Humidification and Evaporative Cooling
TOBACCO HUMIDIFICATIONIncreasing profits with environmental control
Condair humidifiers are used intobacco processing facilities around theworld to maintain product moisturecontent and production efficiency.
Some of the World’s leading tobaccomanufacturers put their trust in Condairhumidification systems to help themachieve their production objectives.
TRUSTED TECHNOLOGY
Condair has manufacturing facilities inAsia, Europe and North America as wellas sales operations in 14 countries anddistributors in over 40 more.
The company has been serving theglobal tobacco industry for more than30 years and is highly experienced inmany different processing technologies,products, climates and all types of production.
Humidifier systems are designed foreach individual application by tobaccohumidification experts to create theoptimal production environment. Ifrequired, Condair’s regional R&Ddepartments, can work with aproduction team to deliver innovativesolutions for unique tobacco processes.
Condair’s specialist humidifierengineering teams can provideinstallation, commissioning andmaintenance support to ensureimproved production efficienciescontinue to return on the initialinvestment for many years.
GLOBAL EXPERTISE, LOCAL SOLUTIONS
BAT, UK
BAT, Belgium
BAT, Russia
CIMA, Austria
Tabacos el Guajiro, Spain Tobacofina-Vender Elst, Belgium
Philip Morris, Germany
Dannemann Cigarrenfabrik, Germany
Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Denmark
Imperial Tobacco, Netherlands
Philip Morris, Netherlands
BAT, Algeria
BAT, Cameroon
BAT, Ghana BAT, Kenya
BAT, Malawi
BAT, Mozambique
BAT, Nigeria
Central Cigarette Manufacturing, Zambia
International Tobacco, Nigeria
Eastern Company SAE, Eygpt
United Division Company, Republic of Yemen
ATC Hosur, India
ITC, Bangalore India
ITC, Saharanpur India
ITC, Munger India
ITC, Kidderpore India
ITC, Pune India
Surya Nepal, Nepal
BAT, Cambodia
BAT, Kazakhstan
ASP, Nicaragua
Corporación Agricola de Tabaco, Ecuador
Tanasa, Ecuador
West Indian Tobacco, Trinidad & Tobago
Industria de Tabaco Leon Jimenes, Dominican Republic
Santa Fa Natural Tobacco Co, USA
Ohserase Manufacturing, USA
Grand River Enterprises, Canada
Cigars International, Eastern USA
HUMIDIFICATION & HUMIDITY CONTROL INTHE TOBACCO INDUSTRYHumidity control in the tobacco industry is essential in order to maintain productquality and reduce wastage from all manufacturing and storage areas.
Primary productionTobacco leaves most primary productionareas with a moisture content of 13-16% by weight. An ambient relativehumidity of 60-68%RH is needed tomaintain equilibrium between the airand the moisture in the tobacco. If it islower than 60%RH tobacco will belosing moisture, weight and quality.
Cut tobacco storageAfter the primary production processes,tobacco is normally bulked into largebins or silos. Smaller tobacco plantstypically will use boxes in cut tobaccostores. These areas must be maintainedat 60-70%RH and 21-24°C.
Secondary productionThe maintenance of around 60-70%RHis critical around the maker, catcherband and any on-machine storagesystems. Cigarettes can be stored in abuffer for several hours or over aweekend and will lose moisture if therelative humidity is not maintained.
Recovery & ripping areasAny loss in moisture will lead to poorrecovery of tobacco in ripping roomswhere production waste is broken upand re-used. These areas need to bemaintained at 65%RH at 21°C.
Electrostatic build-upIf humidity falls below 50%RHelectrostatic charges can occur,particularly in filter rod areas whereextra humidity is not normallymaintained. If conditions aremaintained above 50%RH, then this willtotally eliminate electrostatic charges.
PapersCigarette paper must also be kept inequilibrium with the environment. If itsmoisture changes so will the dimensionof the reel of paper along the exposededges. These are then in tension as thepaper runs, which can lead to tears,machine misfeeds and expensivedowntime re-feeding the roll.
Recommended humidity levels
Primary production 60-68%RH
Tobacco stores 60-70%RH
Filter production 50%RH
Cigarette production 65-68%RH
Ripping rooms 65%RH
Images, including front page,courtesy of British American Tobacco
Condair has a comprehensive range ofhumidification products to suit anytobacco processing facility. From wall-mounted steam or spray units for asmall tobacco plant or store toextensive humidification systems forthe largest of manufacturers.
Condair also offers a wide range ofassociated products such as watertreatment systems, air compressors,pumps and humidity monitors.
SOLUTIONS FOR TOBACCO HUMIDIFICATIONASK FOR A FREE EXPERT CONSULTATION
Direct room spray humidifier Steam humidifier
Induct adiabatic humidifier Humidifier accessories
12/2018
Condair plcArtex Avenue, Rustington, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 3LN, UKTel: +44 (0)1903 850200 - [email protected] - www.condair.co.uk