LT3206B - Process for impregnation and expansion of tobacco - Google Patents

Abstract

Carbon dioxide gas is used in this tobacco fluffing method. The tobacco temperature and the OV amount are regularized before the tobacco combines with the carbon dioxide gas. The thermodynamic process is observed during the glutting, which lets the controlled carbon dioxide gas condense on the tobacco. This liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes during the depressurisation, helping to cool the tobacco layer gradually. After glutting the tobacco, it can be fluffed immediately or it can be kept in the temperature of its outlet or lower in a dry atmosphere for later fluffing.

Description

The present invention relates to methods for increasing the volume of tobacco. More particularly, the present invention is about carbonizing tobacco using carbon dioxide.

The tobacco industry has long recognized the suitability of tobacco sputtering to increase tobacco mass or volume. There are many reasons for tobacco puffing. One of the earlier goals of tobacco puffing was to offset the weight loss caused. Another tobacco component in the drying process has been to improve the characteristics of the individual as stalks, smoking tobacco to such a purpose. It also called for the tobacco filler to be increased so that a smaller amount of tobacco would be needed to produce a smoking product, such as a cigarette, which would have the same potency to produce less tar and nicotine than a smoking product made from non-foamed tobacco filler.

and even compared to tobacco and

A variety of methods are used for tobacco shaking, including saturation of the tobacco with compressed gas and subsequent pressure reduction, whereby the gas causes the tobacco particles to expand, increasing the amount of tobacco to be tested. Other methods used and proposed include the enrichment of tobacco with various liquids, such as water, or volatile organic or inorganic liquids, whereby the tobacco is saturated, and then, after the liquids have evaporated, the tobacco is shaken. Additional methods which are proposed include the solidification of tobacco which, when heated, decomposes into gaseous products which serve to vaporize the tobacco. Other methods include enrichment of the tobacco with liquids such as carbon dioxide with water, tobacco, and when the compressed gas is introduced into saturated tobacco is heated or the pressure is lowered, the tobacco expands. Additional technical measures have been developed for tobacco spraying, which include gas enrichment of tobacco. The gas reacts with the solid chemical reaction products inside the tobacco, or the solid reaction products can decompose when exposed to heat, to the gas products inside the tobacco, and the release of the gas products causes the tobacco to sputter. More specifically:

U.S. Pat. No. 1789435 describes a method and apparatus for increasing the volume of tobacco to compensate for volume loss caused by drying tobacco leaves. To achieve this, dried and sorted tobacco is exposed to gas, which can be compressed into air, carbon dioxide or steam, then depressurized, and the tobacco swells. The patent claims that the volume of tobacco can be increased by 5-15% in this way.

U.S. Pat. No. 3771533, generally assigned to this field, comprises the action of tobacco on carbon dioxide and ammonia gas, which results in the tobacco being saturated with this gas and forming ammonium carbamate. The ammonium carbamate is then decomposed by heating, releasing gas inside the tobacco particles and causing the tobacco to sputter.

U.S. Pat. No. 4258729, generally assigned to this field, describes a method of expanding the volume of tobacco by carbonation of the tobacco with conditions such that the carbon dioxide remains substantially in gaseous form. The pre-freezing of the tobacco prior to the saturation step or the external freezing of the tobacco layer through saturation is limited, avoiding at least a slight degree of carbon dioxide condensation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,250, generally assigned to this field, describes a method of expanding the volume of tobacco by carbonation of tobacco under conditions such that the carbon dioxide remains substantially in gaseous form. During pressure reduction, some carbon dioxide is converted into a partially condensed state inside the tobacco. This patent demonstrates that the carbon dioxide is heat-lysed, thereby reducing condensation.

capacitance is contra-carbon dioxide

U.S. Pat. RE 32013, generally assigned to this field, describes a method and apparatus for expanding the volume of tobacco by means of which the tobacco is saturated with liquid carbon dioxide, converted into liquid or solid carbon dioxide within it, and then the solid carbon dioxide is evaporated by blowing tobacco.

In this way, using concentrated carbon dioxide gas in combination with a controlled amount of liquid carbon dioxide as described above, overcomes the obstacles of prior art processes and demonstrates an improved method of tobacco puffing. The moisture capacity of the tobacco being sprayed is carefully controlled before contact with saturated carbon dioxide gas. The temperature of the tobacco is carefully controlled during the saturation process. Saturated carbon dioxide completely saturates tobacco under conditions where a controlled amount of carbon dioxide condenses on the tobacco. When saturation is complete, the elevated pressure is lowered, thereby cooling the tobacco to the required outlet temperature. Refrigeration of tobacco depends on both the expansion of carbon dioxide and the evaporation of condensed liquid carbon dioxide from tobacco. The yield of carbon dioxide tobacco depends on ambient temperature and pressure, and more particularly on rapid heating at atmospheric pressure, which ends with the distribution of the carbon dioxide saturator and the resulting tobacco flushing to produce tobacco of lower density and volume.

According to the present invention, saturated tobacco can be refined using less energy, for example, at a substantially lower gas flow temperature than liquid carbonated tobacco.

sugar and reaching

In addition, the present invention provides greater control over chemical and aromatic substances, such as reducing alkaloids, in the final tobacco product, with an expected foaming at higher temperatures than has been practiced in the past.

The present invention relates to a tobacco process using an easily obtainable, relatively inexpensive, non-flammable and non-toxic foaming agent. More particularly, the present invention relates to the production of a foamed, weighted and increased product made from similar, substantially reduced, carbonated tobacco, carbon dioxide pressurized and controlled condensed liquid carbon dioxide, rapid reduction of pressure and compression of the tobacco. Purification can be achieved by exposure to saturated tobacco with thermal, radiant or generating energy, conditions that force the saturator, carbon dioxide, to expand rapidly.

To effect this process of the invention, it is possible to saturate either whole canned tobacco leaf, cut tobacco or chopped tobacco, or selected portions of tobacco such as stems, or possibly even the entire tobacco plant. Saturated fine-cut tobacco is preferred when it has a particle size of 6 mesh (a unit of mesh per linear inch) to 100 mesh, preferably having a particle size of at least 30 mesh. The unit mesh used herein defines a U.S. mesh standard that reflects the ability of more than 95% of a given particle size to pass through a sieve of a given mesh size.

