WO2013060479A1

WO2013060479A1 - Smoking article analysis device and method for delivering an aerosol

Info

Publication number: WO2013060479A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/004522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Schnell
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2011-10-28
Filing date: 2012-10-29
Publication date: 2013-05-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article analysis device, comprising a smoking article reception means (1) to provide an aerosol, and an aerosol analysis means (13), wherein a pump (6, 7) is provided between the reception means (1) and the aerosol analysis means (13). The pump (6, 7) is adapted such that the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed in its flow direction in the pump (6, 7). The pumping motion of the pump (6, 7) is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump (6, 7). The invention further relates to a method for delivering aerosol from a smoking article to an aerosol analysis means (13) by a pump (6, 7).

Description

Smoking Article Analysis Device and Method for Delivering An Aerosol

The present invention relates to a smoking article analysis device. The invention further relates to a method for delivering aerosol from a smoking article to an aerosol analysis means by a pump.

In the prior art, it is known to analyze the aerosol of smoking articles by means of smoking machines. These smoking machines have a defined amount of aerosol drawn from smoking articles on a time scale, otherwise known as the puff profile. The puff profile allows for analyzing the contents of the aerosol provided by a smoking article in a standardized manner.

Currently, new types of smoking articles are developed, which allow providing a different smoking experience. These types of smoking articles heat a material, which can be in a solid or liquid form, and which provides an aerosol upon being heated, to be inhaled by a consumer. The material can be provided in the form of capsules comprising an inhalable substance to be vaporized, but also in the form of tobacco which is heated but not burned. The heating may be effected by means of an electrical heating, by a gas burner or by other heating means.

For the new types of smoking articles, as for any other smoking articles, a reliable and reproducible testing environment has to be provided for inhalation studies on biological systems. The aerosol is exposed to in-vivo and in-vitro test systems with reproducible concentrations of the aerosol. Therefore, a reproducible aerosol generation, and a preferably loss-free transportation of the aerosol to biological systems, such as cell cultures, is needed.

For a conventional cigarette, the aerosol consists mainly of components with a high boiling temperature, and nucleation and condensation usually has already finished in the cigarette. Thus, the aerosol leaving the mouth piece of the cigarette is thermodynamically in equilibrium with its environment, wherein only components of high vapor pressure, such as aldehydes or similar, could evaporate after the dilution with fresh air.

However, for the above described new types of smoking articles, the aerosols are generated primarily by heating evaporable material and leave the mouth piece of the smoking article commonly not completely condensed, and with a higher temperature than ambient temperature. Thus, the components of the aerosol still being in the gas phase of the aerosol tend to condensate on surfaces of the aerosol path downstream of the mouth piece in the smoking machine.

Furthermore, the new types of smoking articles provide aerosols with larger particles than in conventional cigarette smoke. These larger particles are adsorbed by the surfaces of the aerosol path in smoking machines with a much higher probability, than smaller particles. The deposition of aerosol particles is more likely as the aerosols are not yet completely condensed or not yet in equilibrium with the environment. This is particularly problematic with new types of smoking articles due to controlled evaporation out of a carrier substrate and subsequent condensation of aerosol formers consisting mainly of glycerol or propylenglycol.

The aerosol provided by the new types of smoking articles may lose some of its particles on the surfaces of the aerosol path downstream of the smoking article in the smoking machine. These surfaces include channels and pathways located between the smoking article reception means and the aerosol analysis means. Further, a redistribution of aerosol components between the gas and particle phase of the aerosol may occur.

These negative effects apply in particular for pumps commonly used in smoking article analysis devices. The pumps, which can be piston pumps or pumps with rotating elements can have a flow of aerosol which can be circular or reversed. This can also contribute to the deposition of aerosol particles in the pump on its surfaces. However, for an accurate analysis of an aerosol provided by a smoking article, it is important to minimize biologically relevant alterations of the aerosol in the smoking machine by gentle and instantaneous transmission of the aerosols to the aerosol analysis means in the smoking machine.

EP 1 702 522 A1 discloses such a conventional smoking article analysis device in the form of an apparatus for creating smoke gas mixtures. A cigarette in the smoking position provides smoke to several tubes, which are connected to 5/4 way valves. At one port of the valve, a piston pump is provided. The valve is switched such that smoke is suctioned from the cigarettes, when the piston pump is retracted. Then the valve is switched and the smoke is partially exhausted by means of lowering the pump volume. However, as the smoke flows into and out of the piston pump through the same port, its flow direction is reversed and the deposition of aerosol particles is likely.

