature lower than ambient temperature.
  • the product may also be preheated, in particular to a temperature slightly below the boiling point of water.
  • the product is conveyed by means of the process gas through the high temperature zone 6 until it reaches a temperature reduction zone 9, in which several subsequent cooling medium inlets 7 are provided.
  • cooling medium is injected into the temperature reduction zone 9, such that the temperature in temperature reduction zone 9 is rapidly lowered.
  • flow control valves are assigned to each of the cooling medium inlets 7.
  • the product reaches a reduced temperature zone 11 in which the temperature of the process gas has been significantly reduced. Due to the temperature reduction zone 9 in which the cooling medium quickly cools the process gas and product, the product can be subjected to higher temperatures in the high temperature zone 6 than in comparable prior art solutions.
  • the temperature shock is defined by the temperature difference in between the product before being fed through the product inlet 8 and the temperature in the high temperature zone 6.
  • the product would be subjected to high temperatures too long, it would degrade, which could lead to a change of taste, structure or appearance of the product, which is not desired.
  • the expanded product reaches together with the process gas a product separation unit, wherein it is separated from the process gas.
  • the process gas is recirculated through a recirculation pipe 14 to the upstream pipe 1, wherein parts of the process gas can be ejected from the system through a tail gas outlet 16.
  • a fan 15 is provided in recirculation pipe 14 to maintain the circulation of the process gas in the apparatus.
  • the fan 15 or any other circulation means is provided at another position in the apparatus.
  • the circulation means may be connected to a central control means. The flow of the process gas, the temperature and the cooling medium injection can be controlled by the central control means.

Landscapes

  • Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
  • Polysaccharides And Polysaccharide Derivatives (AREA)
  • Grain Derivatives (AREA)
  • Confectionery (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Verfahren zum Expandieren eines stärkehaltigen Produkts, die folgenden Schritte aufweisend:
    Aussetzen eines Produkts einem heißen, stromabwärts strömenden Prozessgas, sodass das Produkt mittels Wärmeschock expandiert wird, während das Produkt im Prozessgas in stromabwärtiger Richtung transportiert wird, wobei das Expansionsmedium nur Wasser ist; und
    Absenken der Temperatur des Prozessgases durch das Einspritzen eines Kühlmittels, während das Produkt weiterhin im Prozessgas transportiert wird,
    wobei die Temperatur des Prozessgases durch das Einspritzen des Kühlmittels an zumindest zwei stromabwärts gelegenen Stellen abgesenkt wird, sodass ein Temperaturgefälle in dem Prozessgas entlang der stromabwärtigen Richtung erhalten werden kann.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Produkt mittels des Prozessgases transportiert wird.
  3. Vorrichtung zum Expandieren eines stärkehaltigen Produkts, aufweisend:
    eine Heizvorrichtung (5), angepasst zur Erwärmung von Prozessgas;
    einen Produkteinlass (8);
    eine Hochtemperaturzone (6), in der das Produkt während des Transports expandiert wird, und
    eine Temperaturverringerungszone (9) stromabwärts der Hochtemperaturzone (6), wobei die Temperaturverringerungszone (9) zumindest einen Kühlmitteleinlass (7) aufweist, der so angepasst ist, dass er das Kühlmittel in das heiße Prozessgas einspritzt, sodass die Temperatur des das Produkt umgebenden Gases verringert wird, und
    wobei mehrere Kühlmitteleinlässe (7) in der Temperaturverringerungszone (9) stromabwärts nacheinander angeordnet sind,
    wobei der Kühlmitteleinlass (7) ein Ventil (10) aufweist, das angepasst ist, um die Menge des eingespritzten Kühlmittels einzustellen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    Temperatursensoren zumindest entlang der Temperaturverringerungszone (9) verteilt sind,
    die Vorrichtung ferner ein Regelungsmittel aufweist, das derart angepasst ist, dass die Ventile (10) der mehreren nacheinander angeordneten Kühlmitteleinlässe (7) getrennt geregelt werden, um ein definiertes Temperaturgefälle in stromabwärtiger Richtung der Temperaturverringerungszone (9) zu ermöglichen.
  4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, die ferner einen Einlass für ein Expansionsmedium (2) aufweist.
  5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 4, die ferner eine Produkttrenneinheit (12) aufweist, in der das Produkt von dem Prozessgas getrennt ist.
  6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Hochtemperaturzone (6) und die Temperaturverringerungszone (9) in einem geschlossenen Kreislauf angeordnet sind, wobei die Produkttrenneinheit (12) an einer Position stromabwärts von der Temperaturverringerungszone (9) angeordnet ist und der Produkteinlass (8) in der Hochtemperaturzone (6) angeordnet ist.
  7. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 6, die ferner zumindest einen Drucksensor und ein Druckregelungsmittel aufweist, das angepasst ist, um den Druck zumindest in der Hochtemperaturzone (6) zu regeln.
  8. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 7, wobei das Produkt mittels des Flusses des Prozessgases transportiert wird.
  9. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 8, wobei die Vorrichtung so angepasst ist, dass sie nur Wasser als Expansionsmedium verwendet.
EP13811796.5A 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes Active EP2934196B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13811796.5A EP2934196B1 (de) 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes
PL13811796T PL2934196T3 (pl) 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Sposób i urządzenie do ekspandowania produktu zawierającego skrobię

