Diffusion-optimized tipping paper

Abstract

A method for producing a diffusion-optimized tipping paper for tobacco products, especially filter cigarettes, by plasma perforation of the web of tipping paper for the purpose of maximum carbon monoxide reduction, wherein the diffusivity and the permeability P of the perforated tipping paper are measured in-line and diffusivity is maximized by controlling the perforation parameters, the definable target permeability P soll being maintained at all times.

1 . A method for manufacturing a diffusion-optimized mouthpiece lining paper for tobacco products, in particular filter cigarettes, by perforating the web of the mouthpiece lining paper for the purpose of maximum reduction of carbon monoxide, wherein
 the diffusivity and the permeability P of the perforated mouthpiece lining paper are determined inline, and the diffusivity is maximized by regulating the perforation parameters while constantly adhering to the pre-definable nominal permeability P soll .   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nominal permeability P soll  is pre-defined by pre-defining the degree of ventilation, the drag resistance and/or the smoke values to be achieved. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein diffusivity is approximately determined in that the perforation-hole count, or the density of holes and/or the hole diameter D, respectively, are metrologically acquired. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the paper thickness d is measured inline. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the perforation parameters are controlled such that the achievable minimum hole diameter D min  is set and permeability P is held constant by regulating the hole count n. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the achievable minimum hole diameter D min  for the mouthpiece lining paper being used is determined in an adjustment phase by automatic or manual variation of the perforation parameters. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the hole diameter D is metrologically acquired, and the required hole count n is determined by calculation, preferably by way of the formula 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the hole size is minimized in that the energy density of the plasma is reduced so far that preferably only approx. 50% to 80% of the energy impulses of the at least one energy source lead to perforation and the perforation parameters subsequently are controlled such that, on account of the change in the energy density of the plasma, the perforation-hole count or the hole density, respectively, is obtained at which the actual value of permeability P is equal to the nominal permeability P soll . 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein regulating the hole size is established by one or a plurality of the following measures: modifying the gas pressure; modifying the gas flow rate; modifying the gas composition, in particular modifying the concentration of inert gas; modifying the opening area of the nozzle; modifying the distance by which the tip of the energy source projects from the nozzle; modifying the web speed. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein regulating the number of energy impulses of the at least one energy source which lead of a perforation is performed in that the frequency, duration and/or amplitude of the voltage impulse on the electrodes are/is modified, or in that the output, focal length, frequency, duration and/or geometry of the light impulses of one or a plurality of laser beams are/is modified. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein perforating is simultaneously performed by a plurality of perforating heads, wherein the hole diameter D of each produced hole is determined, wherein in the data processing system each perforation head is assigned the diameter of the hole produced therewith. 
     
     
         12 . A device for perforating a web of mouthpiece lining paper, wherein at least one energy source is directed at an angle of preferably 90° onto the mouthpiece lining paper, and wherein this energy source includes a tip from which an energy beam is directed onto the mouthpiece lining paper,
 wherein
 when viewed in the web direction a measuring device which acquires the size and the number or density of the perforation holes, respectively, and the permeability P of the mouthpiece lining paper is disposed after the perforating device, 
 a data processing system, by way of which the data of the measuring device is convertible to at least one control factor for regulating the perforation parameters, is provided. 
 
 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the mouthpiece lining paper in the perforating device is surrounded by a gas atmosphere which in relation to the ambient atmosphere has a higher or lower proportion of inert gas and/or a lower or higher pressure. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein each energy source is attached in a pipe on the end of which that faces the mouthpiece lining paper a nozzle which serves as an exit opening for a pressurized gas or gas mixture is disposed, wherein the tip of the energy source is disposed in the nozzle so as to be concentric. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein each energy source is formed by an electrode, wherein at least one counter electrode is provided on the other side of the mouthpiece lining paper. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein a high voltage in the form of DC or AC voltage is applicable between the electrodes. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the energy source is a laser. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein a device for measuring the thickness d of the web of the mouthpiece lining paper inline is provided.