The present invention provides a smoking article analysis device and a method for delivering aerosol which minimizes biologically relevant alterations of the aerosols of new types of smoking articles by gentle and instantaneous transmission of the aerosols to an aerosol analysis means.

The invention provides a smoking article analysis device, comprising a smoking article reception means to provide an aerosol, and an aerosol analysis means, wherein a pump is provided between the reception means and the aerosol analysis means, and wherein the pump is adapted such that the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed in its flow direction in the pump, wherein the pumping motion of the pump is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump. Thus, as the aerosol flows along the moving parts of the pump, a reversing of the main flow direction of the aerosol can be avoided, and a deposition of aerosol particles can be significantly reduced or avoided. The main flow of the aerosol is, in particular, the macroscopic general flow even though local turbulences may still occur. As the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed, the liquid or solid particles in the aerosol are less likely to come into contact with the walls of the pump, and therefore are less likely to be adsorbed onto the walls of the pump. Thus, the concentration of the liquid and solid particles in the aerosol and the general composition of the aerosol is not significantly changed in the pump. The aerosol composition provided by the smoking article is therefore reliable which allows for a proper analysis of the aerosol to be conducted.

The object of the invention is also attained by a smoking article analysis device, comprising a smoking article reception means used to provide an aerosol, and an aerosol analysis means, wherein a pump is provided between the reception means and the aerosol analysis means, wherein the distance of the aerosol flow from the smoking article reception means to the aerosol analysis means is as short as possible. The object of the invention is in particular accomplished by arranging the smoking article reception means, the pump, optionally a dilution means, and the connecting channel in-line over a distance as short as possible. Given the short distance, the deposition of aerosol particles is widely avoided on the various surfaces of the device or its components.

Preferably, the pump is adapted such that the main flow direction of the aerosol in the pump is not reversed. This also contributes to a reduction of the likelihood of deposition of particles of the aerosol in the pump, as during the reversing of a flow usually the flow velocity decreases, and an adsorption of particles by the pump is more likely to occur.

Preferably, the pump used in the invention is adapted such that any change in the aerosol flow direction is less than 90 degrees in the pump. Thus, the aerosol flow generally maintains one direction, and a deposition of liquid or solid particles of the aerosol is less likely to occur on the internal surfaces of the pump.

In another embodiment, the pump is a diaphragm pump. A diaphragm pump gently pumps the aerosol without significantly changing the main flow direction of the aerosol in the pump. Further, its pumping motion is substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction in the pump.

In other embodiments, at least two diaphragm pumps are provided in parallel to each other. Thus, a constant flow of aerosol can be established, as when one of the pumps ejects the aerosol another pump can fill the pump chamber with aerosol, such that the flow of aerosol in the common channels connected to the pumps is more constant. This setup would make it less likely for there to be a depositing of aerosol particles in the channels of the pump or pumps.

In particular, the diaphragm pump comprises a diaphragm chamber formed by a stationary side wall and a diaphragm, wherein the stationary side wall is arranged opposite to the diaphragm, and wherein the stationary side wall has an at least partially convex form along the flow direction of the aerosol. Thus, the flow of the aerosol is smoothened, as it is generally directed in a slightly curved manner through the diaphragm pump. In particular, the convex form of the stationary side wall substantially corresponds to the form of the diaphragm in the half extended form, that is, the form of the diaphragm in the middle of the stroke of the pump. Thus, in the half extended form of the diaphragm, a slightly curved channel with relatively constant dimensions regarding its cross section is provided, which is subject to less variation than any other channels provided through diaphragm pumps known in the prior art.

The pump is adapted such that its pumping motion is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump. This can be achieved for example by a piston pump, wherein the piston motion is perpendicular to the main flow direction. Further, the inlet and the outlet of the pump may be arranged at substantially opposite sides of the pump. Thus, a smooth flow of aerosol through the pump can be established.

A dilution means may also be provided between the pump and the aerosol analysis means, for diluting the aerosol with dilution gas, in particular air. The dilution can be used to further stabilize the aerosol.

