METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND EXPANDING TOBACCO PORTIONS Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: tobacco industry. SUBSTANCE: method for forming tobacco portion containing predetermined quantity of tobacco involves treating tobacco with steam; charging tobacco portion into coil unit and impregnating it with tobacco expanding agent. Apparatus has two channels from which two formed portions of tobacco are simultaneously charged from opposite sides into tobacco impregnation chamber. Tobacco portion is formed in forming chamber having adjustable grid which may be repositioned in vertical plane depending upon working parameters and/or grades and/or form of tobacco. Tobacco portion is directed through pneumatic separating zone and delivered to tobacco precompression and heating zone. Separating zone is defined by members operating in succession, with at least two of these members making partition walls preventing tobacco expanding agent from escaping from impregnation zone. Tobacco portion is pressed to permeable wall in tobacco precompression zone and treated with steam, with following conveyance to coil unit for impregnating tobacco portion with expanding agent. EFFECT: increased efficiency and improved quality of tobacco. 12 cl, 6 dwg