| 摘要 |
This disclosure relates to a process for expanding tobacco which comprises the steps of (1) subjecting tobacco, preferably in cut or particulate form, to a vacuum, (2) contacting the tobacco, while under vacuum, with water, preferably as a mist or spray, to impregnate the tobacco with water, (3) freezing the water-impregnated tobacco while it is maintained under vacuum, and (4) rapidly heating the frozen water-impregnated tobacco, preferably by direct contact with superheated steam. The first three steps may be, and preferably are, conducted in the same chamber. The fourth step may be conducted in a heating or drying chamber or tower, in a cyclone dryer or in similar equipment which will provide good gas-particle contact.
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