The reception means may be adapted to receive several smoking articles. The reception means may further be able to be moved, such that the at least one smoking article, which is providing the aerosol to the pump can be changed. Thus, several smoking articles for several subsequent analysis can be provided, and the changing of smoking articles which are analyzed can happen quickly. Through this process, deposition during the change of smoking articles can be avoided, as the smoking article analysis device does not have to stop its operation. And, the flow through the channels of the smoking article analysis device can be maintained at all times.

Preferably, the reception means is round and can be turned. Thus, with such a revolverlike structure, the smoking articles to be analyzed can be quickly exchanged.

The object of the invention is further solved by a method for delivering aerosol from a smoking article to an aerosol analysis means by a pump, wherein in the pump, the main flow of aerosol is not significantly changed in its flow direction. Therefore, the macroscopic general flow is not significantly changed in its flow direction, even though local turbulences may still occur. The pumping motion of the pump is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump. Thus, as the aerosol flows along the moving parts of the pump, a reversing of the main flow direction of the aerosol can be avoided, and a deposition of aerosol particles can be significantly reduced or avoided.

The change of the main flow direction of the aerosol is kept less than 90 degrees in the pump. Thus, due to the little change of the main flow direction of the aerosol, a deposition of aerosol particles can be reduced or avoided.

Preferably, the aerosol is diluted with a dilution gas, in particular air, after the pump. The dilution with dilution gas can further stabilize the aerosol, and, thus, reduce a deposition of aerosol particles in the system.

Preferably, the aerosol is provided by a smoking article which heats an evaporable material, in particular comprising glycerol or propylenglycol, and the aerosol is not yet completely condensed and not in equilibrium in the pump. The evaporable material may also comprise both glycerol and propylenglycol. This kind of aerosol is in particular provided by the new types of smoking articles.

The invention will now be further explained by means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a smoking article analysis device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the diaphragm pump of Figure 1 as seen from the side in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the diaphragm pump of Figure 1 as seen from the front in Figure 1.

In Figure 1 , the smoking article analysis device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The smoking article analysis device comprises a smoking article reception means 1 with several ports 2 into which different or same smoking articles can be inserted. The smoking article reception means 1 is generally round and can be turned in a revolving manner, such that at a time one of ports 2 is aligned with a tube 3 which connects the smoking article reception means 1 , in particular the respective port 2, to the remaining downstream smoking article analysis device. Thus, a smoking article arranged in the port 2 aligned with the tube 3 provides an aerosol to the tube 3, in particular, when a low pressure is applied to the smoking article though the tube 3. The tube 3 splits at its downstream end in two different tubes, which are each provided with a valve 4, 5. The respective valves 4, 5 are adapted to work in synchronism with a respective diaphragm pump 6, 7, which is provided downstream of each of the valves 4, 5. Downstream of each of the diaphragm pumps 6, 7, a further valve 8, 9 is provided, which is adapted to work in synchronism with its respective diaphragm pump 6, 7 as well. After the valves 8, 9, the flow through the respective diaphragm pumps is joined again in a tube 10. The diaphragm pumps 6, 7 are adapted to work in an opposite manner, namely when the diaphragm pump 6 is in its extended state, the diaphragm pump 7 is in its retracted state. In the extended state of the diaphragm pump 6, 7, the volume inside the diaphragm chamber is maximal, while in the retracted state, the volume in the chamber 11 , 12 is minimal. When the diaphragm pump 6, 7 moves from the retracted state to the extended state, the respective upstream valve 4, 5 is open, while the respective downstream valve 8, 9 is closed. Thus, the diaphragm chamber 1 1 , 12 gets filled with aerosol provided by at least one smoking article in the smoking article reception means 1.

When the diaphragm pump 6, 7 moves from the extended state to the retracted state the respective upstream valve 4, 5 is closed and the respective downstream valve 8, 9 is opened, such that the aerosol in the diaphragm chamber 11 , 12 flows into the tube 10.

As the diaphragm pumps 6, 7 are operated in an opposite manner, a substantially constant flow of aerosol can be provided to the tube 10.

It is emphasized, that in some embodiments, more than two diaphragm pumps can be provided in parallel, in particular three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more diaphragm pumps, such that an even more constant flow of aerosol can be provided to a downstream tube 10.

