HU215700B - Apparatus for portioning of pre-heating tobacco in impregnating zone - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20 - 30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding preheated tobacco into an impregnation zone, which is provided with a pipe connected to the impregnation zone. In the last two decades, tobacco loosening has become an increasingly important part of the technological process of cigarette manufacturing. The purpose of the loosening processes is to restore the reduced bulk density and / or volume to its original value during tobacco fermentation and leaf storage. In addition, loose tobacco is also an important element in the production of low-tar or virtually tar-free cigarettes.

In practice, the loosening process described in US-A 3,524,451 (Applicant: Fredrickson) and US-A 3,524,452 (Applicant Moser et al.) Has proven to be very successful. The said patents disclose processes in which the tobacco is contacted with an impregnating component and then heated at high speed after the impregnation treatment, as a result of which the impregnating agent is evaporated and provides a structural repair of the tobacco. U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,937 (Applicant: Fredrickson et al.) Discloses a similar process which teaches that tobacco is contacted with vaporous organic material to loosen tobacco. The impregnated tobacco is then loosened by heating or reducing the pressure rapidly.

Carbon dioxide is also known for loosening tobacco, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,250 to Utsch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,729 to Burde et al., And U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,814. (Applicant Sykes et al.). In these and related processes, carbon dioxide, in gaseous or liquid form, is contacted with the tobacco, thereby impregnating it and processing the impregnated tobacco by rapid heating, resulting in the evaporation of the carbon dioxide and the improvement of the structure of the tobacco. Known carbon loosening processes typically require intensive heating of the tobacco so that the loosening is complete and constant. However, rapid heating has the detrimental consequence that, if not properly executed, it degrades the taste of the tobacco and can lead to the production of relatively large quantities of fibrous tobacco. Liquid carbon dioxide utilization processes for impregnation of tobacco also result in impregnated tobacco which forms solid blocks, which together form tobacco and dry ice, which must be compressed before heat treatment, which increases the cost and labor involved in the process.

US-A-4,388,932 (Applicant Merritt et al.) Describes a process for increasing the space-filling capacity of a pre-loosened tobacco structure. The pre-loosened ingredients, referred to herein as volatile at low temperatures, are heated to contain up to about 6% by weight of tobacco, thereby reducing the proportion of volatile ingredients to well below 3% by weight. The amount of ingredients known to be volatile at low temperatures is substantially equivalent to the moisture content since, at normal temperatures, the non-water components in tobacco are up to about 0.9% by weight that are considered volatile. The very low volatile tobacco is then removed from the post-loosening heating apparatus and restructured as it increases its moisture content. It is taught that this process results in less shrinkage of the tobacco structure during the reordering process than if no heat treatment was performed after loosening. As a result of the heat treatment, the structure of the tobacco stiffens, which is due to the fact that the rearrangement results in an improvement in the stability of the loose tobacco.

Another solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,531,529 to White and Conrad, according to which the tobacco to be processed is impregnated with a low boiling point and highly volatile expanding agent, such as a normal gaseous halogenated hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon, to increase its bulking capacity. under conditions that are above or near critical pressure and temperature of the expanding agent. After overpressure impregnation, the pressure is reduced very quickly to atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing the structure of the tobacco and eliminating the need for heating previously proposed for loosening or fixing the tobacco to its loose state. During non-removable in the art span in excess of about 3.6 to 10 ⁶ Pa (512 psi) such procedures, the residual pressure is applied. If the pressure is set approximately to, or greater than ⁶ bar (2000 psi) 142-10, with tobacco expansion without excessive fracturing. Pressures above this limit are generally not required. If the pressure of the expanding agent is raised to the required value for a period of about 1 to 10 minutes, the tobacco does not have to be held under substantially elevated pressure, and impregnation of the material is easily achieved.

U.S. Patent No. 4,554,932 to Conrad and White discloses a fluid pressure pressure apparatus for alternating (reciprocating) movement between a cylindrical tubular shell and an out-of-shell filling position and an inside-shell handling position. contains a winding unit. When the spindle assembly is located within the tubular shell, the deformable sealing rings carried in the annular recesses formed at its cylindrical ends are forced to move outwardly radially to form a seal between the inner surface of the shell and the spindle assembly to form a pressure vessel. Who. The system thus developed is capable of handling a variety of materials under high pressure, thus allowing impregnation of the tobacco, facilitating the introduction and removal of the material with minimal or no need for

EN 215 700 Β to deal with sealing and sealing problems, which are one of the major difficulties with high-pressure devices, as known pressure vessels are made with a large hinged lid where sealing and precise guiding always cause problems. Thus, this apparatus forms a pressure vessel which produces particularly advantageous results in terms of time and economy.

The above-described and similar structural repair procedures can only be carried out on portions of the tobacco if impregnation requires pressures well above atmospheric pressure. Batch treatment requires complicated equipment and increased cycle time as the pressure vessel must be closed and opened and the impregnating agent introduced and removed. Some improvement in performance can be achieved by improving the details of the equipment, and several suggestions have been made that do not produce the desired results. Thus, in the known batch processing methods, conventional techniques can only provide cycle reduction essentially by increasing the volume of individual systems and / or by increasing the number of batch processing systems used simultaneously.

On this basis, there is a need to improve the economics and performance of tobacco loosening processes and apparatuses used in the process. It is an object of the present invention to better meet this need.

It has been found that impregnation and structural loosening of the tobacco can be carried out under better conditions than before by using a preheated pressurized release agent, preferably propane, delivering the tobacco in preheated portions to the impregnating zone and / or treating the tobacco in a pressurized impregnation zone.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of significantly improving the productivity of tobacco loosening processes and apparatus while retaining the benefits of a high pressure material handling and impregnation system. According to the invention, in the case of a device for dispensing pre-heated tobacco with a pipe connected to an impregnation zone into the impregnation zone, it is essential that a tobacco conveyor, preferably pneumatic, is introduced into the pipeline, the conveyor being introduced into the A steam supply arrangement for the steam to the tobacco is provided, and a unit for transporting the steam heated tobacco into the impregnation zone is provided after the steam supply arrangement. It is highly desirable to further improve this by providing the device of the invention with a horizontally arranged metering line provided with an opening in the upper wall of the tobacco delivery unit, where the outlet passes into the tobacco processing impregnation zone, where an aperture formed in the upper wall of the feed line is provided with a corner stopper which clamps a portion of the tobacco into the horizontal portion of the feed line.

Preferably, the apertures formed in the dispensing line are provided with a dispensing tube, generally upright or near, which delivers a portion of the tobacco, allowing rapid delivery of the tobacco column, and units for accurately controlling the amount of tobacco transmitted by dividing the tobacco column. Such a unit is, for example, a dispenser which passes through the wall of the dispensing tube, which breaks down into thin branches which, by pushing through the dispensing tube wall, divide the tobacco column into an upper and a lower part while supporting the upper part. Below the distributor or similar hollow perforated tube, which may also be used for steam delivery, there is provided a blocking means for blocking the path of the tobacco column, e.g. The distributor can be inserted into the dispensing tube wall and pulled out of it. By pulling it out, the path of the tobacco portion above it becomes clear and can be introduced into the dispensing line via the blocking means. By adjusting the distance between the dispenser and the blocking device, the amount of tobacco can be controlled.

The moisture content of tobacco intended for loosening is not always appropriate for the technological process of loosening. In addition to preheating the tobacco, solving this problem is further facilitated by a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the vapor supply device is provided with hollow punched tubes and / or dispensing tubes in the tobacco contacting section of the vertical dispensing tube. are designed. The wetting and preheating tasks are particularly advantageous for further technological steps if the apparatus of the present invention is implemented in which the vapor delivery device delivers steam to the tobacco column at a level of at least about 52 ° below its upper level. Provided with perforated tubes and / or manifolds for heating to a temperature of from about 125 ° F (150 ° F) to about 66 ° C (150 ° F), where appropriate, at least about 38 ° C (100 ° F) and up to about 100 ° C (212 ° F).

The rapid introduction and easy adjustment of the tobacco dose allows the device of the invention to impregnate the tobacco effectively after preheating. Because preheating can be done quickly, the injected steam provides intensive heat transfer through the volume. The upward vapor itself heats the tobacco layers above it, thermally insulating the layers in the vapor inlet zone, which advantageously affects the heating efficiency.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a tobacco delivery pipe forming tube and a tobacco impregnation

A device for efficiently feeding a feed into a zone of 700 Β, wherein, in accordance with the present invention, the tube is formed with in-line feed lines extending to each side of the spool assembly between a first position defined between open ends of the feed lines and an impregnation position within a cylindrical container. an alternating movement spindle assembly is provided, the spindle assembly is closed with cylindrical closures at both ends, a connecting rod is passed through the cylindrical closures, wherein an annular pressure chamber is formed around the coupling rod within the cylindrical container wall and closures; a compression member engaging with a dose of tobacco for alternating movement between a position and an extended position, the extended position of which acts on the annular pressure chamber Further, the compression members are formed with semi-cylindrical locking surfaces, wherein the locking surfaces are defined to define a cylinder around the surface of the annular pressure chamber of the spindle assembly.