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12008494.2A EP2745716A1 (de) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Expansion eines stärkehaltigen Produktes
EP13811796.5A EP2934196B1 (de) 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes
PCT/EP2013/003835 WO2014095059A1 (en) 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Method and apparatus for expanding a product containing starch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2934196A1 EP2934196A1 (de) 2015-10-28
EP2934196B1 true EP2934196B1 (de) 2020-09-09

Family

ID=47665785

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12008494.2A Ceased EP2745716A1 (de) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Expansion eines stärkehaltigen Produktes
EP13811796.5A Active EP2934196B1 (de) 2012-12-20 2013-12-18 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12008494.2A Ceased EP2745716A1 (de) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Expansion eines stärkehaltigen Produktes

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (2) EP2745716A1 (de)
JP (1) JP6742094B2 (de)
KR (1) KR102247254B1 (de)
CN (1) CN104853627B (de)
AR (1) AR094162A1 (de)
BR (1) BR112015014485B1 (de)
PL (1) PL2934196T3 (de)
RU (1) RU2640980C2 (de)
WO (1) WO2014095059A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106031523B (zh) * 2015-03-18 2019-05-14 北京航天试验技术研究所 一种密封设置的烟丝浸渍膨胀系统
CN105935149B (zh) * 2016-06-29 2018-10-02 河南中烟工业有限责任公司 烟丝中低温co2膨胀工艺

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5379780A (en) * 1990-11-07 1995-01-10 Japan Tobacco Inc. Method and system for expanding tobacco

