Tobacco is dependent on humidity
Humidity control is essential for tobacco during many stages of the production process, from initial unpacking to storage. A lack of humidity can lead to a degration of quality in the tobacco leaves which have influence on the flavour, aroma, color and weight.
What humidity level is suitable for tobacco at different stages
1: Curing
During the curing process, the tobacco leaves undergo a drying process and require a relative humidity between 60 – 80%. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will dry too fast and become brittle.
2: Storing
After the curing process, the tobacco leaves need to be stored until further processing. A humidity level around 60-70 % is recommended for this stage.
3: Conditioning
During this process the tobacco leaves are moistured in drums with steam and water spraying to reach a moisture level around 14 – 16 %.
4: Cutting
During the cutting process, the tobacco will go into the cutting machinery. To maintain this internal moisture, Ikeuchi recommends a RH level between 60-70% at this stage.
Which type of humidification system is most suitable for tobacco?
Steam humidification
Steam humidification has long been praised for its hygienic, precise, and efficient humidification control in tobacco processing. However, the high energy consumption, high investment costs, risks of over-humidification and difficult maintenance, it is no longer the favored choice by most tobacco manufacturers.
Adiabatic humidification
Adiabatic humidification is the best choice for humidification control of tobacco due to its high energy efficiency, reliability and low investment cost. However, many adiabatic humidification systems produce large droplets which may harm machinery or wet the tobacco.
Dry Fog humidification
Ikeuchi recommends Dry Fog humidification control in tobacco processing. Our AKIMist® Dry Fog humidifier is known for its tiny droplet size around 7.5 µm. The droplets are so small that they bounce back without bursting on any surfaces. In addition, AKIMist is extremely energy efficient with an energy-cost ratio up to 80% lower than steam. AKIMist also has the added advantage of dust suppression, which can be a serious issue in tobacco processing plants.
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