Particularly advantageous for practical use is the embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the feed lines have a tobacco inlet opening between the withdrawn position and the extended position, and a single port for compressing the tobacco dose into the openings. a hinge pin is fitted.

Compression can thus be effected by reciprocating motion, and portions of tobacco of various volumes and loose masses can be introduced into the impregnation zone without changing the dispensing arrangement. It is also particularly advantageous if, in the device according to the invention, the openings are connected to the openings by means of dispensing pipes equipped with a steam supply device for adjusting the tobacco temperature and, if necessary, its moisture content.

In the arrangement utilizing the devices of the invention, it is expedient to use a spindle assembly following a mechanical structure described in US-A 4,554,932 (Applicant Conrad and White) and a casing formed as a cylindrical receptacle receiving at least four or five machining minutes per minute. cycle. In order to ensure continuous and reliable operation, ie at least 3000 and more than 3600 machining cycles with twelve hours of use, it is desirable to design the device according to the invention in which the closures and the inner surface of the cylindrical container are impregnated with the between the spindle assembly and the cylindrical container and the closures, an elastic sealing ring is formed in the annular pressure chamber in the annular pressurization position of the spindle assembly in the annular pressure chamber. a passage forming an inlet inlet is provided, wherein the cross-section of the passage is selected for the very rapid delivery of the machining fluid into the annular pressure chamber.

Particularly good closure and machining conditions result from the implementation of the device according to the invention, wherein the spindle unit comprises two elastic sealing rings arranged in circular grooves in each of the closures, deforming the material of both elastic sealing rings radially outwards and clamping provided with means for forming an annular pressure chamber from the cylindrical container, closures and elastic sealing rings, and a sealing ring supported on said elastic material at least in one circumference of each of said cylindrical closures having at least one diameter greater than the closure and at least one side surface thereof. It is highly desirable that the locking ring and the resilient ring are disposed axially adjacent and in contact with one another and optionally improves mechanical strength if the resilient ring is preferably anchored in the annular trough formed on the surface of the closure, where both resilient sealing rings are generally a locking ring is disposed axially to its side surface and arranged in contact therewith. The locking rings are preferably provided with a surface made of a material of increased abrasion resistance, for example with a suitably chosen plastic material, and by protecting the inner surface of the cylindrical container by means of a larger diameter than the sealing element of the spindle unit. surface gap. With this arrangement, the material of the elastic sealing rings is protected from excessive stress, from the axial forces, which are extremely dangerous to their structural material and cause extreme deformation along their periphery, since they are absorbed by the locking rings.

In yet another very advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, in addition to applying sealing rings, a tobacco machining fluid inlet passageway is formed in the annular pressure impregnation position of the spindle unit into the annular compression wall of the cylindrical container. it is selected for very rapid delivery to the annular pressurized chamber and the passageway is provided with a blocking device which slows down the flow of solids to the volume of solids entering the passageway. This improves the efficiency of the impregnating arrangement formed from the spindle assembly and the cylindrical container, since the high pressure annular gas formed within the cylindrical vessel is well controlled for the introduction and discharge of the high pressure gaseous loosener. This is accomplished by increasing the cross-sectional area of the gas inlet passages and spouts between the interior of the cylindrical container and the spill, despite the presence of a blocking device which makes it difficult for tobacco powder to pass further.

A further development of the solutions outlined herein is the highly practical embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the passage receiving the blocking device is provided with a plurality of passageways which

The slit is arranged circumferentially in the wall of the container, and the blocking device is formed by a larger diameter inlet portion and a smaller diameter outlet portion, wherein the outlet portion is sized to accommodate particles of tobacco. It is also advantageous to implement this version of the device according to the invention by providing an external distribution conduit surrounding the inlet openings, which is adapted to simultaneously convey the fluid to be machined through the wall of the cylindrical container. Instead of the external manifold, it may be preferable to use a plurality of separate manifolds, which supply the high pressure gas to and from the inner space.

A very preferred further embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the inlet is provided with at least one opening larger than portions of the tobacco portion of cut tobacco, and the blocking element is effective in preventing the transport of solid particles, and their penetration into the spindle assembly. formed by an elongated wall having an outer surface greater than the diameter of the at least one orifice, the blocking member being interconnected longitudinally between the closure members of the spindle assembly, optionally providing a further improvement if the blocking member is at least one or is aligned. Also advantageous in this regard is the possibility of this embodiment, wherein the device according to the invention is provided with at least two enlarged diameter openings passing through the wall of the cylindrical container and a fluid distribution pipe for the processing of tobacco connected therewith to the outer surface of the increased diameter openings. .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to exemplary embodiments and embodiments. In the drawing it is

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the impregnating device according to the invention, showing partially operational positions in partial dashed lines;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for introducing and dispensing tobacco for use in the device of Figure 1, wherein the device is provided with feed pipes positioned vertically and horizontally aligned with the technological line of the device of Figure 1;

2A. Figure 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a tobacco compacting device with alternate movement connected to the horizontal lines of the dispenser of Figure 2,

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of line 3-3 of the device of Figure 2, where: a

The steam injection member associated with the device of Figure 2 is shown in cooperation with a tobacco column,

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 2, taken along line 4-4, in which another embodiment of a steam injection member cooperating with the device of Figure 2 is shown in another preferred embodiment;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 2, taken along lines 5-5, showing a preferred embodiment of a device for dividing a tobacco column cooperating with the metering tubes of the device of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the device of Figure 5, showing a lower portion of the dispensing tube of the device of Figure 2, and the brush-shaped units cooperating with the tobacco column sharing device of Figure 5; also illustrated by the

Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of Figure 2 showing a gas injection device, a tobacco column splitter, and a blocking member delivering a predetermined amount of tobacco to the impregnating, loosening device of Figure 1;

Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the spindle assembly and shell housing of the apparatus of Fig. 1, which provides sealing and abrasion rings associated with the closure members of the spindle assembly and a fluid distributed through the shell wall circumferentially to the impregnation zone; shows a series of inlets, a

8A. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 8, showing a preferred cross-sectional design of individual inlets formed on the wall of the shell housing;

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tobacco dryer loop on the outlet side of the impregnating and loosening apparatus of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid inlet arrangement for the spindle assembly and shell housing of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing the spool assembly in a position between loading and impregnation, and inlets on the shell housing wall; blocking members arranged in radial overlap on the spindle assembly with increased inlets,

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Figure 10, with the blocking members and the spindle assembly

EN 215 700 Β, blocking inlets through the shell housing, and blocking of the spindle assembly during movement of the shell housing,

Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a raised elongated blocking member of the arrangement shown in Figures 10 and 11,

Figure 13 is a graph of the structure relaxation processes of tobacco portions of different moisture contents and preheated to different temperatures.

In accordance with the present invention, various devices can be utilized in a variety of ways to utilize tobacco loosening technology. Hereinafter, these embodiments will be illustrated primarily by reference to the drawing, but are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments shown in the drawing and described in detail with reference to the drawing. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternative solutions, modifications, and equivalent measures are possible from the teachings herein, which are based upon the knowledge set forth below.

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus with devices according to the invention for impregnating a tobacco structurizer. This apparatus is essentially constructed in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,554,932 to Conrad, which provides a thorough description of most technological and structural details. While the immediate history of the present invention is set forth in this document, many of the details thereof are omitted from the detailed description of the invention, but this does not mean that the teachings of the present invention cannot be understood without knowledge of the said patent.

According to Fig. 1, an apparatus is provided in which tobacco is first received in a preparation zone 10, whereby its moisture content is raised to a level of at least about 16% by weight, preferably more than about 20% by weight. The elevated moisture tobacco is introduced from the preparation zone 10 into the injection zone 12, where it is preheated as described below, and then introduced into the alternating (reciprocating) spindle unit 16 and the shell casing of the high pressure fluid handling device.