The moisture content used herein can be considered equivalent to the volatile and flammable content (OV) since no more than 0.9% by weight of the tobacco is other than water. Detection of flammable and volatile substances is a simple measurement of the weight loss of tobacco after it has been kept in a circulating air oven at a controlled temperature of 212 ° F (100 ° C) for 3 hours. The percentage of weight loss from weight is the amount of combustible and volatile substances.

of the original

Cylindrical volume (CV)

The term cylindrical volume is a unit of measure of the degree of tobacco expansion. The sizes used in this application are defined as follows for these terms:

The tobacco filler, weighing 20 g if not foamed or 10 g if foamed, is placed in a 6 cm diameter Densimeter cylinder, model no. DD-60 by Heinr.Borgwaldt Company, Heinr.Borgwaldt GmbH,

Schnackenburgallee No.15, Postfach 54 07 02, 2000

Hamburg 54 West Germany. In this cylinder, a 2 kg piston with a 5.6 cm diameter piston presses the tobacco for 30 seconds. The resulting volume of compressed tobacco is understood and graded by the weight of the tobacco sample with the compressibility of the cylindrical volume of the tobacco, cm ³ / g. The test measures the apparent volume of tobacco filler of a given weight. The resulting fill volume is given as a cylindrical volume. This test was performed under standard ambient conditions at 75 ° F (24 ° C) and at

60% relative humidity; typically, unless otherwise stated, the sample is maintained in this environment for 24-48 hours.

Comparative Volume (SV)

The term reference volume is a unit of measured volume and true density of solids, such as tobacco, using the basic principles of the ideal gas law. The reference volume is determined by inverse of the density value and is expressed in cm ³ / g. A weighed sample of the tobacco, either as it is, dried at 100 ° C for 3 hours, or balanced is placed in a Quantachrome PentaPycnometer chamber. The chamber is then cleaned with compressed helium. The volume of helium displaced by tobacco is compared with the volume of helium required to fill the empty chamber, and the volume of tobacco is determined according to Archimedes' law. The reference volume used in this application, except where otherwise specified, was determined using the same sample of tobacco used for the determination of the content of flammable and volatile substances (OV), ie tobacco dried in a circulating air oven at 100 ° C for 3 hours.

Brief description of the drawings.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and representative examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 - Standard carbon-temperature-entropy graph;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a tobacco spray method comprising one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 - percentage by weight of carbon dioxide released from tobacco, saturated at 250 lb / square eol (1723.5 kPa) at -18 ° C, with tobacco with a flammable / volatile content (OV) of 12%, 14%,

16.2% and 20% further saturation time graphs;

FIG. 4 is a graph of the dependence of carbon dioxide weight retained on tobacco on further degassing of three types of tobacco with varying amounts of flammable-volatile substances (OV);

FIG. 5 is a graph of the time dependency of the smoothed cylindrical volume of the expanded tobacco to 12% and 21% of tobacco content (OV);

with flammable-volatile retention before

FIG. 6 - dependence of the relative volume of the expanded tobacco on the content of flammable-volatile substances (OV) with 12% and 21% retention time before frothing;

FIG. 7 is a graph of the smoothed cylindrical volume of the foamed tobacco against the marginal yield of flammable-volatile materials;

FIG. 8 is a graph of the percentage reduction of reduced sugar in tobacco to the marginal yield of flammable-volatile substances (OV);

FIG. 9 - graph of percentage depletion of alkaloids in tobacco versus marginal yield of combustible volatile matter (OV);

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a saturation vessel showing temperature at various points in the tobacco layer after degassing;

FIG. 11 is a graph of the dependence of the relative volume of the expanded tobacco on the post-saturation hold-up;

FIG. 12 is a graph of the relationship between the smoothed cylindrical volume of the expanded tobacco and its post-saturation retention after saturation;

FIG. 13 is a graph of the temperature dependence of tobacco temperature on the amount of flammable-volatile substances (OV) in the tobacco, indicating the amount of pre-chilling required to achieve the equivalent of 800 lbs / sq. inch (5515 kPa) pressure (for example, to be maintained for 1 hour after degassing prior to purging).

Typically, tobacco for processing will contain at least 12% and less than 21% flammable and volatile materials. Preferably, the tobacco for processing will contain from 13% to 16% flammable and volatile materials. Tobacco with less than 12% flammable and volatile substances is easily degraded, yielding large amounts of fine tobacco. With flammable and volatile materials above 21%, extremely strong chilling is required to achieve the desired stability and very low temperature of the finished product, resulting in tobacco which is easily degradable.

Future foamed tobacco will normally be placed in a pressure chamber such that it can be well exposed to carbon dioxide. For example, a wire mesh or a platform for holding tobacco in a chamber may be used.

In a series saturation process, the tobacco in the pressure chamber is purged with carbon dioxide, and the cleaning operation usually lasts for 1 to 4 minutes. The cleaning step can be skipped without damaging the final product. The benefit of purification is the removal of other gases which may interfere with the release and complete penetration of carbon dioxide.

The gaseous carbon dioxide used in the process of the present invention will typically be obtained from a storage tank where it is stored in the form of a saturated liquid at a pressure of 400 pounds / sq. inch to 1050 lbs / sq ft. inch (2758 kPa to 7239 kPa). The reservoir may be supplemented with uncompressed carbon dioxide from the pressure vessel. In addition, carbon dioxide can be obtained from a storage vessel where it is stored in liquid form, typically at a pressure of 215 lbs / sq ft. inch to 305 lbs / sq ft. inch (1482 kPa to 2103 kPa) and at temperatures between -20 ° F and 0 ° F (-28.9 ° C to -17.8 ° C). Liquid carbon dioxide from the storage vessel may be mixed with uncompressed carbon dioxide and stored in a storage tank. Alternatively, the liquid carbon dioxide from the storage vessel may be preheated, for example, with suitable heating coils arranged around the feed line, from 0 ° F to 84 ° F (-17 ° C to 29 ° C) and at a pressure of 300 lbs / sq. inch to 1000 lb / sq ft. inch (2068 kPa to 6894 kPa) before being fed to a pressure vessel. After the carbon dioxide has been introduced into the pressure vessel, the temperature inside the vessel, including the tobacco to be processed, will generally be between 20 ° F and 80 ° F (~ 6.7 ° C to 26.7 ° C) and the pressure sufficient to support the carbon dioxide gas in a saturated or almost saturated state.

Tobacco stability, i.e. the length of time that is to be stored after the depressurization during the blasting phase and may still blast depends on the initial volatile matter content, i.e. from the flammable content before saturation, and tobacco where the tobacco may have sufficient temperature of the flammable and volatile materials after the exit from the pressure vessel before the final. To achieve the same degree of stability, tobacco with a higher initial content of flammable and volatile materials requires a lower outlet temperature of the finished product than tobacco with a lower initial content of flammable and volatile material.

