METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF TOBACCO

摘要

A tobacco enhancement apparatus comprises a tunnel having a vibratory conveyor floor, and an inlet for receiving unexpanded tobacco shreds. A steaming and swirling station is located downstream of the inlet and comprises an array of overhead steam nozzles arranged above the floor for steaming and expanding the shreds. The steam nozzles are positioned and angled to create vortices amongst the shreds. A conditioning venturi station is located downstream of the steaming station for prolonging the exposure of the expanded tobacco shreds to conditions of increased vapour pressure. A setpoint controller is provided for automatically monitoring and adjusting the downward angle of the steam nozzles, the steam pressure, the height of the nozzles, the height of the venturi station and the temperature of the expanded tobacco.