GB730527A - Improvements in apparatus for moistening tobacco and like fibrous materials - Google Patents

Abstract

730,527. Conditioning tobacco. KORBER, K. Aug. 27,1953 [Sept. 27, 1952], No. 23677/53. Class 130. Tobacco or like fibrous material is moistened on traversing a covered space divided as by partitions 9, 10, Fig. 1, into successive chambers A, B, C in which it is respectively initially wetted, steamed and cooled. As shown, a series of overlapping inclined wire gauze or other conveyers 3, 13 and 18 ... 22 convey bundles 2 of tobacco between input and output conveyers 1, 23, vaned wheels 11, 12 and leather sealing flaps 31 partially isolating the chambers from each other and the exterior, and adjustably mounted guides 15, 16 &c. assisting transfer of the tobacco where appropriate. The tobacco is brought to about 25‹C. and 85 per cent relative humidity in chamber A by water sprays 24, to about 60‹C and 85 per cent to 90 per cent relative humidity in chamber B by steam, e.g. wet steam, sprays 24<1>, 24<11> and to 25‹ to 30‹C. and about 85 per cent relative humidity in chamber C by water sprays 24<111>, 24<1111> and by air currents drawn through from inlets 27 to an outlet 25 by a suction fan 26 delivering to a flue 28 which may also act as an outlet from the chamber B. Drip guards 29, 29a, Fig. 2, and water sumps 30 are provided. Several series of conveyers may be arranged in parallel. In modifications, the input conveyer projects into the chamber A and delivers to a single inclined conveyer therein which projects into the 'chamber B and delivers to the first of three (a)-horizontal, or (b) inclined, parallel conveyers one above the other and running alternately in opposite directions and the last of which delivers via a vane wheel to (a) a single inclined conveyer, or (b) the first of three similar conveyers, in the chamber C, the single conveyer of the last of the three conveyers projecting from the chamber C to deliver to the output conveyer. The speeds of the conveyers and vaned wheels may be varied singly, in groups or simultaneously by mechanical or electrical controls acting as on an infinitely variable gear and these speeds and the temperatures and humidities are continuously increased by suitable appliances. The spray nozzles are all pivoted or otherwise adjustable, and the walls of the apparatus are preferably heat-insulated.