Method and apparatus for low residence time redrying of tobacco

摘要

A method and apparatus is given for a low residence time redrying of strip tobacco. The apparatus thoroughly and evenly dries and cools the tobacco consistently through the entire tobacco bed as it passes through the dryer (38) and cooler (32). The apparatus utilizes a plurality of individually controlled fluidized bed heating zones (22-30) for drying the tobacco. An additional fluidized bed cooling zone (32) is provided to cool the tobacco prior to reordering. A continuous conveyer (14) extends through the heating zones and cooling zones. A steam tunnel (40) is utilized to raise the moisture content of the dried tobacco to preselected moisture levels. A vibrating conveyer (60) moves the tobacco through the steam tunnel.