The high pressure liquid handling device having a spindle unit 16 and a shell-shaped housing is provided with a pressure vessel defined by a cylindrical tank or housing 14 which provides guidance to the bottom spindle unit. The cylindrical container 14 and the spindle assembly 16 are preferably made of any structural material which is resistant to the stresses encountered herein, in particular steels are recommended for this purpose. The structure and dimensions of the cylindrical container 14 and the spindle assembly 16 must be selected in such a way that the pressure and temperature set during processing in the resulting pressure vessel cannot be damaged.

The spindle assembly 16 comprises a locking member 18 and a connecting rod 20. When the spindle assembly 16 is located within the cylindrical container 14 as shown in Figure 1, the closures 18 define, with the connecting rod 20 and the cylindrical container 14, an annular pressure chamber 22 which can be hermetically sealed in the apparatus. Its volume can be adjusted to your needs based on your options. The spindle unit 16 is arranged horizontally and is guided suitably for alternating movement between the loading position 24 and the landing position 26 as extreme positions. Between the loading position 24 and the unloading position 26, an impregnation position is formed in the position shown in Fig. 1, while in Fig. 1 the loading position 24 and the unloading position 26 are indicated by a dashed line. The spindle assembly 16 is axially coupled via a 28-axis shaft driven by a fast-acting hydraulic piston or similar drive unit (not shown). A portion of the shaft 28 is shown in Figure 1, thereby allowing the spindle assembly 16 to move between the three positions.

At the loading position 24, the spindle unit 16 is filled with tobacco - the details of this operation will be discussed later. The lower spindle unit is then moved to the impregnating position. The spindle unit 16 is closed at the impregnating position by the resilient sealing rings 30 of radially protruding elastic material within the cylindrical container 14, which are located in troughs 18 of matching cross-sections formed in the closures 18 forming both ends of the spindle unit 16. The structure and function of the elastic sealing rings 30 formed from the elastomer are described in more detail in connection with FIG.

As mentioned, the elastic sealing rings 30 are formed from a highly deformable elastomeric plastic such as vulcanized rubber and are connected via a conduit 32 to a container of hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid, such as vegetable oil, flows through the conduits 32 into the interior of the elastic sealing rings 30 when forced by the pressure conditions of the hydraulic reservoir 34. The hydraulic fluid passes through one hole in a coupling rod 36 at one end of the lower spindle assembly - illustrated in part by a partial cut-out of the coupling rod 36 - and connects to at least one end of the spool assembly 16. The hydraulic fluid, when introduced into the interior of the elastic sealing rings 30, causes them to gradually increase in volume, and as the increasing volume causes the elastic sealing rings 30 to be hermetically sealed to the connecting surfaces, the hermetically sealed annular chamber 22 is sealed.

In the wall of the cylindrical container 14 there are provided inlet and outlet passageways 42, whereby an inlet 38 is connected to the inlet and a gas line 40 is connected to the outlet, the function and construction of which will be discussed in connection with FIG. The passageways 42 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical container 14, illustrated in simplified form in Fig. 8, enlarged and with cross-section in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. Through the passages 42, high pressure fluid can be introduced into or removed from the annular pressure chamber 22 when the spindle assembly 16 is in the impregnation position. Connected to the passageways 42 is an annular space 44 which extends circumferentially into the cylindrical container

HU 215 700 Β passes the fluid introduced. The high-pressure fluid flows through the passages 42, through which they reach the filled tobacco, which is compressed around the connecting rod 20 of the spool assembly 16 and exits through the inlets and channels of the spool assembly 16 as shown below (FIG. 8). .

Rapidly operating valves 46 and 48 are connected to the annular pressure chamber 22 for rapid fluid inlet and outlet. The quick acting valves 46 and 48 are preferably ball-shaped, generally having an inlet or outlet diameter of about 12.7 (1/2 ") to 38.1 mm (1 1/2"). However, this size range is optional, depending on the size of the annular pressure chamber 22 as the impregnation zone, this diameter may be larger if an instantaneous introduction or discharge of the high pressure fluid medium is required. The quick-acting valves 46 and 48 for the annular pressure chamber 22 are preferably opened and closed by an automatic control system by means of the fast-acting hydraulic actuators (not shown).

On the inlet side of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the inlet 38, which transmits the high pressure gas, is connected to an intermediate container 50, which will be described in more detail below. Intermediate container 50 may be heated as needed, not shown in the drawing, and intended to maintain a suitable temperature of the fluid in the intermediate container 50. Intermediate reservoir 50 may be connected to a high pressure pump 54 and a preheating heater unit 52 to form a high pressure fluid under pressure of about 17.3 MPa (2500 psig). From the annular pressure chamber 22 as an impregnation zone, the gas is removed by a gas line 40 which, if necessary, conveys the high pressure medium to a gas recovery unit (not shown) where the recoverable fluid content of the fluid removed from the annular pressure chamber 22 is recovered.

The purpose of using the intermediate container 50 is to produce the high pressure fluid medium required for impregnation. From therein, the necessary loosening medium, such as propane, can be obtained at a high technology pressure of about 17.3 MPa and carried by the spindle unit 16 in the impregnation zone shown in FIG. The intermediate container 50 is formed with a cylindrical vessel 56 which is capable of withstanding the relatively high temperatures and high pressures required to process the tobacco. The lower and upper portions of the intermediate container 50 are provided with inlets 58 and 60, respectively, through which high pressure gases can be introduced.

At the inlet 58, a neutral high pressure gas, such as nitrogen, is introduced into the interior space, generally at a pressure of at least about 17.3 MPa as required by the pressure and temperature conditions inside the annular pressure chamber 22, and while fluidizing the release agent, such as propane, is also fed through the inlet 60 at elevated pressure, optionally at least about 17.3 MPa, to the second fluid zone 64 of the cylinder 56. The cylindrical vessel 56 is subject to temperature and pressure conditions such that both the fluid providing the pressure and the release agent are present at a temperature or pressure above or close to the critical value. Under these conditions, and if the pressurizing fluid medium is nitrogen and the release agent is propane, the gases may only escape in small amounts by diffusion into the first and second fluid zones 62, this process can be limited, so that the two fluids inside the the medium may be substantially completely separated from one another.

When the gas constituting the loosening agent is taken from the intermediate reservoir 50, the pressure is reduced, which is monitored by a sensing means not shown in the figure, and an appropriate control circuit ensures the high pressure pump 54 to be started, thereby immediately replenishing the intermediate reservoir 50 . The pressure sensor, which is not shown in the drawing, can be integrated integrally with either the intermediate tank 50 or the high pressure pump 54. The gas receiving intermediate container 50 is refilled with short cycles of from about 5 to about 30 seconds, and during the refill cycle, the arrangements of the invention hold the tobacco in the annular pressure chamber 22 of Figure 1 as an impregnation zone.

In Figure 1, arrows 65 show the level of loosener in the intermediate tank 50, which typically varies between a predetermined upper and also a predetermined lower level, depending on how the looser is taken from and through the high pressure pump 54. It is. The lower level is selected such that it is sufficiently far from the bottom level of the intermediate container 50 so that dispensing of the loosening agent does not result in dispensing of the fluid providing pressure. When selecting the lower level, we also keep in mind the prevention of the loss of loosening agent that may occur at the interface of the two fluid media. When gaseous propane and nitrogen are used, the lower level determined with the propane in the fluid state may conveniently be about 30 cm, although this is not a requirement and different size levels may be used depending on the size of the cylindrical vessel 56.

An LC level control arrangement can be coupled to the cylindrical vessel 56, which is capable of maintaining the level of the loosening agent to provide a level between the levels defined above. The LC level control arrangement is preferably based on sensing the fluid level of the fluid, but other principles may be useful if they provide for tracking the transition of the transition surface between the release agent and the fluid providing the pressure. Connected to the LC level control arrangement is a control system which is an integral part of the device according to the invention or can be separately connected thereto,

The system provides the delivery of both the release agent and the pressure fluid fluid, such as nitrogen, to the intermediate vessel 50, which is required to maintain the release level between a predetermined lower and upper limit.

Following the introduction of the lubricant, the LC level control arrangement senses a level change and delivers a portion of the lubricant to the intermediate reservoir 50 via the high pressure pump 54 until a specific upper level is reached, thereby achieving an upper pressure value. The upper pressure value is determined from the sum of the volumes of the volume between the intermediate container 50, the annular pressure chamber 22, the inlet portions 38 of the intermediate vessels 50 and the desired pressure to be set in the annular pressure chamber 22 as an impregnation zone. Since the pressure in the intermediate reservoir 50 is reduced due to the introduction of gas into the inlet 38 and subsequently into the impregnation zone defined by the annular pressure chamber 22, the upper pressure due to the increase in gas volume must be determined such that the gaseous relaxant 22 reach the pressure chamber at the predetermined pressure required for impregnation. Thus, if the working pressure is about 17.3 MPa, the upper pressure is set, for example, to about 18.7 MPa and up to 20.8 MPa.

