HOW DO ELECTRONIC
CIGARETTES WORK?
CIGARETTES WORK?
Electronic cigarettes create an inhalable vapor by electrical heating of a liquid (known as an e-liquid) contained within the device or a replaceable cartridge.
In this respect, they function in a similar manner to a kettle; heat is directly applied to the e-liquid via a heating element, a coil being the most commonly used example.
Types of e-cigarettes
There are three types of electronic cigarette
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Cig-a-likes
These are simple devices with easy-to-exchange cartridges pre-filled with an e-liquid. The batteries may either be single use or can be recharged. Also known as cartridge systems.
Cig-a-likes were the first generation of e-cigarettes to be developed. They are typically about the same size and shape as a regular tobacco cigarette, hence the name.
To use the product, a consumer simply draws air through the mouth-piece, This automatically leads to heating of the e-liquid contained in the cartridge and vapor formation. Many cig-a-likes also have an LED light on the end of the device which lights up when the device is activated to mimic the glowing end of a cigarette.
Both single-use (disposable) and rechargeable cig-a-likes are available. Also known as first-generation electronic cigarettes.
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Closed tank systems
These devices also use pre-filled e-liquid capsules, but tend to have larger batteries than cig-a-likes, giving rise to a larger vapor volume. The batteries themselves can be recharged. Also known as capsule systems.
Closed tank systems are a more recent innovation. Like cig-a-likes, they also utilize pre-filled e-liquid capsules so the user does not have to refill the device from e-liquid bottles. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage and/or exposure to e-liquids.
Compared to cig-a-likes, closed tank systems tend to have larger, rechargeable, batteries, so more power can be applied to the coil thereby producing larger vapor volume.
The capsules themselves tend to be device specific, so the choice of e-liquid flavors is restricted to those offered for a particular device.
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Open tank systems
These devices can be filled with e-liquid manually. Like closed tank systems, they tend to have larger, rechargeable batteries to generate larger vapor volumes. There is a wide range of open tank devices and e-liquid refills available, offering more scope for personalization and individual control. Also known as refillable systems.
Open tank systems are the most heterogeneous category of electronic cigarettes. With open tank systems, users can refill their devices manually. Currently there is a wide variety of e-liquid brands and flavors available for consumers to choose between, allowing for a more personalized experience.
The devices themselves also vary greatly in size, shape and battery power. More complex devices also include additional features such as voltage adjustment to vary the powered supplied to the coil and thus vapor volume. Some devices also allow consumers to replace the heating coil.
Also known as second and third generation devices.
About e-liquids
Vapor in an electronic cigarette is created by electronically heating an e-liquid.
An e-liquid typically contains:
- Carrier liquid
- Nicotine
- Flavors
ENSURING E-LIQUID QUALITY
At JTI, we use food-grade flavoring, Propylene Glycol (PG), and Vegetable Glycerol (VG) and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine in our e-liquids to ensure the quality of the vaping experience.
These ingredients are used in different proportions to create different vaping experiences.
Global e-flavor trends
As of Q3 2021, Menthol/Mint is the most popular flavor which is followed by Fruit, Tobacco, and Rich. These trends have been changing according to various factors such as consumer preference trends and regulations.
Carrier liquid
The carrier liquid is the main component of an e-liquid. Its primary purpose is to act as a solvent for the other ingredients, such as nicotine and flavors. On heating, the carrier liquid also forms the visible body of the vapor. The two most common carrier liquids are:
Propylene Glycol
A clear, colorless and nearly odorless liquid - affecting both flavor and sensory impact.
Vegetable Glycerine
A clear, colorless and odorless liquid - affects production of visible vapor on exhalation.
PG and VG are usually used in combination, with the ratio affecting sensory impact, taste and visible vapor volume.
Nicotine
This is added to the e-liquid in different concentrations, most commonly below 20mg per ml (of e-liquid). Zero nicotine e-liquids are also available.
Flavors
Taste is an important reason why smokers and vapers choose to try electronic cigarettes. Flavor ingredients, even used in minute quantities, help determine the aroma and taste of each individual brand.
Nicotine Level
Nicotine Level
PG/VG Ratio
PG/VG Ratio
Atomizer
Atomizer
Device Power
Device Power
Vapor Characteristics
Vapor Characteristics
Inhalation Style
Inhalation Style
Flavor Blending
Flavor Blending
Nicotine has a slightly bitter flavor that may be more noticeable at higher concentrations.
HIGHER PG = can enhance flavor
HIGHER VG = can produce more visible vapor
Higher atomizer resistance reduces vaporizing temperature and can impact the flavor.
Higher power levels can create more vapor and more flavor impact.
Flavor may be affected by vaporizing temperature and volume.
Duration & depth of inhalation can affect flavor delivery of e-liquids.
Individual flavor ingredients are combined to achieve desired aroma and taste.
Factors affecting
e-liquid flavor
about the battery
The information here is general information. When comparing products that are actually sold, the information provided here may differ from the actual product characteristics.
In the simplest electronc cigarettes, power automatically flows from the battery when the user inhales. In the case of other devices the user must press a button to activate the battery.
About charging
The majority of electronic cigarette batteries are charged using a USB charging cable, with some devices also having a wall charging option.
It is important that electronic cigarettes are only charged using the charging cables provided for the specific device.
Electrical resistance, electricity flow and the vaping experience
Electrical resistance can have a significant effect on the vaping experience through changing electricity flow. Key variables are as follows:
| Lower electrical resistance of heating unit | Higher electrical resistance of heating unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Flow | higher | lower |
| Battery drain | quicker | slower |
| E-liquid used per puff | higher | lower |