The Influence of Flammable and Volatile Substances on 250 Pounds per Sq. inch (1723.5 kPa) and -18 ° C, stability was determined by placing a weighed sample of light tobacco, typically 60 g to 70 g, in a 300 cm pressure vessel. The vessel was placed in a controlled temperature bath at -18 ° C. After reaching the temperature equilibrium of the vessel and bath, the vessel was purged with carbon dioxide gas. The vessel is then pressurized to 250 lbs / sq. inch (1723, 5 kPa). The gas saturation phase was ensured using carbon dioxide at a pressure of at least 20-30 lbs / sq. inch (1379-2068 kPa) below carbon dioxide saturation pressure at -18 ° C. After allowing the tobacco to soak for 15 to 60 minutes under pressure, the pressure in the vessel was suddenly reduced to atmospheric within 3-4 seconds by venting to the atmosphere. The outlet valve was suddenly closed and the tobacco was left in a pressure vessel in a controlled temperature bath at -18 ° C for about 1 hour. After about 1 hour, the temperature in the vessel is raised to 25 ° C for more than two hours to liberate the carbon dioxide remaining in the tobacco. Pressure and temperature in the vessel were usually · selected using an IBM compatible LABTECH 4 data acquisition computer

Corp. At a constant temperature through the carbon extracted from the tobacco, the amount of carbon dioxide can be calculated based on the pressure in the vessel over the same time.

variant easily from Labaratories

Technologies protects for some time 250 lbs / sq ft of light tobacco, carbonated. eol (1723.5 kPa) under pressure and at -18 ° C as previously described with varying amounts of flammable and volatile materials of 12%, 14%, 16.2% and 20%. Tobacco with 20% Flammable and Volatile Content returns after about 71% of its carbon dioxide after 15 minutes at -18 ° C, while Tobacco with 12% Flammable and Volatile Content only recovers after about 25% of its carbon dioxide loss after 60 minutes. The total amount of carbon dioxide emitted after the temperature rises to 25 ° C is an indication of the total carbon dioxide recovery. These data indicate that, when saturated with relative pressures and temperatures, as the amount of flammable and volatile materials increases, the stability of the tobacco decreases.

In order to achieve sufficient tobacco stability, it is preferred that the tobacco temperature be approximately 0 ° F-10 ° F (-17.8 ° C to -12.2 ° C) after venting the pressure vessel, where about 15% of flammable and volatile substances. Tobacco with an initial content of more than 15% flammable and volatile substances will have an exit temperature below 0 ° F-10 ° F (-17,8 ° C to -12,2 ° C) and tobacco with an initial content of flammable and volatile substances less than 15% may be maintained at temperatures above 0 ° F-10 ° F (-17.8 ° C to -12.2 ° C) to achieve comparative stability. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the influence of temperature of the finished tobacco product on tobacco stability at various amounts of flammable and volatile materials. FIG. 4 shows that tobacco with a high content of flammable and volatile substances, about 21%, requires a lower temperature of the finished product, about -35 ° F (37.4 ° C), in order to achieve similar levels of carbon dioxide retention over time. tobacco with a lower content of flammable and volatile substances, about 12%, with a finished product temperature of about 0 ° F to 10 ° F (-17.8 ° C to LT 3206 B

12.2 ° C). FIG. 5 and FIG. Fig. 6 shows the influence of the amount of flammable and volatile substances on tobacco and the temperature of the finished product, which has been shaken for a certain period of time at the specified temperature of the finished product with a cylindrical (CV) and comparative volume. The graphs in Figs. Figures 4, 5 and 6 are based on data from lines 49, 56 and 65. Each of these lines corresponds to light tobacco placed at 3.4 cubic meters. feet (0, 096 m ³ ) and 2.4 cu. feet (0.068 m ³ ) in volume vessels. Lines 54 and 65 correspond to approximately 22 pounds (9.97 kg) of tobacco with 20% OV placed in a pressure vessel. Lines 54 and 65 correspond to tobacco pre-cooled through a vessel with 421 lb / s of carbon dioxide. inch (2902 kPa) and 153 lb / sq. inch (1055 kPa) at 4 to 5 minutes before raising to 800 pounds / sq. ft. inch (5515 kPa) of carbon dioxide gas.

The saturation pressure, the weight ratio of carbon dioxide to tobacco, and the heat capacity of the tobacco may be varied such that, under special conditions, the amount of refrigeration required from the evaporation of condensed carbon dioxide is not very similar to that resulting from the expansion of carbon dioxide gas.

Each of the lines 49, 54 and 65 corresponds to the position at a saturation pressure of 800 lbs / sq. inch (5515 kPa) when the pressure system was maintained at 800 lbs / sq. inch (5515 kPa) for about 5 minutes before rapidly dropping the vessel pressure to atmospheric pressure in about 90 seconds. The carbon dioxide mass condensed from 1 pound of tobacco after cooling under pressure is marked with lines 54 and 65 and is described below. Saturated tobacco was stored at the temperature of its finished product in a dry atmosphere until it was sputtered to a spraying limit of 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter at the specified temperature and 135 ft / sec. (44.1 m / s) with a steam jet of less than 5 seconds.

table

The line 54 65 Delivered to OV,% 20, 5 20, 4 Weight of tobacco (pounds) 22.5 (10.2 kg) 21.25 (9.63 kg) CO ₂ flow: cooling pressure (lb / inch) 421 (2902 kPa) 153 (1055 kPa) saturation pressure (w / cm) 800 (5515 kPa) 772 (5322 kPa) temperature to cooling (° F) 10 (12.2 ° C) -20 (-28.9 ° C) temperature of finished product (° F) 10-20 (12.2 ° C to -6.7 ° C) -35 (-37.4 ° C) Purge limit: gas temperature (° F) 575 (302 ° C) 575 (302 ° C) Balanced CV (cm / g) 8.5 10.0 Calculated condensed CO ₂ (pounds / pound of tobacco) 0.19 0.58 SV (cm ³ / g) 1.8 2.5

The degree of tobacco stability required, and thus the temperature of the finished tobacco product, is dependent on many factors, including the time after depressurization and prior to tobacco puffing. Therefore, the selection of the required temperature of the finished product must be made taking into account the degree of stability required.