During machining processes, a certain amount of fluid fluid is lost due to absorption and other processes. The absorption process also occurs due to the penetration into the release agent. Although the fluid transfer between the fluid media in the reservoir 50 is low and theoretically resolved to be substantially separated from one another, even with the smallest diffusion coefficients, the two fluid media in the intermediate reservoir 50 mix, with a small dose, as mixing is inevitable. However, in the tobacco loosening process, small amounts of fluid transferring the pressure have been shown to cause no disturbance. Preferably, the arrangement utilizing the devices of the present invention is provided with a system for recovering the release agent, which is used to remove the release agent after contact with the tobacco, thereby removing and removing the fluid transferring the pressure absorbed therein. It is generally not necessary to recover the fluid transferring the pressure enriched with the absorbed medium, but its presence is disadvantageous in that the amount of the laxative in the material stream is reduced due to the amount it leaves as a result of the absorption and thus the economic efficiency of the recovery process is impaired. The amount of fluid transferring the pressure absorbed by the laxative is an equilibrium characteristic that can be determined by the diffusivity of the two fluids based on the temperature and pressure of the intermediate reservoir 50, taking into account turbulent processes in the intermediate reservoir 50. value should not exceed 5% by weight.

A preferred embodiment of the intermediate container 50 is shown in Figure 1. Other devices are capable of delivering high-pressure, high-temperature loosener rapidly for high volume flow. A preferred possibility is a pressure vessel in which the relatively high density of the release agent is maintained in a supercritical state. When a relatively large amount of laxative is present in the pressure vessel, at least relative to the amount used in each machining cycle, the relatively small amount of flux leaving the pressure vessel causes only a slight change in internal pressure. Here's an example to illustrate this.

When propane is maintained at a pressure of about 19.07 MPa and a temperature of 149 ° C, its density is 380.5 kg / m ³ . At the same temperature, when the pressure is reduced to about 17.34 MPa, the density of propane is only 365.2 kg / m ³ . Accordingly, if the volume of the pressure vessel containing liquefied propane is 0.028 m ³ and the pressure at 149 ° C is 19.07 MPa, about 400 g of propane can be added at the same temperature without significant pressure change, since it is only 17, It is reduced to 34 MPa (10%).

The device for conveying a release agent of the present invention may also be provided as an intermediate container having a mechanical structure, such as the Metal Bellows Division of Parker Bertea Aerospace, Parker Hannfin Corp. (Moorpark, California, US).

Referring now to Figure 1, the pressure of propane introduced into the annular pressure chamber 22 as an impregnation zone is greater than 13.90 MPa, preferably between 17.3 and 20.8 MPa. In accordance with the present invention, it has been found that particularly short impregnation times of about 5 to about 15 seconds are sufficient to impregnate tobacco at such high pressures while increasing the tobacco filling capacity to the desired degree, optionally at least 50%. up to 100% and possibly up to 100%. The temperature of propane is generally suitably maintained above 138 ° C, the lower limit is generally around 149 ° C, the upper limit is selected to about 204 ° C, and temperatures between 149 ° C and 157 ° C appear most desirable. This provides the additional heat needed to heat the tobacco introduced into the annular pressure chamber 22 as an impregnation zone.

Figure 2 shows a device for dispensing and delivering tobacco associated with the arrangement shown in Figure 1. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the tobacco is processed in the form of leaf, strip, cigarette filler or cut tobacco, optionally in the form of husk and stalk, stripped leaves or strips cut and twisted in cigarette production.

HU 215 700 Β

The proposed apparatus is first and foremost suitable for processing cut tobacco and converts it into a starting material having the desired moisture content in 66 wetting units to produce at least 13 wt.%, Preferably at least 20 wt.%, Of tobacco. Properly wetted tobacco is fed from the wetting unit 66 through a pneumatic conveyor 68 into a dispenser 70. The dispenser 70 is preferably provided with two dispensing tubes 72 and 74 separated from one another. Each of the dispensing tubes 72 and 74 is arranged along a vertical or slightly different line, both preferably having a rectangular cross-section, and both are slightly increased or reduced in the direction of tobacco flow. Neither of these measures is exclusive, and both metering tubes 72 and 74 may also be formed as elements of other configurations, such as circular cross-sections. The tobacco conveyed in the pneumatic conveyor 68 enters the feeding device 70 into the feeding valve 76, which distributes the tobacco between the delivery pipes 72 and 74 as needed. Each of the valves known in the art for feeding solids can be used to provide the device shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a rotary valve 76 as a feed valve, which is provided with a plurality of passages. The operation of the feed valve 76 ensures that tobacco is introduced into the feed tube 72 and 74 in a column of substantially equal size. The vertical column of tobacco in each of the metering tubes 72 and 74 can be monitored by a height sensing unit 78. The height of the tobacco column is generally adjusted to a minimum of 0.90 m and preferably to a maximum of 1.2 m. If the height of the tobacco column falls below the desired limit in any of the metering tubes 72 and 74, the height sensing unit 78 adjusts the feed valve 76 so as to deliver more tobacco from the metering tubes 72 and 74 where the height is different from the desired value.

The tobacco tubes 72 and 74 are added to the tobacco and then steam-pretreated. This pre-treatment results in a further increase in the moisture content and further results in the pre-heating of the tobacco, which creates conditions for a further reduction of the cycle time for the impregnation units. As a result of the addition of moisture to the tobacco, loosening is carried out under more favorable conditions than before, and the bendability of the tobacco is improved. In the practice of the present invention, it has been found that the humidity of the tobacco introduced into the annular pressure chamber 22 as an impregnation zone is above 20 wt%, preferably between about 24 wt% and about 30 wt%, and preheating at least about 66 ° C. Raising it to C improves the efficiency of loosening operations. Thus, according to the invention, the tobacco is preferably subjected to both a wetting and a preheating operation by separately steaming the tobacco columns in the feed tubes 72 and 74. The advantage of steam heating is that it allows efficient and high-quality heat transfer while at the same time increasing the moisture content of the heat transfer medium. Because the tobacco is in contact with the steam in the feed pipe 72 and 74, the tobacco located above the steam inlet zone acts as an insulating medium in the feed pipe 72 and 74, slowing or stopping the flow of steam, thereby increasing the efficiency of steam utilization.

Steam is introduced into the metering tubes 72 and 74 in the zone below the upper level of the tobacco column being formed. For this purpose, a steam inlet 80 and a vapor inlet device 82 connected to the tobacco column below its upper level are shown in Figure 2, which will be described in more detail below. These structures can be powered by dry steam, which is created by external heating or superheating of pipelines and distributors, whereby condensation of steam is avoided by providing conditions for heating. In addition, the temperature of the dry steam introduced is selected by raising the temperature of the tobacco to a higher than ambient temperature, such as at least 52 ° C, and it has been found to be particularly advantageous to use temperatures above 66 ° C. Tests were generally conducted at temperatures above about 66 ° C and below 93 ° C.

Figures 3 and 4 show the vapor inlet 80 and the vapor inlet apparatus 82 connected to the dosing tubes 72 and 74, respectively. Figure 3 illustrates the vapor inlet 80 in line 3-3 of the device of Figure 2. The steam is conveyed by conduits 84 to an external distributor 86 which surrounds the dispensing tube 72. The outer distributor 86 is spaced apart from the outer wall of the dispensing tube 72 to form an inner closed annular space 88. This space carries the added steam. The outer distributor 86 passes through the interior of the dosing tube 72 through inlets 90 formed on opposed surfaces of the dosing tube 72. The steam passing through the inlets 90 penetrates the tobacco column in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows a vapor supply device 82, in a preferred embodiment thereof. It is also used to inject steam into the tobacco column. The vapor delivery device 82 shown in Figure 4 is a fork device formed by a hollow bridge 92 supporting a hollow perforated tube 94 and penetrating into the tobacco. The vapor supply device 82 is horizontally disposed and alternates between a first position designated outside the dispensing pipe 72 or 74 and a second position designated therein. The alternating motion of the steam supply means 82 is provided by a hydraulic piston or other drive means axially connected thereto, causing the steam supply means 82 to move between said first and second positions. Upon insertion, the perforated tubing 94 enters the interior of the tobacco column and is capable of releasing steam in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4. When the perforated hollow tubes 94 are pushed into the tobacco column, steam is passed through line 96 into the hollow bypass 92 and is then passed through the perforated hollow tubes 94. The 94 hollow punched tube9

HU 215 700 Β of steam passes through the 98 openings in the tobacco, as shown by arrows in the figure.

