Tobacco leaves and cut tobacco are extremely hygroscopic in nature and can easily regain moisture from the surrounding environment. If right moisture level and humidity control is not achieved during tobacco storage, following can happen:
- Organic corrosion
- Growth of fungus and bacteria
- Deterioration in quality of the stored leaves
- Insect contamination
Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity
Storage/ Godown in tobacco industry is a moisture-prone area. The tobacco leaves, coming in little contact with the moisture can witness many changes in weight and other characteristics. The tobacco is normally stored in farms which have high relative humidity as compared.
Also, tobacco is stored in compressed bales. As soon as the new lot arrives in the storage area, it brings a certain moisture with it during its transportation which when present in the godown for a certain time, leads to growth of bacteria and fungus, supported by compressed bales.
Sanitation of tobacco and its surrounding also plays a major role in causing uncontrolled moisture.
General Recommendation
The general practice is to retain the equilibrium moisture content of the stored tobacco at 16% to 19%. For this, a relative humidity of 35% to 45% needs to be maintained inside the storage area in order to maintain their quality. Tobacco leaves have to dried properly before they are packed and marketed.
Bry-Air Solution
Bry-Air offers simplest and most economical solution to humidity related problems. Bry-Air dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air to prevent tobacco from getting destroyed or lose its taste and value. It can maintain equilibrium moisture content of the stored tobacco at 16% to 19%.
Partial Reference List
- Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp., U.S.A.
- Alleghany Warehouse, Netherlands
- Malaysian Tobacco Company
- VST Industries