The required temperature of the finished tobacco product may be obtained by a number of suitable means, including cooling the tobacco before placing it in a pressure vessel, cooling the tobacco in a pressure vessel, cold cleaning with carbon dioxide or other suitable means, or vacuum cooling in a vessel enhanced carbon dioxide flow. Vacuum cooling has the advantage of reducing the OV content of the tobacco without worsening the thermal properties of the tobacco. Vacuum cooling also removes non-condensed gas from the vessel, thus eliminating the purification step. Vacuum cooling can be used effectively and advantageously to reduce tobacco temperature below 30 ° F (-1 ° C). It is preferred when the tobacco is cooled in a pressure vessel.

The size of the pre-cooling or cooling vessel required to achieve the desired temperature of the finished tobacco product is dependent on the size of the cooling obtained by carbon dioxide sparging during pressure reduction. The size of tobacco cooling due to the carbon dioxide gas to be sprayed is a function of the ratio of carbon dioxide mass to tobacco mass, tobacco heat capacity, final saturation pressure and system temperature. Therefore, with a defined saturation, with tobacco supply and pressure, temperature, and volume system fixed, control over the final temperature of the finished tobacco product can be achieved by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide transferred to the tobacco condensate. The amount of cooling of tobacco due to evaporation of condensed carbon dioxide from tobacco is a function of the ratio of the weight of condensed carbon dioxide to the weight of the tobacco, the heat capacity of the tobacco and the system temperature or pressure.

The required stability of the tobacco is determined by a special design for the application of the saturation and blasting process. FIG. 13 illustrates the temperature of the finished tobacco product required to achieve the required tobacco stability as a function of OV's special process design. The lower shaded area 200 illustrates the amount of cooling induced by the carbon dioxide gas purge, the higher area 250 illustrates the amount of additional cooling necessary to vaporize the liquid carbon dioxide as a function of the tobacco OV to achieve the required stability. For example, appropriate tobacco stability is achieved when the tobacco temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature indicated by the stability line. Process variables that determine the temperature of the finished tobacco product include previously considered variables and other non-limiting variables such as vessel temperature, vessel weight, vessel volume, vessel configuration, flow geometry, device orientation, heat transfer to vessel walls. and in the process, the retention time between saturation and blasting.

In the process, 800 lbs / sqft. coli (5515 kPa) at the pressure shown in Figs. 13, with the product retained for 1 hour, tobacco with 12% OV is not required for pre-cooling to achieve the required stability, while tobacco with 21% OV requires sufficient pre-cooling to reach -35 ° F (-37, 4 ° C).

In the present invention, the desired temperature of the finished tobacco product from -35 ° F to 20 ° F (-37.4 ° C to -6.7 ° C) is substantially higher than the temperature of the finished product of about -110 ° F (-79 ° C), when liquid carbon dioxide is used as a saturator. This higher temperature of the finished tobacco product and the lower sputtering stage would be at temperature, resulting in a tobacco OV allowing for a significantly lower level of sputtered tobacco to be less desiccated and with less aroma loss. In addition, the use of smoked tobacco requires less energy, and because of the low carbon content, the use of saturated tobacco is simplified. Unlike only liquid carbonated tobacco, the tobacco saturated by the present invention has pieces that should be mechanically produced.

do not get crushed.

Also, tobacco at -35 ° F (-37.4 ° C) with 21% OV content and 20 ° F (-6.7 ° C) tobacco with 12% OV content, unlike -110 ° F (- 79 ° C) tobacco with other OV contents is brittle and is therefore used with minimal loss of value. These features are useful for large quantities of tobacco suitable for use because, typically, a smaller amount of tobacco is mechanically rubbed, for example, by unloading from a pressure vessel or transferring it from a pressure vessel to a shredding zone.

Chemical changes during the rolling of saturated tobacco, such as loss of deoxidized sugar and alkaloids upon heating, can be reduced by increasing tobacco OV release, i. y. reduce the OV content of tobacco to 6% OV or more immediately after spraying. This can be achieved by reducing the temperature of the part of the spray process. Typically, the increase in tobacco OV release is associated with a decrease in the volume of flushing achieved. · The reduction in flushing volume is highly dependent on the initial amount of tobacco OV delivered. When the OV of the tobacco delivered is reduced to about 13%, a minimal reduction in the degree of foaming is observed, even with tobacco moisture as the foaming agent of about 6% or more. In addition, if the OV is supplied and the blowdown temperature is reduced, unexpectedly good blowdown can be achieved while the chemical changes are minimal. These are shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9.

FIG. 7, 8 and 9 are based on data from lines 2241 to 2242 and 2244 to 2254. These data are shown in Table 2. Each of these lines is based on a measured amount of light tobacco contained in a pressure vessel similar to that described in Example 1.

table

Line No 2241 2242 2244-46 (3) 2245 (2) Weight of tobacco (pounds) ^ Condensed CO ₂ 100 100 325 325 (w / w) (calculated) not applicable not applicable 0.36 0.36 Temp. band (° F) 625 675 500 550 Supply: The real OV 18.8 18.9 17.0 17.2 Balanced OV 12.2 12.1 12.2 12.1 Exit CV (cm ³ / g) 4.5 4.6 00 he. 4.9 SV (cm ³ / g) 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 Limit: The real OV 2.5 2.2 4.6 3.3 Exit OJ 11.5 11.2 11.9 11.8 Exit CV (cm ³ / g) 9.5 10.8 7.1 8.2 SV (cm ³ / g) 3.0 3.1 1.8 2.3 Supply: Alkaloids * 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 Reduction sugar* 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 Breakdown limit: Alkaloids * 2.12 1.94 2.47 2.42 Decrease,% 21.8 28.4 8.9 10.7 Reduction sugar* 11.9 10.6 13.3 13.3 Decrease,% 12.5 22.0 2.2 2.2

* weight% of dry weight table (continued)

Line No 2246 (1) 2247-48 (1) 2248 (2) 2249-50 (1) Weight of tobacco (in pounds) 325 240 240 240 Condensed CO ₂ (w / w) (calculated) 0.36 0.29 0.29 0.29 Temp. band (° F) 600 400 450 500 Supply: The real OV 17.5 14.30 14.2 15.2 Exit OJ 12.0 11.6 11.8 11.8 Exit OV (cm ³ / g) 4.9 5.2 5.3 5.3 SV (cm ³ / g) 0.8 CO o 0.8 0.8 Limit: The real OV 3.1 6.1 4.6 4.4 Exit OJ 11.6 12.0 11.6 11.5 Exit OV (cm ³ / g) 9.5 7.4 8.7 9.4 SV (cm ³ / g) 2.8 2.2 2.6 2.9 Supply: Alkaloids * 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 Reduction sugar* 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 Breakdown limit: Alkaloids * 2.12 2.61 2.49 2.36 Decrease,% 21.8 3.7 8.1 12.9 Reduction sugar* 11.2 13.6 13, 6 13.2 Decrease,% 17.6 0 0 2.9

weight% of dry weight table (continued)