While reference is made to the use of the two vapor inlet arrangements described above in Figure 2, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and generally that the specific construction of the vapor inlet arrangement, similar to either vapor inlet 80 or vapor inlet 82, is of secondary importance. However, the simultaneous use of the two types of arrangement can be particularly advantageous because it makes it easier to inject steam into the entire volume of the tobacco column.

The vapor inlet arrangements used in the apparatus utilizing the devices of the present invention are conveniently positioned at a certain height of the dispensing tubes 72 and 74 so that substantially all of the steam is condensed before the tobacco column leaves, and the material is heated as it flows. As the steam releases its heat content, it condenses as moisture on the tobacco and serves to adjust the moisture content of the tobacco in its entirety.

After preheating the tobacco and adjusting its moisture content, it moves downwardly in the feed tube 72 and 74 and is collected in the feed lines 110 as a dose of tobacco 150, as shown in Figure 2. The dispensing tubes 72 and 74 are operatively coupled to a distributor 112 which divides the tobacco column as required. Like the hollow piercing tubes 94 of the steam supply device 82, the distributor member 112 engaging the tobacco column is guided in a horizontal alternating motion between a first position defined outside the tobacco column and a second position defined within the tobacco column.

A preferred embodiment of the distributor 112 is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 5, the distributing element 112 is deepened into tobacco and is connected to an operating rod 114 which is connected to a bridging 116 and distribution pipes 118. The latter are relatively short apart. As it moves between the first and second positions of the distributor 112, the tobacco column is divided into upper and lower portions, thereby separating a predetermined amount of tobacco from the lower portion of the tobacco column. When the distribution tubes 118 are introduced into the tobacco column through the apertures formed in the walls of the dispensing tubes 72 and 74, the tobacco portion above the distribution element 112 is supported on the distribution tubes 118. From this point of view, it is important that the distribution pipes 118 are relatively small, generally 6-8 mm apart, preferably not more than 12-13 mm apart. The tobacco below the level of the distribution pipes 118, after separation, enters the feed line 110.

The distributor 112 with distribution pipes 118 is preferably arranged at different height levels. Vertical positioning is provided by suitable openings. Fig. 7 shows a series of heights H which designate preferred positions of the distributor 112. In this way, the height of the tobacco column moving in the dispensing tube 72 or 74 can be adjusted in a flexible manner, while simultaneously controlling the amount of tobacco entering the dispensing lines 110. In fact, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the lower part of the tobacco column can be adjusted.

The distribution tubes 118 used in the dispensing element 112 can access the tobacco column through a series of vertically arranged slots. These slots are formed, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the same layout as the manifolds 118 in the two-layer portion of the metering tube wall 72 and 74. Fig. 6 shows a relatively long first outer sidewall 120 with vertical notches 122, against which an inner sidewall 124 shown in Fig. 6 is partially incised. Space is provided between the first outer sidewall 120 and the inner sidewall 124, while the inner sidewall 124 is provided with vertical notches 126 which are aligned with the vertical notches 122 and include a series of horizontal brush plates 128. Preferably, the first outer sidewall 120 is provided with a plurality of brushes 130. The double wall structure serves as a container for receiving tobacco particles adhering to the distribution tubes 118 when the distribution element 112 is withdrawn from the tobacco column. The horizontal brush plate 128 and the brush 130 serve to remove tobacco deposits on the distribution pipes 118. When the latter are pulled out of the tobacco column into a position outside the first outer sidewall 120, they contact two rows of horizontal brush plates 128 and brushes 130, leaving the tobacco particles for intense scraping and into the opening 132 defined by the double wall system. The tobacco particles travel downwardly within the opening 132 and are eventually removed through passageways 134 from the space between the two walls.

Preferably, a blocking or blocking member 140 is formed in the form of a rotary valve with the lower portion of the dosing tubes 72 and 74. The rotary valve 140 contacts the tobacco column at a vertical level below the dispenser 112 and provides support for the tobacco column when the dispenser 112 is withdrawn from the dispensing tube 72 or 74. The rotary valve 140 is detachable from the tobacco column and the tobacco in the lower part of the column is then introduced from the zone below the level of the distributor 112 into the feed line 110.

The rotary valve 140 is preferably constructed as an airlock system blocking element. Airlock rotary valves are well known in the art and it is desirable to use a version which operates without a rotor blade as it can intermittently receive and dispense a portion of tobacco as shown in Figure 7. The rotary valve without a rotor blade is incorporated in a housing 142 which has a pivotable compartment 144 therein. The multi-blade 140 rotor valve is also well suited for use by one skilled in the art.

EN 215 700 Β obviously the rotary valve 140 can be selected according to the requirements.

Figure 7 shows the rotary valve 140 in its depressed position supporting the tobacco column. When a further portion of tobacco 150 is required to be removed from the bottom of the tobacco column, the dispensing element 112 is lowered through the wall of the dispensing tube 72 or 74 into the tobacco column and rotated by rotating valve 140 as an inhibitory element. In this way, the compartment 144 previously closed on its upper level is inverted, its open end 146 is exposed to the top and contacts and travels with a column of tobacco. In this position, the compartment 144 is saturated with tobacco, and a further rotation of 180 ° ensures that the desired volume of tobacco portion 150 falls into the dispensing line 110. The use of the airlock rotary valve 140 as a blocking member is thus a very advantageous solution because, in its distribution position, as shown in Figure 7, the tobacco column is closed and supported at the same time, thereby creating a 148 gasket space and a tobacco column. The impregnation zone, i.e. between the annular pressure chamber 22, closes the path of the release agent.

The device for delivering 150 portions of tobacco according to the present invention has several advantages. The amount of tobacco added to the impregnation zone can be easily and precisely controlled. The dispensing elements 112 can be arranged in a plurality of different vertical levels so that after calibration, the desired different dosages of tobacco 150 can be prepared for impregnation. Using the dispensing tubes 72 and 74, the tobacco portion 150 can be uniformly distributed over the volume of the dispensing line 110, and the portion of tobacco portion 150 can be delivered simply and quickly, and the tobacco portions 150 can be reliably delivered to the impregnation zone.

Figure 2 also illustrates the transport of a portion of tobacco 150. As shown in the figure, a certain amount of tobacco is fed to the feed line 110, from where it can be introduced into the spool assembly 16 of the impregnation arrangement. As shown in Figure 2, the tobacco portions 150 are simultaneously pressed from both sides to the spindle assembly 16 in a loading position 24 (Fig. 1), using opposed semi-cylindrical recesses 152. The compression members 152 are cross-sectional to the wall of the feed line 110 and have an internal semi-cylindrical opening for transferring the tobacco portion 150. Each of the compression members 152 performs an alternate movement and pushes the tobacco portion 150 into the interior of the feeding line 110. Particularly advantageous is the rectangular, optionally square cross-section of the feed line 110, while the compression members 152 and the mating surfaces thereof must be made of a material which is resistant to friction, since the compression members 152 move rapidly and very frequently in the feed line 110. . As a structural material, hardened aluminum proved to be very favorable. 2A. It is also shown that the compression member 152, which simultaneously functions as a conveyor, can be fitted with its upper and lower surfaces into a hard plastic sleeve 154, which ensures that the outer surface of the compression member 152 and the the inner surface of the inlet duct should not be worn, and the compression element 152 may not be trapped due to any solids that may enter therein. The base of the compression member 152 is, for example, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) supplied by ICI America and RTP Co.

Each of the compression members 152 is connected to a rod 156 and the rods 156 are guided in hydraulic pistons 157. Of course, alternate movement of the rods 156 and the compression members 152 therewith may be provided by other guides that can move the compression member 152 in an alternate manner (back and forth) between the retracted and advanced positions. The tobacco portions 150 are formed from tobacco entering the feed line 110 through the opening 158, wherein the opening 158 is formed substantially along its entire diameter in the upper wall of the supply line 110 and is positioned between the forward and retracted positions of the compression member 152. As mentioned above, an aperture 160 is connected to aperture 158 which is capable of closing aperture 158 and squeezing the tobacco portion 150 prior to positioning in the dispensing line 110 during closing. This compression position is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 2. The feed line 110 comprises a blocking member 162 which may be formed of thin tubes and is intended to separate this feed portion from the impregnation device. The blocking members 162, as shown in Figure 2, are movable in a vertical direction so as to open and close the feed line 110. Their first position, when the feed line 110 is an open passage, is defined outside the surface of the feed line 110, while in its blocking position, the cross section of the feed lines 110 is closed to such an extent that tobacco cannot close the feed line 110 exhaust air flow.

