Celanese Acetate Limited

Hoechst Celanese Corporation

David O Kutscher

William S Sanderson

Gary B Ellison

Donald T Stilwell

Philip I L Caenen

Mark E Scarborough

John B Hopkins, Jr

Cheryl F Corallo

Robina M C Hogan

Howard T Bradsher

Philip IL Caenen

Robina MC Hogan

A process for making a cigarette tow comprising: spinning a dope; taking-up the as-spun cellulose acetate filaments; lubricating the filaments; forming a tow from the filaments; crimping the tow with a stuffer box crimper; drying the crimped tow; and baling the dried crimped tow. The process further comprises at least two of the following:

Process for making cellulose acetate tow

In the manufacture of a fiber tow, particularly cellulose acetate tow, a stuffer box crimper has a steam injector in communication with the stuffer channel of the crimper. The steam injector consists of a single pair of injectors vertically aligned with one another above and below the stuffer channel of the crimper.

Cellulose acetate tow and method of making same

A cigarette filter tow is a cellulose acetate tow having a high uncrimping energy (UCE) and a low fly. In one embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 280 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.030 grams per 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 265 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.023 grams per 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 250 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.017 grams per 30 minutes.

A process for recycling waste from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein. The process comprises the following steps: A waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided. The waste stream includes tobacco, filter tips comprising cellulose ester polymer, and paper. A substantial portion of the filter tips is separated from this waste stream. The filter tips are washed with a sufficient volume of water to liberate bound tipping paper and to remove contaminants from the cellulose ester polymer. Oxidizers may be added to improve tip color and/or serve as a pretreatment. The cellulose ester polymer may then be dried, resolutioned, and processed into useful articles of commerce.

Recycling cellulose esters from the waste from cigarette manufacture

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

David O Kutscher