Line No 2250 (2) 2251-52 (1) 2252 (2) 2253-54 (1) 2254 (2) Weight of tobacco (in pounds) 240 210 210 210 210 Condensed 0¾ (w / w) weight) (calculated) 0.29 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Temp. band (° F) 550 375 425 475 525 Supply: The real OV 15.0 12.9 13.0 12.8 12.9 Exit OJ 11.9 12.0 11.6 11.8 12.0 Exit CV (cm ³ / g) 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.3 5.4 SV (cm ³ / g) 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Limit: The real OV 2.8 6.5 5.0 3.60 2.9 Exit OJ 11.4 12.2 12.1 11.8 11.7 Exit CV (cm ³ / g) 9.4 8, 6 CO ·> kO σ » CO 9.1 SV (cm ³ / g) 3.0 2, 6 2.8 3.1 3.2 Supply: Alkaloids * 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 Reduction sugar* 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 Breakdown limit: Alkaloids * 2.26 2.54 2.45 2.39 2.28 Decrease,% 16.6 6.3 9.6 11.8 15.9 Reduction sugar* 13.2 13.6 13.5 13.1 12.9 Decrease,% 2.9 0 0.7 3.7 5.1

* weight% of dry weight

Lines 2241 and 2242 represent the position where 430 IU / kg was used to saturate the tobacco. inch (2964 kPa) of pressure liquid carbon dioxide. Before the excess liquid was drained, the tobacco was soaked in liquid carbon dioxide for about 60 seconds. The pressure in the vessel was then rapidly reduced to atmospheric pressure, forming solid carbon dioxide internally. Saturated tobacco was removed from the vessel and the pieces that might have formed were truncated. The tobacco was then sputtered to an 8 inch (203 mm) shake limit, operating in a 75% vapor-air mixture for less than 4 seconds at the specified temperature and 85 ft / sec. (25.9 m / s) speed.

Tobacco nicotine alkaloids and reduced sugars before and after blasting were measured using a Bran Luebbe (previous Technikon) continuous flow analysis system. An aqueous acetic acid solution is used to extract nicotine alkaloids and reducing sugars from tobacco. The extract is first submitted to dialysis, which eliminates the major difference between the two measurements. Reductive sugar is determined by its reaction with p-hydrazinobenzoic acid in a basic environment at 85 ° C to give a color. Nicotine alkaloids are determined by their reaction with chlorocyan in the presence of an aromatic amine. A decrease in the amount of alkaloids or reducing sugars in the tobacco indicates a decrease or change in the chemical or aromatic components of the tobacco.

Lines 2244 to 2254 represent the saturation process at 800 lbs / sq. inch (5515 kPa) of pressurized carbon dioxide according to the method outlined in Example 1 below. To investigate the effect of the shaking temperature, the tobacco was shaken at different temperatures after selected saturation. For example, 325 pounds (147 kg) of tobacco was saturated and then three samples were moved through the process for about 1 hour. were inspected and sprayed at 500 ° F (260 ° C), 550 ° F (288 ° C), and 600 ° F (315.5 ° C) and represented by lines 2244, 2245, and

2246. In the study of the effect of OV content, a batch of tobacco with OV contents of 13%, 15%, 17% and 19% was saturated. The inscription 1, 2 or 3 next to the line numbers indicates the order in which the tobacco was sputtered with different saturations. Saturated tobacco was sputtered to an 8 inch (203 mm) shake limit, operating in a 75% vapor-air mixture for less than 4 seconds at the specified temperature and 85 ft / sec. (25.9 m / s) speed. Tobacco alkaloids and reducing sugars were measured in the same manner as above. The tobacco to be processed is stored in a dryer 10 where it is dried from 1928% moisture (by weight) to 12-21% moisture by weight, preferably to 13-16% moisture (by weight). Drying can be accomplished by several suitable means. This dried tobacco can be stored in bulk in a silo tower for further saturation and sputtering, or it can be fed directly into a pressure vessel 30 after proper temperature adjustment and compaction, if necessary (see Fig. 2). on a conveyor belt inside the tobacco cooling element 20 for enrichment prior to saturation. Before being fed to the pressure vessel 30, the tobacco is cooled inside the tobacco cooling element 20 by a number of conventional means, including a refrigerator, below 20 ° F (-6.7 ° C), preferably below 0 ° F (17.8 ° C).

The cooled tobacco is fed through an inlet 31 into a pressure vessel 30 where it is deposited. The pressure vessel 30 is then purged with carbon dioxide gas to purge some of the air or other non-liquefied gas from the pressure vessel 30. Importantly, the cleaning is performed in such a way that the temperature of the tobacco vessel 30 is not significantly increased. is treated in several ways, either by recovering carbon dioxide for reuse or through a pipe 34.

