Patent ID: 8327855
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: A24B

Abstract:
1. A process for preparing a tobacco blend, in which process at least two different types of tobacco are thermally treated and blended so as to form the tobacco blend, wherein thermally treating as well as blending of the at least two different types of tobacco is performed in a combined thermal treating and blending unit having an upwardly extending portion by the steps of: introducing a basic process gas into the thermal treating and blending unit to flow through the upwardly extending portion in an upward direction; introducing a first type of tobacco into the combined thermal treating and blending unit by flowing a first process gas through a first conduit at a velocity sufficient to carry the first type of tobacco; introducing at least a second type of tobacco into the combined thermal treating and blending unit by flowing a second process gas through a second conduit at a velocity sufficient to carry the second type of tobacco; thermally treating and blending the at least two different types of tobacco within the thermal treating and blending unit by carrying the first type of tobacco and the second type of tobacco upwardly through the thermal treating and blending unit via the basic process gas to form a tobacco blend; and reducing laminar flow of the basic process gas to increase the blending of the first type of tobacco and the second type of tobacco within the thermal treating and blending unit by rotating deflector blades therein.