The tobacco portion 150 is conveyed to the spool assembly 16 by conveying the tobacco portion 150 formed from the tobacco exiting the rotary valve 140 through the opening 158 into the feeding line 110. The blocking elements 162 are then slid into the inner space of the feed line 110 and rotated downwardly by the angular pin 160, thereby closing the opening 158 to compress the tobacco portion 150 and hold it in position if necessary. The semi-cylindrical surfaces of the compression member 152 are then displaced within the feed line 110 and reach their advanced position. This causes the tobacco portion 150 to be displaced horizontally inside the dispensing line 110 and with the semi-cylindrical surface, the tobacco portion 150 is clamped to the surface of the spindle unit 16 and then the blocking member 162 is removed from its locking position. The opposed cylindrical surfaces of the opposing compression members 152 extend in an extended position around the coupling rod 20 to form a sealed shell surface at the spindle assembly 16 so that the compressed portions of tobacco 150

EN 215 700 Β, while the spindle unit 16 moves into the impregnating position as shown below. The cylindrical shell formed by the clamping elements 152 may also be defined in part by longitudinal frames (not shown) arranged along the longitudinal axis of the spindle assembly 16. The proposed frames, not shown in the figure, are preferably configured to fit the semicylindrical surfaces in the forward position of the compression members 152 and create a cylindrical space around the compressed tobacco portion 150 together with the semicylindrical surfaces. Obviously, in this case, the surface of the compression members 152 is not a complete semicircular shape.

After filling the tobacco portions 150, the spool assembly 16 is moved to the impregnation position shown in Figures 1 and 8, when the elastic sealing rings 30 disposed on the surface of the closure members 18 of the spool assembly are radially connected to the conduit 32 to increase their cross-sectional area. Clamped to the inner surface of the cylindrical container 14 and the closures 18, a ring pressure chamber 22 is formed which is sealed tightly. Preferably, the elastic sealing rings 30 are cured or otherwise bonded in recesses formed on the surface of the closures 18. In the connection zone between the elastomeric sealing rings 30 and the conduits 32, a deformable plate 153 is formed, which may optionally be formed as a strip, the presence of which causes the flexible sealing rings 30 not to be attached thereto and thereby expand outward due to pressure increase. .

As mentioned above, the sealing rings 30 are located in a circular recess on the surface of the closures 18 facing the inner wall of the cylindrical container 14. This recess may also be formed by providing at least one locking ring 160 'in a portion separate from the portion receiving the elastic sealing ring 30. The locking ring 160 'is suitable for both reducing friction and scraping off material deposited on the inner surface and is preferably arranged in contact with the elastic sealing ring 30. The circumference of the locking rings 160 'is larger than the circumference of the closure member 18 of the spindle assembly 16, thus filling the annular space or gap between the spool assembly 16 and the inner wall of the cylindrical container 14. By reducing the size of the gap, the material of the elastic sealing ring 30 is supported axially more efficiently in performing the sealing function than if the sealing ring 160 'was not used. As a result, deformation processes that damage the material of the elastic sealing ring 30 can be limited, the material of the elastic sealing ring 30 cannot slide or extrude into the space between the closure member 18 and the inner wall of the cylindrical container 14.

Each of the elastic sealing rings 30 is preferably supported on each side by a sealing ring 160 ', thereby providing a solid guide on the closure 18 of the spindle assembly 16. The locking rings 160 'are thus formed in the axial direction at and on both faces of the elastic sealing rings 30. Incidentally, the sealing ring 160 'may be coupled in its material to the elastic sealing ring 30 by welding, gluing, vulcanization, or other methods commonly used in the art and materials.

Figure 8 also illustrates an advantageous embodiment of passage 42. The passages 42 are, as mentioned, connected to the inlet 38 at the inlet and to the gas line 40 at the outlet, which are suitable for conveying high-pressure gas and thus the release agent. The free passage 42 of the passage 42 is preferably formed of plate-shaped passageways 42 ', where the plate forms an integral part of the wall of the cylindrical container 14. Through the orifices 42 ', the pressurized fluid can be introduced into the annular pressure chamber 22 in the impregnation position occupied by the spool assembly 16 and effectively removed therefrom. The through openings 42 'are preferably located along the axes marked with the diameter of the cylindrical container 14, optionally at an angle and having a decreasing diameter from the outside to the inside. As in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4B, the passageways 42 'have an outlet portion 43 of reduced diameter at the outer surface of the cylindrical container 14, which is designed to influence flow conditions such that tobacco particles released from the tobacco portion 150 cannot enter the passageways 42.

The cylindrical container 14 is surrounded by an outer tube distributor 45 which forms an annular space relative to the passageways 42. The passageways 42 are fitted with circular grooves 162 'formed in the closure member 18 of the spindle assembly 16 and connected via grooves 170 on the surface of the connecting rod 20 through radial channels 164 and axial channels 166. The high pressure fluid fluid introduced through the inlet 38 flows through the passages 42 into the radial channels 164 and 166 and reaches the grooves 170 therethrough. Here, the fluid enters the tobacco formed from the tobacco portion 150 and, in the annular pressure chamber 22, comes into contact with compressed tobacco around the coupling bar 20 and then passes through the channels as shown by the arrows in FIG. In the vicinity of the connecting rod 20, one or more screen-like surfaces are formed as required, not shown, to prevent the tobacco from clogging the grooves 170.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for improving the efficiency of an impregnating arrangement consisting of a spindle unit 16 and a cylindrical container 14, wherein the efficiency is improved by the rate of high pressure medium delivery and high pressure relief to achieve it. Again, impregnation is accomplished by introducing gaseous loosening eyes into the annular pressure chamber 22 formed within the cylinder 14 and then relieving the overpressure. Referring to Figures 10 and 12, the proposed embodiment 12 is shown

The attachment is connected to the spool unit 16, the figure showing the spool unit 16 in the position between the loading position 24 and the impregnation position. Accordingly, the lower spindle unit is only partially located inside the cylindrical container 14 and partially outside. In this device, each passage 42 has an enlarged notch in the wall of the cylindrical container 14, i.e. having substantially the same cross-section as the openings of the quick acting valves 46 and 48, i.e. substantially without affecting the flow resistance during impregnation. All this allows to minimize the influence of the passages 42 on the flow of the loosening fluid, that is, the fluid of the loosening fluid can be fed to the annular pressure chamber 22 at a relatively high rate and removed therefrom relatively quickly.

The passageways 42 'provided in the passageways 42 are generally larger than the size of the tobacco particles released from the tobacco portion 150, i.e., the cut tobacco fibers cannot pass through them, 10, 11 and

12 illustrates the use of an input blocking element 260 having all the details. 5A, which prevents or minimizes tobacco entry into the larger diameter portions of the through holes 42 '. The inlet blocking members 260 form elongated body bodies having an outer surface 262 that is wider than the diameter of the passage opening 42 '. This is illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, where it can be clearly seen that the inlet blocking member 260 is longitudinally aligned with the circumference of the closure member 18 of the spindle assembly 16 and is aligned radially with a through opening 42 'in the wall of the cylinder. ).

Figure 11 shows that the input blocking members 260 are partially recessed into the connecting rod 20 of the spindle unit 16, forming a chamber in the spindle unit 16 capable of receiving tobacco. When the spool assembly 16 and its associated inlet blocking members 260 are moved within the cylindrical container 14, the inlet blocking members 260 are displaced by their displacement to block tobacco passages 42 'so that tobacco in the space defined by the spool assembly 16 to a larger diameter. Figures 11 and 12 show the exterior surface 262 in a configuration that is not in a straight plane but slightly curved to ensure that the inlet blocking member 260 fits into the inner surface of the cylindrical container 14. The lower portion of the input blocking member 260 preferably has a truncated cone cross section, which minimizes the amount of space that the tobacco can fill.

Two passageways 42 are formed in the wall of the cylindrical container 14 and a corresponding number of inlet blocking members 260 are formed around the spindle unit 16. In the vicinity of the cylindrical reservoir 14, as mentioned above, an outer tube distributor 45 is provided which defines an annular space that connects the passages 42 so that the release agent can be introduced through the distribution pipe 38 'and delivered to both passages 42. The loosening agent is removed via a distribution pipe 40 'and, after use, the remainder can be removed via both passages 42. These solutions help to increase the rate of feed and drain, and the release agent can be introduced into the impregnation space defined by the spindle unit 16 and the cylinder reservoir 14 at the desired rate and can be quickly drained from there to provide the required short cycle time.