In a further purification step, the carbon dioxide gas is delivered to a pressure vessel 30 from a supply vessel 50 where it is maintained at 400 lbs / sq. inch to 1050 lbs / sq ft. inch (2758 kPa-7239 kPa) pressure. When in vessel 30, the internal pressure reaches 300 to 500 pounds / sq. inch (2068 to 7239 kPa), the carbon dioxide outlet 32 is opened, allowing the carbon dioxide to flow through the tobacco layer, cooling the tobacco to a much more constant temperature until the container 30 is maintained at a pressure of 300 lbs / sq. inch to 500 lb / sq ft. inch (2068 to 3447 kPa). Once the tobacco temperature has been completely unchanged, the carbon dioxide outlet 32 is closed and the additional carbon dioxide gas in the vessel 30 raises the pressure from 700 to 1000 lbs / sq. inch (4826 to 6894 kPa), preferably 800 lbs / sq. inch (5515 kPa). The carbon inlet 33 is then closed. At this point, the temperature of the tobacco layer is approximately equal to the carbon saturation temperature. As long as the pressure is as high as 1050 lbs / sq. inch (7239 kPa) and equal to the critical pressure of carbon dioxide, 1057 lb / sq. inches (7287 kPa) and an unknown upper limit for the useful saturation pressure range, economical utilization could be acceptable, which would be determined by the availability of the proper plant and the impact of supercritical carbon dioxide on tobacco. The pressure rise in the vessel follows the thermodynamic line to allow a controlled amount of saturated carbon dioxide gas to condense on the tobacco. FIG. Fig. 1 is a standard diagram of temperature (° F) entropy (BTU / wt ° F) for carbon dioxide with labeled lines I-V illustrating one thermodynamic line of the present invention. For example, 65 ° F (18.3 ° C) tobacco is placed in a pressure vessel (point I) and the pressure in the vessel increases to 300 pounds / sq. Ft. inch (2068 kPa) (as shown in line I-II). The vessel is then cooled to 0 ° F (-17.8 ° C) flowing freezing carbon dioxide at a pressure of 300 lbs / sq. inch (2068 kPa) (as shown in line II-III). Additional carbon dioxide gas is fed into the vessel at a pressure of up to 800 lbs / sq ft. inches (5515 kPa) and temperatures up to 67 ° F (19.4 ° C). Since the temperature of the tobacco is lower than the saturation temperature of the carbon dioxide gas, a controlled amount of carbon dioxide gas will condense continuously on the tobacco (as shown in line III-IV). After maintaining the system at 800 lbs / sq. coli (5515 kPa) pressure for a desired period of time, the vessel is pressurized to atmospheric pressure to obtain a finished product temperature of -5 ° F to -10 ° F (-20.6 ° C to -23.3 ° C) (as shown in line IV-V).

Refrigeration of the tobacco up to 10 "F (-12.2 ^d C) before the pressure is increased will usually allow some amount of saturated carbon dioxide to condense. Condensation will usually result in a completely constant distribution of liquid carbon dioxide in the tobacco layer. The evaporation of this liquid carbon dioxide at the exit stage will help to cool the tobacco evenly. A steady tobacco temperature after saturation allows for a smoother smoother tobacco.

This uniform tobacco temperature is shown in Figs. 10, which is a schematic diagram of the saturation vessel 100, uses the temperature, ° F, in line 28 at various points throughout the tobacco layer after the completion of the step. For example, the tobacco bed temperature in the transition section 120.3 feet (914 mm) from the top of vessel 100 was found to be about 11 ° F (11.7 ° C), 7 ° F (-14 ° C), 7 ° F (- 14 ° C) and 3 ° F (-16 ° C). About 1800 pounds (815 kg) of light tobacco with an OV content of about 15% was placed in a 5 foot (inside diameter) X 8.5 foot (height) (1524 mm x 2591 mm) pressure vessel. Before raising the pressure to 350 lbs / sq. Ft. With carbon dioxide. coli (2413 kPa), the vessel was purged with carbon dioxide gas within 30 seconds. The tobacco layer was then refrigerated for 12.5 minutes to 10 ° F (LT 3206 B

12.2 ° C) at a flow rate of 350 lbs / sq. inch (2413 kPa) under pressure. Before the rapid depressurization of about 4.5 minutes, the pressure in the vessel was increased to 800 pounds / sq. In 60 seconds. inch (5515 kPa). The temperature of the tobacco layer at various points was measured and found to be substantially uniform as shown in Figs. 10. It was calculated that 0.26 lbs. the carbon dioxide condenses on one pound of tobacco.

Returning to FIG. 2, the tobacco in the pressure vessel 30 is stored at 800 pounds of carbon dioxide. inch (5515 kPa) at a pressure of 1 to 300 seconds, preferably 60 seconds. The time of exposure of tobacco to carbon dioxide, i.e. the time period in which the tobacco is to be kept in contact with the carbon dioxide gas in order to absorb the required amount of carbon dioxide is strongly influenced by the tobacco OV content and the saturation pressure used. Tobacco with a higher initial OV content requires a shorter contact time at a given pressure than tobacco with a lower initial OV content in order to achieve comparable saturation release, especially at lower pressures. The time effect of tobacco OV contact with carbon dioxide at higher saturation pressures is reduced. This is shown in Table 3.

After the tobacco has been sufficiently pierced, the pressure vessel 30 is rapidly depressurized to atmospheric pressure over a period of from 1 to 300 seconds, depending on the vessel size, by releasing the carbon dioxide first carbon dioxide compensation element 40 and then by conduit 34 into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide that has condensed on the tobacco is evaporated through this exit step, helping to cool the tobacco to a temperature of -35 ° F to 20 ° F (-37.4 ° C to 6.7 ° C).

Preferably, the amount of carbon dioxide condensed in the tobacco is 0.1 to 0.9 pounds of carbon dioxide per pound of tobacco. Preferred sizes are 0.1 to 0.3 pounds per pound, but quantities of 0.5 or 0.6 pounds per pound are suitable for other conditions.

Saturated tobacco from pressure vessel 30 may be abruptly shaken by several suitable means, such as delivery to a saturation tower 70. Similarly, saturated tobacco may be stored for about 1 hour at its finished product temperature in a tobacco transfer device 60 in a dry atmosphere, i.e. in an atmosphere with a dew point below the temperature of the finished product. After blasting, and if required again in some order, tobacco may be used in the manufacture of tobacco products, including cigarettes.

table

27th 16.0 450 20th 10, 5 σ \ X CM LO s LO 0.8 O LO rH m X. O X i-1 LO CO LO LO LO rH X x X. i-1 c-1 rH co m o LO cn LO co s O χ Y 00 LO co o O x X. Χχ l-1 • ^ r rH c-1 co IO o CM co o co LO LO 00 LO ro χ X X X » rH LO <T distr LO o co Y LO co <X o CM LO t - t LO co LO co X. X. X X » X * rH o 00 CM IO o cn LO • see * cr «X o X t-1 Y- 00 CM o o «X X X rH 00 LO I-1 co LO o <T CO LO X. CM 00 t— ( LO oo CM o X X X Χχ rH co rH (T r LO o CO i-I CM • X LO X oo CM 00 rH LO O o K X «X rH LO I-1 CM LO o r- X. CM Y t - t oo rH LO LO x X X X rH ΈΓ «—1 co CM LO o o CM CM * x , - to LO 00 r 00 <N r- s X X » X 1-1 LO Y rH career o η Ή ε (ύ • rH P £ (U • Η tn tP tn fcp \ oV ⁵ w 0 m m m 0Ί ω ε ε ε ε • d u u u ra > ra P · * - * X - »* ίϋ o • d Λ ·· • ΓΊ &> (d > > > > 0 • Φ w υ ω υ c Λί rH (d x • d (d ra λ: • P m ra PI Λ • d c (d (d (d o (d • d n P P P e rH ε ε 0 0 • H . — X • rl P * 3 ra c -.- r 0 H CO -d) ra • H • H rH P al > 1 c rH C c P 0 Λί • ΓΊ ΛΙ (d 0 (d • H 0 ra (d > 1 m rH M rH t ra P • d (d P (d (d • d • c • d) m P C Λ 1-1 P > ra rd > ra > w 0 > m fu Pi λ: co H H H

