Apparatus and method for determining the triacetin content in cigarette
filter plugs during the manufacture of the filter plugs from a filter tow. The
apparatus including a filter tow storage container, a filter tow stretching device,
a device for feeding triacetin, to the filter tow, a plug-forming device, a device
for dividing the plug into portions, a first microwave sensor disposed downstream
of the plug-forming device, and a second microwave sensor disposed upstream of
the feed device for the triacetin. The triacetin content is determined by transmitting
a high frequency electromagnetic field through the filter plug both before and
after the triacetin is added and measuring the frequency shift and spread of the
electromagnetic field to determine mass signals At and A0,
respectivley. A0 is compared to At to calculate the triacetin
content of the filter plug.