Figure 1 shows that after introducing the loosening grains into the tobacco in the impregnation position, the compressed and impregnated tobacco portion 150 is maintained under impregnation conditions for a short period (cycle time). The short time limit is generally 1-2 seconds and the upper limit 20 seconds maximum. Subsequently, the pressure is reduced. The pressure drop is usually instantaneous and requires up to 1 s. The pressure transfer medium is discharged, for example, through a quick-acting valve 46 or 48, in which it has a large cross-sectional inlet and is thus capable of rapidly relieving pressure. The tobacco portion 150 at the impregnation position is preferably coupled to a pressure sensing unit that controls the inflation and release of hydraulic fluid from the elastic sealing rings 30 disposed on the closure members 18 of the spindle assembly 16 at a suitable overpressure such as 136 psig (5 psig). out control signal. For the elastic sealing rings 30, the pressure in the hydraulic fluid supply line 32 is monitored by a second sensor, not shown in the drawing. Before the pressure in the elastic sealing ring 30 reaches ambient pressure, for example, at 136 kPa, the second sensor actuates the hydraulic piston connected to the shaft 28, thereby moving the spindle assembly 16. In the next step, the spindle unit 16 moves to the unloading position 26, which occurs almost immediately, thereby releasing the tobacco portion 150 in an instantaneous process.

In the unloading position 26, a device (not shown), such as an oil-free compressor, is used to direct a fluid medium, such as high pressure air or nitrogen, to the spindle unit 16 as it moves to or from the unloading position. When the loosened tobacco is picked up at the unloading position 26, it loosens substantially immediately, as shown in Figure 1, and then enters a recovery passageway 172 from where it is conveyed by a conveyor 174. This conveyor 174 is, for example, a screw conveyor or the like. The set tobacco, which is relatively large, i.e. at least 13% moisture, is then fed into the drying zone 176 by means of the conveyor 174.

Figure 9 shows a further path of tobacco taken from the unloading position 26, which enters the conduit 178 in the drying zone 176 and encounters heated air moving in the opposite direction (upwards). The temperature of the heated air is generally conveniently below 177 ° C and heat 13

Preferably, the temperature is adjusted to between 93 ° C and 149 ° C. The tobacco passing through the drying zone 176 is maintained in contact with the hot air for as long as necessary to reduce its moisture content below 13% by weight, preferably between 6% and 12% by weight. The dried loosened tobacco is then introduced into a separation zone 180 where the fluid flows between the fluid and passes through the filter 182 or other separation unit to the recovery loop 184 through, for example, a cyclone separator.

The gas flowing in the recovery loop 184 is essentially nitrogen or other inert gas introduced into the interior of the gas supply zone 186. After the gas supply zone 186, gas passing through the frying unit 188, usually nitrogen, is passed through a fan 190 and this gas stream meets the smoke. From the recovery loop 184, a stream of flushing gas 192 is continuously removed and fed to a thermal oxidation zone where nitrogen mixed with propane is burned.

The tobacco leaving the 180 separation zones flows into an airlock space designated by rotary valves 194 and 196 and then enters a recovery zone 198. Rotary valves 194 and 196 serve to prevent propane from escaping from recovery zone 198. Therefore, the space between the rotary valves 194 and 196 is filled with a neutral gas such as nitrogen. As shown in Figure 2, nitrogen can be used in other areas of the proposed apparatus and arrangement for similar purposes. Figure 2 shows a safety passage 200 for this purpose, which is located in the lower part of the device, indicated by a dashed line in the drawing. The safety passage 200 serves to capture propane leaving the system during use. Nitrogen is continuously introduced into the system at various locations. Propane leaks from system leaks are therefore collected in 200 safety passages and transported to a thermal oxidation site for incineration.

Returning to the operation of drying zone 176, it is noted that the laxative is generally selected as propane, but other laxatives according to US-A 4,531,529 (Applicant White and Conrad) may be used for this purpose. In loosened tobacco, heating is no longer required to fix the structural state, but it has been found that tobacco with a relatively high moisture content can be loosened to a greater degree than its normal moisture content. However, it has also been found that high moisture tobacco may collapse and therefore loosening as such may be ineffective if the moisture content exceeds a certain limit. Therefore, a drying operation may be necessary to maintain the increased loosened state.

In the drying zone 176, the tobacco is dried relatively quickly after the loosening process, generally after a waiting time of up to about 5 minutes, but otherwise, after a waiting time of up to 1 minute, drying begins. Otherwise, there is no waiting time for drying after loosening, which can be started immediately. For example, a blower for unloading loose tobacco from the spool assembly 16 can already do this by blowing nitrogen at elevated temperature onto the tobacco and arranging a drying zone 176 immediately after the blower.

The effect of the moisture content on the tobacco loosening process is shown in the graphs of Figure 13, where the degree of tobacco loosening is shown at different levels of moisture content and different values of tobacco preheating. All graphs were recorded for tobacco which was integrated with propane at a pressure of about 17.35 MPa for 15 s and heated to about 149 ° C. Prior to expansion, the tobacco had a filling value map 450 cm ^3/100 g. As can be seen in Figure 13, when the moisture content is raised to 20% by weight, a significant improvement in loosening can be achieved, especially when the tobacco is heated to a temperature of 66 ° C before loosening, if appropriate.

When propane is used for impregnation, i.e. loosening, the amount of heat obtained from preheated propane and preheated tobacco is set in the impregnation zone defined by the annular pressure chamber 22 so that the impregnation can be carried out at a temperature substantially between 116 ° C and 132 ° C. Particularly favorable results were obtained with impregnation at a temperature of about 127 ° C. It has also been found that when the impregnation temperature is about 127 ° C, the pressure is about 17.35 MPa, the impregnation (loosening) time is up to 5 s, but optionally a shorter time is allowed if the required temperature is tobacco and using preheating of propane as a relaxant.

The degree of compaction of the tobacco, also called compression rate, for impregnation with a laxative is also an important factor in the loosening process. If the tobacco is compacted only 1.5: 1 by volume before loosening, positive results will be obtained. The value of the compression ratio is defined as the ratio of the initial volume of tobacco to that obtained by compaction. The pre-compression volume, i.e. the volume of the loose tobacco portion, is determined by placing the tobacco in a cube container to perform the necessary evaluations. For this purpose, the tobacco is poured into a container of known weight and the weight of the material poured is determined and then divided by the volume to give the bulk density of the loose tobacco. The loose volume of the tobacco portion 150 delivered to the spool unit 16 can then be determined by calculation based on the weight of tobacco introduced and the volume density determined. The volume corresponding to the loose volume of the tobacco portion 150 is then divided by the volume of the tobacco portion 150 obtained by compression, i.e. the volume represented by the space available for impregnation, thereby obtaining the degree of compression. Values are plotted against moisture or corrected as needed for each of the 150 tobacco portions entering the impregnation zone. If the annular pressure chamber 22 in the spindle assembly 16 is provided for impregnation14

HU 215 700 Β has 410 cm ^{3 of} tooth and 820 cm ³ in loose state, the compression rate is 2: 1 at the given dose of 150 tobacco.

In the proposed arrangement, the aforementioned compression ratio is optional, and may even be advantageous if it is greater than 2: 1, up to 3: 1 or more. Of course, as the tobacco is compacted, the bulk density increases, so that a relatively large amount of tobacco can be introduced into the impregnation zone, which has a much higher density than loose materials. It will be appreciated and well known to those skilled in the art that the bulk density of loose tobacco may vary within wide limits, depending on whether the tobacco is used in the form of leaf or cut. The type and moisture content of tobacco are also important factors, among other factors. The bulk density in the practice of the present invention was set between 320 and 570 kg / m ^{3 with} respect to a moisture content of 12 wt.%, Thereby obtaining said cycle times. If the bulk density is increased, the cycle time must be slightly increased to achieve the same degree of relaxation, but bulk densities of between 400 kg / m ³ and 450 kg / m ³ are commonly used when testing the present invention at a moisture content of 12 wt% or more. they proved the correctness of the presented principles, in that the impregnation times were always below 20 s and the bulk density increased by 50-100% as a result of loosening.

The graph in Figure 14 illustrates how the degree of loosening can be adjusted based on the density of the tobacco prepared for impregnation and the impregnation time. By impregnating portions of the tobacco with a moisture content of 27% by weight and treated with propane,

The results obtained under the conditions shown in Figure 13 are summarized. The duration of impregnation varied between 4 s and 20 s. At baseline, loose tobacco having a moisture content of 12% by weight and a density of about 100 kg / m ^{3 was} compacted to 320, 400, 480 and 570 kg / m ³ , respectively, for a density of 12% by weight or relative. The graphs in Fig. 14 show that the degree of loosening increases with impregnation time and decreasing tobacco compression rate. Excellent loosening is achieved even at high bulk densities, whereby the impregnation time remains below 10 s.