o

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Sample descriptions:

example

A sample of 240 pounds (109 kg) of light tobacco filler with 15% OV was cooled to 20 ° F (-6.7 ° C) and then placed in a pressure vessel about 2 feet (610 mm) in diameter and about 8 feet (2440 mm) ) height. The vessel is pressurized to 300 pounds / sq. Ft. With carbon dioxide. inch (2068 kPa). Prior to raising the pressure to 800 pounds / sq. Ft. With carbon dioxide. inch (5515 kPa) until the vessel pressure is maintained at about 300 pounds / sq. ft. inch (2068 kPa) at 0 ° F (-17.8 ° C) with carbon dioxide gas at close to saturation conditions for about 5 minutes, the tobacco was refrigerated. For 60 seconds, the vessel pressure was maintained at about 800 pounds / sq. inch (5515 kPa). The vessel pressure was reduced to atmospheric pressure by venting for 300 seconds, after which the tobacco temperature reached 0 ° F (-17.8 ° C). Based on tobacco temperature, pressure temperature and volume system, and the temperature of the finished tobacco product, approximately 0.29 pounds of carbon dioxide was estimated to be condensed per pound of tobacco.

The weight of the saturated sample increased by 2%, which is explained by carbon saturation. More than 1 hour, the saturated tobacco was heated in an 8 ft (203 mm) diameter shaking tower for less than 2 seconds at 550 ° F (288 ° C), at 75 ft / s (25.9 m / s) moving at 75% steam / air. mixture.

The product exiting the spray tower had an OV content of about 2.8

The product was equilibrated under standard conditions: 75 ° F (24 ° C) and 60% relative humidity within 24 hours. The filling force of the unbalanced product was measured by a standardized measure of cylindrical volume (CV).

cm ³ / g at 12.2

This is given a CV of 9.4 for unbalanced moisture.

As a control, a cylinder volume of 5.3 cm ³ / g was observed at 12.2% unbalanced humidity.

The specimen had a 77% increase in fill force after the process as measured by the CV method.

The tobacco was refrigerated, pounds / sq. coli, - 300

The effect of post-saturation pre-saturation on the SV and the CV of the baled tobacco was examined on lines 2132-1 to 2135-2. Each of these lines 2132-1, 2132-2, 2134-2, 2134-1, 2135-1 and 2135-2 represents a situation where 225 pounds of light tobacco with 15% OV was placed in the same pressure vessel as described. In Example 1. The pressure in the vessel is maintained at 250 pounds / sq. inches to 300 lbs / sq ft. inch (1723 kPa to 2068 kPa).

as long as the vessel pressure of 250 lbs / sq. inch (1723 kPa to 2068 kPa) in the same manner as in Example 1. The pressure in the vessel is raised to 800 pounds / sq. inch (5515 kPa). This pressure is maintained for 60 seconds, after which the vessel is reduced to atmospheric pressure within 300 seconds. Saturated tobacco was stored in an environment with a dew point below the temperature of the finished tobacco product prior to spraying. Figure II shows the effect of holding time after saturation on the relative volume of the expanded tobacco. Figure 12 shows the effect of the post-saturation holding time on the balanced CV of the puffed tobacco.

a sample of pounds of light tobacco with a 15% OV content was placed in a 3.4 cubic foot (0.096 m ³ ) pressure vessel. The vessel pressures up to 185 pounds / sq. Ft. With carbon dioxide. inch (1276 kPa). Before raising the pressure to 430 lbs / sq. inch (2965 kPa) until the vessel pressure is maintained at 185 pounds / sq. ft. inch (1276 kPa) at -25 ° F (-31.7 ° C) with carbon dioxide gas close to saturation conditions, the tobacco is refrigerated for about 5 minutes. For 5 minutes the vessel pressure was maintained at about 430 lbs / sq. eol (2965 kPa). The vessel pressure was reduced to atmospheric pressure by venting for 60 seconds, after which the tobacco temperature reached -29 ° F (33.9 ° C). Based on tobacco temperature, pressure, temperature, and volume system, approximately 0.23 pounds of carbon dioxide was calculated to condense per pound of tobacco.

The weight of the saturated sample increased by 2%, which is explained by carbon saturation. More than 1 hour later, the saturated tobacco was heated in an 8 ft (76.2 mm) diameter shaking tower at 525 ° F (274 ° C) for 100 seconds with a flow rate of 135 ft / s (41 m / s) for less than 2 seconds. The product exiting the spray tower had an OV content of 3.8%. The product was equilibrated under standard conditions: 75 ° F (24 ° C) and 60% relative humidity within 24 hours. The filling force of the unbalanced product was measured by a standardized measure of cylindrical volume (CV). This given CV is 10.1 cm ³ / g at 11.0% equilibrium humidity. In control, a cylinder volume of 5.8 cm ³ / g was observed at 11.6% equilibrium humidity. The sample after the process had a 74% increase in the degree of filling, as measured by the CV method.

While the invention has been illustrated in detail and described with reference to the best embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the forms and symbols may be made without departing from the spirit and spirit of the invention. For example, the amount of tobacco used to saturate the machine, the time it takes to reach a given pressure or yield, or the temperature of the tobacco layer, respectively, will vary.

By all accounts, these drawings descriptions with pounds / sq. inches have been converted to kPa but will be understood to be pressure measures.