The downstream tube 10 can be provided with a dilution device, wherein dilution gas 30 is mixed with the aerosol, such that the aerosol is further stabilized.

The diluted aerosol flows further downstream into an aerosol analysis means 13, which comprises several analysis stations 14. The analysis stations 14 are in particular provided with a piston, and may comprise biological material or chemical testing substances to analyze the aerosol. Additionally or alternatively, digital analysis devices may be provided in the analysis stations 14.

In Figure 2 and 3 the diaphragm pump 6, 7 is shown in more detail. The diaphragm pump 6, 7 comprises a diaphragm 15, which is arranged on the opposite side to a stationary side wall 16 of the diaphragm pump 6, 7. In between the diaphragm 15 and the stationary side wall 16 the diaphragm chamber 1 1 , 12, in particular in the form of a channel, is provided.

Thus, when the diaphragm 15 is moved to its extended position as shown in Figure 3, the chamber 1 1 , 12 is filled with aerosol. The aerosol flows substantially perpendicular to the stroke direction 40 of the diaphragm pump 6, 7, as it flows from an upstream port 17 to a downstream port 18 of the diaphragm pump 6, 7. The ports 17, 18 are arranged at substantially opposite sides of the diaphragm pump 6, 7. Furthermore, the stationary side wall 16 has an at least partially convex form along the flow direction of the aerosol from the upstream port 17 to the downstream port 18, that is a raised section of the stationary side wall 16 in the direction of the diaphragm 15 is provided. In particular, a convex stationary side wall 16 in the diaphragm chamber 11 ,12 is provided. Thus, the flow of the aerosol through the diaphragm pump 6, 7 is further smoothened, and a deposition of liquid or solid particles of the aerosol in the diaphragm pump 6, 7 is less likely to occur.

In particular, the deposition of particles of the aerosol would be effected by impaction or adsorption when the particles come into contact with the walls or diaphragm of the diaphragm pump with a relative speed component in the normal direction of the respective surface. This is avoided or at least reduced by the inventive teaching.

The smoking article analysis device can be operated, such that even aerosols which are unstabilized can flow therein without the particles of the aerosol depositing on any surfaces in the device. The deposition is at least significantly reduced with respect to the prior art devices.

The invention also provides a method for delivering aerosol from a smoking article to an aerosol analysis means, wherein in the pump the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed its flow direction.

Claims

1. Smoking article analysis device, comprising a smoking article reception means to provide an aerosol, and an aerosol analysis means, wherein a pump is provided between the reception means and the aerosol analysis means, and wherein the pump is adapted such that the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed in its flow direction in the pump, wherein the pumping motion of the pump is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump.

2. Smoking article analysis device according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is adapted such that the change in the aerosol flow direction of the aerosol is less than 90 degrees in the pump.

3. Smoking article analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump is adapted such that the main flow direction of the aerosol in the pump is not reversed.

4. Smoking article analysis device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the pump is a diaphragm pump.

5. Smoking article analysis device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least two diaphragm pumps are provided in parallel to each other.

6. Smoking article analysis device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the diaphragm pump comprises a diaphragm chamber formed by a stationary side wall and a diaphragm, wherein the stationary side wall is arranged opposite to the diaphragm, and wherein the stationary side wall has an at least partially convex form along the flow direction of the aerosol.

7. Smoking article analysis device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a dilution means is provided between the pump and the aerosol analysis means, for diluting the aerosol with a dilution gas, in particular air.

8. Smoking article analysis device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the reception means is adapted to receive several smoking articles, and the reception means can be moved, such that the at least one smoking article, which is providing the aerosol to the pump, is changed.

9. Smoking article analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the reception means is round and can be turned.

10. Method for delivering aerosol from a smoking article to an aerosol analysis means by a pump, wherein in the pump the main flow of the aerosol is not significantly changed in its flow direction, wherein the pumping motion of the pump is substantially perpendicular to the main flow of the aerosol in the pump.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the change of the main flow direction of the aerosol is kept less than 90 degrees.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the aerosol is diluted with a dilution gas, in particular air, after the pump.

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 2, wherein the aerosol is provided by a smoking article which heats an evaporable material, in particular comprising glycerol or propylenglycol, and the aerosol is not yet completely condensed and not in equilibrium in the pump.