PSYCHROMETRICS OF TOBACCO CURING

Tobacco varieties cultivated in Macedonia, have short leaf, golden yellow coloured, with characteristic aroma. Cured tobacco is one of the chief exports of the country. The tobacco curing was conducted as thermal treatment of the tobacco leaf by conditioned atmospheric air. The process was followed in three curing units, each with different air distribution system, to compare the influence of applied system on the quality of cured leaf. Measurements were realized for the curing medium (flow rate, moisture and temperature) and for the cured product (moisture content and temperature). Obtained data, completed with laboratory quality analysis of cured tobacco, were decisive in the selection of suitable curing unit. The tobacco leaf received best quality when the curing process was conducted in the curing unit with downside air supply. This type of curing unit, with attested thermal capability, was selected as a model for building in the future.