Figure 15 shows the flexibility of the loosening processes implemented in the arrangement using the devices of the invention and in accordance with the proposed method. The graph summarizes data on various loosening processes and shows the hourly rate of tobacco volume increase in m ³ / h.

1, as a function of impregnation time and tobacco compression rate. The data were found on the basis of 650 cm ³ volume impregnation space when the method of the invention is continuously operated at the cycle times shown. From the data, and generally, it is evident that the process and the devices are more productive, the shorter the cycle time and the greater the compression of the tobacco. Figure 15 shows that the hourly increase in tobacco volume is greatest when the cycle time is short and the degree of compression is high. This is true even with high fertility, although not all doses of tobacco have achieved the degree of loosening that can be expected with lower densities and / or longer cycle times. Accordingly, the present invention provides for the implementation of flexible technologies in which the degree of tobacco loosening and productivity can be matched within wide limits.

In the foregoing, the tobacco loosening process, the proposed apparatuses, using propane as the loosening impregnating agent, have been described, and the impregnation temperature and pressure conditions have been determined at or above the critical temperature, and optionally higher than the critical. However, there are several variants of the suggested devices, which we have not discussed above. Thus, for example, there may be no need to recover a laxative such as propane, and may be incinerated after use. The various tobacco loosening methods may be expediently supplemented in accordance with the principles presented herein, and existing equipment may be modified or modified. In particular, the present invention provides solutions and devices for high-density, supercritical-temperature release agents and short impregnation times, but this does not mean that release agents, technological conditions and devices with different parameters are not applicable.

The bulk density of the tobacco was measured using an electronically controlled automatic measuring device, conventionally known in the art, wherein a rigid piston of 9.2 cm in diameter was placed in a cylinder of suitable size to exert a pressure of 17.9 kPa on the tobacco sample. Measurements have been made to simulate the conditions under which tobacco is placed in the technological processes used in a cigarette making machine. Incidentally, a tobacco sample weighing 50 g was added to the cylinder. For the tests, a sample of 100 g of loose tobacco was generally prepared.

The moisture content of the tobacco-containing samples was determined by removing 100 g of tobacco, placing it in a perforated metal basket and placing the basket in a forced air oven at 93 ° C for 3 minutes. Before and after placing in the oven, the weight of the basket containing tobacco was weighed and the percentage weight loss due to the loss of tobacco was due to the decrease in moisture content and thus converted to the starting weight of the tobacco.

The invention has been described above with reference to some very convenient embodiments. However, they are only

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION By way of guidance, a person skilled in the art will be able to create many other embodiments, based on the knowledge of one skilled in the art, in which he may draw upon the knowledge described and illustrated above and as defined in the claims.

Claims (19)

PATENT CLAIMS Apparatus for dispensing pre-heated tobacco into an impregnation zone, which is provided with a conduit connected to the impregnation zone, characterized in that a tobacco conduit (68), preferably pneumatically conveying tobacco, is inserted in the conduit into the impregnation zone. provided with a dispenser, after which a vapor supply arrangement (82) for supplying steam to the tobacco is provided, and after the vapor supply arrangement (82), a unit for conveying the heated tobacco to the impregnation zone. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper wall of the tobacco delivery unit is formed with a horizontally arranged feeding line (110) with an opening (158), wherein the outlet of the feeding line reaches into the tobacco processing impregnation zone. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that an opening (158) in the upper wall of the feeding line (110) is fitted with a hinge pin (162) which clamps a portion of the tobacco into the horizontal section of the feeding line (110). (Priority: June 14, 1993) 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vapor delivery device (82) is formed in the tobacco contacting section through a plurality of apertures (98) defined by hollow punched tubes (94) and / or manifolds (118). . (Priority: June 14, 1993) 5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vapor supply device (82) is provided with piercing tubes (94) and / or distribution pipes (118) for supplying steam to a temperature of at least 52 ° C (125 ° F). (Priority: December 6, 1993) 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vapor supply device (82) is provided with piercing tubes (94) and / or distribution pipes (118) for supplying steam to heat the tobacco to a temperature of at least 66 ° C (150 ° F). . (Priority: December 6, 1993) Apparatus for dispensing tobacco into an impregnation zone formed by a tube for conveying tobacco into the dispensing zone (12), characterized in that the tube is formed by a line of opposed feed lines (110) extending to each side of the spindle assembly. a spindle assembly (16) alternating between said first position between said open ends of said conduits (110) and said impregnation position within said cylindrical container (14), said spindle assembly (16) being closed by cylindrical closures (18) at both ends; a connecting rod (20) guided through the cylindrical closures (18), wherein an annular pressure chamber (22) delimited by the wall of the cylindrical container (14) and the closures (18) is formed around the connecting rod (20). with a dose of tobacco alternating between the withdrawn position and the extended position Each of the compression elements (152) in contact with each other (150) is provided with its extended position at the periphery of the annular pressure chamber (22), and the compression elements (152) are formed with semi-cylindrical locking surfaces, 16) are cylindrically defined around the surface of the annular pressure chamber (22). (Priority: December 6, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the tobacco conduits (110) have a tobacco opening (158) between the withdrawn position and the extended position, and the tobacco portion (150) for the apertures (158). ) and a corner pin closure (160) is inserted into each of the compression and feed lines (110). (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the apertures (158) are connected to dispensing tubes provided with a steam supply device (82) for adjusting the tobacco temperature and, if necessary, the moisture content. (Priority: December 6, 1993) 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at the impregnation position of the closure members (18) of the spindle assembly (16), the space between the closure members (18) and the inner surface of the cylindrical container (14) is hermetically sealed. an elastic sealing ring (30) forming a ring pressure chamber (22) formed from the cylindrical container (14) and the closure elements (18), the annular pressure chamber (22) in the wall of the cylindrical container (14) 16) in its impregnation position, a tobacco processing fluid inlet passageway (42) is provided, wherein the cross-section of the passage (42) is selected for very rapid delivery of the machining fluid to the annular pressure chamber (22); 42) blocking device for slowing down the flow of solids to limit the amount of solid entering the passage (42) is provided. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the passage (42) is provided with a plurality of passageways (42 ') arranged circumferentially in the wall of the cylindrical container (14) and forming the blocking structure with a larger diameter. an inlet portion and a smaller diameter outlet portion (43), wherein the dimensions of the outlet portion (43) are adapted to hold particles of tobacco portion (150). (Priority: June 14, 1993) HU 215 700 Β Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the inlet openings (42 ') are provided with an outer distribution pipe (40') which is arranged to pass simultaneously the fluid for machining through the wall of the cylindrical container (14). (Priority: June 14, 1993) 13. A 10-12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid inlet passage (42) is provided with at least one passage opening (42 ') of diameter greater than portions of the cut tobacco portion (150) and the blocking member (162) has at least one elongated wall. formed with an outer surface which is wider than the diameter of the passage opening (42 ') or openings (42') of the passage (42), the blocking member (162) is connected longitudinally between the closing members (18) of the spindle assembly. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the blocking element (162) is aligned radially with the through opening (42 ') or the openings (42') of the fluid inlet passage (42). (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to Claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a distribution pipe (40 ') for passing through the wall of the cylindrical container (14) with at least two enlarged diameter openings and a fluid pipe (40') for connecting the outer openings of the increased diameter openings. ). (Priority: June 14, 1993) 16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spool assembly (16) comprises two elastic sealing rings (30) arranged in circular grooves in each of the closures (18), radially outwardly deforming the material of the elastic sealing ring (30). in position, clamped to the wall of the cylindrical container (14) and provided with means for forming an annular pressure chamber (22) of the cylindrical container (14), the closures (18) and the elastic sealing rings (30) and the cylindrical closures (18) each having at least one locking ring (160 ') supported on the elastic ring (30) having at least one diameter larger than the closure member (18) and at least one side surface thereof. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the locking ring (160 ') and the resilient ring are disposed axially adjacent and in contact with one another. (Priority: June 14, 1993) Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the resilient material ring (30) is fixed on the surface of the closure (18) in an annular trough. (Priority: June 14, 1993) 19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a locking ring (160 ') is arranged axially on each side surface of the elastic sealing ring (30) and arranged in contact therewith. (Priority: June 14, 1993)