METHOD FOR TOBACCO DRYING IN DENSE MASS Russian patent published in 2012 - IPC A24B3/04 

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: method for tobacco drying in a dense mass involves four phases: colouring, colour fixation, leaf blade drying and additional drying of the midvein. Tobacco heating and storing combined with natural cooling are performed under the conditions of repeated alternation at equal 30-60 minutes' intervals. During heating to the preset temperature at the colouring and drying stages the drying medium temperature increase rate is equal to 0.5°C per hour, at the stages of colouring fixation and additional drying of the midvein the drying medium temperature increase rate is equal to 1-2°C per hour. Relative humidity of the drying medium is gradually and uniformly reduced. Tobacco storing is performed with ventilation switched off.

EFFECT: production of quality raw material with improved technological and smoking properties.

2 tbl, 2 ex