How To Prepare Cigarette Flavor Bead ?

I. Core Concept

Cigarette flavor burst beads are microcapsules produced by precision equipment that encase a liquid flavor core within a gelatin or plant-based shell. Embedded in the cigarette filter, they release flavor when crushed by the smoker, enhancing the smoking experience.

Successful production relies on three core elements:

1. Client-developed Liquid Flavor Core

2. Gelatin Shell Formula provided by Migrand Machinery

3. Professional Dropping Flavor Beads Encapsulation Equipment by Migrand Machinery

   

II. Preparation Method and Process Flow

1. Raw Material Preparation

• Liquid Flavor Core (provided by client):

• Composition: Developed independently by the client, typically containing flavor concentrates (menthol, fruit, spirits, etc.), solvents (glycerin, propylene glycol), stabilizers, etc.

• Requirements: Must be filtered to be free of impurities and particles. Viscosity should ideally be <200 cP to ensure smooth injection.

• Gelatin Shell (provided by equipment supplier):

• Composition: Usually a standard formula of gelatin, water, plasticizers (e.g., glycerin), and other additives. Vegetarian formulas (e.g., HPMC) can be provided upon request.

• Preparation: Gelatin and water are mixed in proportion, heated until molten, vacuum degassed, and maintained at 40 ± 2°C throughout the production process.

2. Process Flow

The entire preparation process follows these steps and must be carried out in a controlled temperature and humidity environment (recommended: temperature 18-25°C, humidity <50%):

III. Key Equipment Description

The complete production line mainly includes the following modules:

1. Gel Melting Tank: For heating, stirring, degassing, and keeping the gelatin solution warm.

2. Dropping Pill Machine:

• Core Component: Uses a double-layer nozzle for the simultaneous and precise dropping of the core and shell liquids.

• Precision Control: High-precision servo injection system ensures consistent filling volume per bead (tolerance ±0.003 mL).

3. Solidification System:

• Tumbling Drum: A slowly rotating (5-10 rpm) cylinder that allows the initially formed beads to roll evenly in chilled air or a food-grade solidifying agent spray, hardening only the outer shell while the inner core remains liquid.

4. Washing & Drying Unit:

• Uses mild food-grade solvents (e.g., ethanol) to wash surface oil from the beads.

• Employs a fluidized bed or low-temperature oven for drying at 30 ± 5°C to remove surface solvent and control final moisture content.

5. Optical Sorting Machine: Uses high-definition cameras to automatically detect and remove defective beads (imperfect shape, flawed, or leaking).

6. Control System: Integrated PLC touchscreen centrally controls all key parameters like temperature, speeds, and dropping frequency.

IV. Key Production Control Points and Notes

1. Temperature Control: This is the most critical factor in production.

• Gel Solution Holding Temperature: Directly affects dropping smoothness and bead uniformity.

• Solidification Temperature: Affects the shell hardening speed and final mechanical strength.

• Drying Temperature: Excessive temperature can cause bead deformation, core volatilization, or excessive shell dehydration leading to brittleness.

2. Leakage Prevention:

• Equipment precision (nozzle design, injection accuracy) is the foundation.

• The uniformity of shell thickness and the stability of the solidification degree are key.

• Strict leakage tests (e.g., centrifugal tests) are conducted before delivery.

3. Customer Support:

• Formula Support: Provides a proven standard gelatin shell formula.

• Training Support: Comprehensive instructional videos and on-site operation training are provided after equipment delivery, covering operation, maintenance, temperature parameter setting, and troubleshooting.

• R&D Assistance: Can assist clients in testing their provided liquid core for compatibility with the equipment and shell formula.

Summary: Producing high-quality cigarette burst beads is a process involving materials science, fluid dynamics, and precision machinery. Selecting a reliable equipment supplier（Migrand Machinery）, combined with the client's own developed flavor core and strict control of production parameters (especially temperature), enables the stable production of high-quality flavor burst beads with good sealing properties and appropriate strength.