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3881498A (en) * 1971-01-27 1975-05-06 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg Apparatus for increasing the volume of moist tobacco
US3978867A (en) * 1971-01-27 1976-09-07 Hauni-Werke Korber & Co., Kg Apparatus for increasing the volume of moist tobacco
DE3130778C2 (de) * 1981-08-04 1985-09-19 B.A.T. Cigaretten-Fabriken Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg Verfahren zur Erhöhung der Füllfähigkeit von Tabak
DE3136842A1 (de) * 1981-09-16 1983-04-07 Tamag Basel AG, 4127 Birsfelden Verfahren zur volumenvergroesserung (puffing) von tabak und vorrichtung zur durchfuehrung des verfahrens
DE4117329A1 (de) * 1991-05-27 1992-12-03 Bat Cigarettenfab Gmbh Trocknungsverfahren zur fuellfaehigkeitssteigerung von tabakmaterial und vorrichtung zur durchfuehrung dieses verfahrens
US5582193A (en) * 1994-08-24 1996-12-10 Philip Morris Incorporated Method and apparatus for expanding tobacco
US6053174A (en) * 1996-09-23 2000-04-25 Tobacco Research And Development Institute Limited Method and apparatus for the enhancement of tobacco
GB9922746D0 (en) * 1999-09-24 1999-11-24 Rothmans International Ltd Tobacco processing
DE10046124C1 (de) * 2000-09-15 2002-07-04 Reemtsma H F & Ph Verfahren zur Verbesserung der Füllfähigkeit von Tabak
CN2465486Y (zh) * 2001-01-18 2001-12-19 常州市智思机械制造有限公司 叶丝高速膨化干燥机
CN1436495A (zh) * 2003-02-27 2003-08-20 江苏智思机械制造有限公司 叶丝快速膨化干燥方法
DE102005024975A1 (de) * 2005-05-25 2006-11-30 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Trocknen eines Tabakgutes
CN101473996A (zh) * 2008-01-01 2009-07-08 红塔烟草(集团)有限责任公司 一种膨胀烟丝的方法及用于该方法的设备
CN202222417U (zh) * 2011-09-23 2012-05-23 江苏智思机械集团有限公司 从烟丝中剔除梗签的设备

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5379780A (en) * 1990-11-07 1995-01-10 Japan Tobacco Inc. Method and system for expanding tobacco

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP6742094B2 (ja) 2020-08-19
EP2745716A1 (de) 2014-06-25
BR112015014485A2 (pt) 2017-07-11
WO2014095059A1 (en) 2014-06-26
JP2016500269A (ja) 2016-01-12
CN104853627A (zh) 2015-08-19
RU2640980C2 (ru) 2018-01-12
EP2934196A1 (de) 2015-10-28
CN104853627B (zh) 2017-12-12
KR102247254B1 (ko) 2021-05-04
KR20150095750A (ko) 2015-08-21
PL2934196T3 (pl) 2021-01-11
RU2015129519A (ru) 2017-01-25
BR112015014485B1 (pt) 2021-07-20
AR094162A1 (es) 2015-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JPH067138A (ja) タバコ材刻み補充料を膨脹させるための方法及び装置
CA1105344A (en) Tabacco drying process
US4407306A (en) Method for expanding tobacco with steam at high temperature and velocity
KR102652078B1 (ko) 담배 제품 제조 방법
AU2016269832A1 (en) Method and device for producing an expanded granulate
EP2934196B1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur expansion eines stärkehaltigen produktes
CA1160935A (en) Tobacco drying apparatus
US6779527B2 (en) Device for conditioning comminuted tobacco material
JPH02504469A (ja) ロータリシリンダ式ドライヤ
CN103610226A (zh) 一种用于烟草气流干燥的含水率控制方法
WO2012132008A1 (ja) たばこ原料の膨化方法およびその装置
JP2003299473A (ja) タバコの低滞留時間再乾燥方法及び装置
US20130098378A1 (en) Process for peparing a tobacco blend
KR20030030002A (ko) 담배의 충진량을 향상시키는 방법
US20080135057A1 (en) System for producing expanded tobacco
US4945930A (en) Apparatus for expanding and/or drying particulate material
CN101473996A (zh) 一种膨胀烟丝的方法及用于该方法的设备
WO1997024037A1 (en) Method and apparatus for processing of rice
JP5719924B2 (ja) たばこ原料の膨化装置
CN216292975U (zh) 一种具有冷却和加湿加料功能的气流烘丝机
NL7905357A (nl) Werkwijze voor het branden van koffie.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150331

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20190118

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200619

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1310441

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200915

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602013072426

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201209

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201210

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: VENI GMBH, CH

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1310441

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210111

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210109

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602013072426

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20201231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201218

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201231

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201231

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230529

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20231221

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231214

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20231218

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240101

Year of fee payment: 11