Claims (34)

DEFINITION OF INVENTION 1. A method of foaming a tobacco comprising carbon pressurization of tobacco and preconditioning of tobacco, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas at pressures between 2758 kPa and 7287 kPa (400 to 1057 lb./cu.c.) and at a temperature where the carbon dioxide gas is in a saturated state or close to j °; (b) binds the tobacco to carbon dioxide gas for a time sufficient to saturate the carbon dioxide; (c) relieves pressure; (d) the tobacco is then reconstituted by rolling; and e) reducing the heat of the tobacco to the required amount prior to step a) by forcing the normalized carbon dioxide to condense on the tobacco to cool down to -37.4 ° C to -6.7 ° C (-35 ° C) in step c) F to 20 ° F). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tobacco has an initial volatile matter (OV) content of from 12% to 21%. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tobacco has an initial volatile matter (OV) content of 13% to 16%. 4. A process as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the tobacco is combined with carbon dioxide at a pressure of from 4482 kPa to 6549 kPa (650-950 lb./sq.s. 5. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step e), heat reduction, comprises preconditioning the tobacco before the tobacco is combined with carbon dioxide in step a). 6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step e), the heat reduction, is treated as part of the pre-tobacco refrigeration. 7. A process according to claim 6, characterized in that the pre-freezing is carried out under partial vacuum of the tobacco. 8. A process according to claim 6, wherein the pre-cooling comprises the passage of carbon dioxide gas through the tobacco. 9. A process according to claim 8, characterized in that the pre-freezing is carried out under partial vacuum of the tobacco. 10. A process according to any one of claims 1-6, 8 and 9 wherein the heat reduction of step e) comprises freezing the tobacco to -12.2 ° C (10 ° F) or below. 11. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the carbon dioxide is coupled between 1 second and 300 seconds. 12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the step c) of depressurizing is performed in a period of from 1 second to 300 seconds. 13. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein 45.4 g to 272.4 g (0.1-0.6 lb) of carbon dioxide per 454 g (1 lb) of tobacco is condensed on the tobacco. 14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising the step of maintaining the saturated tobacco in an environment with a dew point not higher than the temperature of the tobacco after depressurization in step c) and prior to preparing the tobacco for such a state of rolling. . 15. A method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the tobacco is shaken by heating at a temperature of 149 ° C to 427 ° C (300-800 ° F) for 1 second to 5 seconds. 16. A method of aerating tobacco wherein the tobacco has an initial volatile matter (OV) content of between 13% and 16%, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas at pressures of 2068 kPa to 3792 kPa (300-550 lb / sq ft) and at a temperature at which the carbon dioxide gas is in or near saturation; (b) maintains a pressure of 2068 kPa to 3792 kPa (300-550 lb./cm2) at the time the carbon dioxide gas combines with the tobacco, providing the tobacco with sufficient cooling to cause the normalized carbon dioxide to condense on the tobacco prior to depressurization in step (e); that after the pressure reduction in step e), the tobacco cools from -23.3 ° C to -6.7 ° C (-10 ° F to 20 ° F); (c) pressure, increases carbon dioxide gas binding to tobacco from 5170 kPa to 6549 kPa (750-950 lb / sq ft) when carbon dioxide is maintained in or near saturation; (d) binds the tobacco to the carbon dioxide gas for a time sufficient to saturate the carbon dioxide; (e) relieve pressure; and (f) the tobacco shall then be prepared to be placed in such a state that the tobacco is spun. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein in step b) the tobacco is cooled by the flow of carbon gas through the tobacco. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising introducing heat removal from the tobacco prior to its conversion to carbon dioxide gas. a). 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the heat is removed from the tobacco prior to its coupling to the carbon dioxide gas in step a) by subjecting the tobacco to partial vacuum. 20. The method of claim 16,17,18 or 19, wherein the temperature of the tobacco in step e) is lower than -12.2 ° C (10 ° F). 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of maintaining the saturated tobacco in an environment with a dew point not greater than the temperature of the tobacco after depressurization in step e) and prior to preparing the tobacco for such a state of rolling. 22. The method of claim 16, wherein step f), comprising preparing the tobacco for such a state of rolling, comprises contacting the tobacco with a liquid selected from the group consisting of vapor, air and mixtures at a temperature of 177-288 ° C. (350 - 550 ° F) for less than 4 seconds. 23. The method of claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein 45.4 - 368.6 g (0.1-0.9 pounds) of carbon dioxide per 454 g (1 pound) of tobacco condenses on the tobacco. 24. A method of aerating tobacco wherein the tobacco has an initial volatile matter (OV) content of 13% to 16%, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) pre-freezing the tobacco; (b) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas at pressures of 5,170 kPa to 6549 kPa (750-950 lb./c.i.) when the carbon dioxide is maintained in or near saturation; (c) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas for a time sufficient to carbonate the tobacco; (d) relieve pressure; and (e) the tobacco is then prepared to stand when the tobacco is sputtered. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the reduction in pressure in step d) results in a tobacco temperature of less than -12.2 ° C (10 ° F). 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of maintaining the saturated tobacco in an environment with a dew point not greater than the temperature of the tobacco by reducing the pressure in step d) and preconditioning the tobacco for such a state of rolling. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein step e), comprising preparing the tobacco for such a rinsing state, comprises contacting the tobacco with a liquid selected from the group consisting of vapor, air, and mixtures thereof at a temperature of 177-288 ° C. (350-550 ° F) for less than 4 seconds. 28. The method of claim 24, wherein 45.4 to 136.2 g (0.1 to 0.3 pounds) of carbon dioxide per 454 g (1 pound) of tobacco condenses on the tobacco. 29. A method of aerating tobacco wherein the tobacco has an initial volatile matter (OV) content of between 15% and 19%, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) the tobacco is cooled and reduced in volatile matter (OV) by exposure to partial vacuum; (b) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas at pressures of 5,170 kPa to 6549 kPa (750-950 lb./c.i.) when the carbon dioxide is maintained in or near the saturated state; (c) combines tobacco with carbon dioxide gas for a time sufficient to carbonate the tobacco; (d) relieve pressure; and (e) the tobacco is then prepared to stand when the tobacco is sputtered. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the tobacco temperature is lower than -12.2 ° C (10 ° F) when the pressure is reduced. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of maintaining the saturated tobacco in an environment having a dew point not greater than the temperature of the tobacco by reducing the pressure in step d) and preconditioning the tobacco for such a state of rolling. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein step e), comprising preparing the tobacco for such a rinsing state, comprises contacting the tobacco with a vapor-air liquid and a mixture thereof at a temperature of 177 ° C to 288 ^U ( 350-550 ° F) for less than 4 seconds. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein 45.4 to 136.2 g (0.1 to 0.3 pounds) of carbon dioxide per 454 g (1 pound) of tobacco condenses on the tobacco. 34. A tobacco product containing saturated tobacco, wherein the saturated tobacco is prepared by the method of claims 1, 16, 24 or 29.