Our Ceramic Vaping System (CVS), commercialized as VEEV ONE by Philip Morris International (PMI), is an e-vapor product that uses a ceramic heater to create nicotine-containing aerosol. Innovative features of our ceramic vaping technology include smart digital controls and a unique, H-shape heater design, which maximizes e-liquid distribution for a consistent aerosol output and heightened user experience. Explore the science and technology behind this innovative vaping system.
The CVS is a rechargeable, closed-tank e-vapor system which represents an advanced category of vaping technology. It is designed to deliver a consistent and high-quality aerosol to increase the acceptance rate as a replacement for cigarettes in adults who continue to smoke and don’t quit.
The CVS is a compact device consisting of two main components, the replaceable cartridge and the battery unit.
The replaceable cartridge, or pod, includes a nonrefillable, disposable closed tank with a mouthpiece. This holds the e-liquid, heating element, and electrical components to connect with the battery unit. The heating element, connected to the battery, heats the e-liquid to generate an aerosol. CVS pods are designed to prevent product misuse and ensure the e-liquid is not altered.
The battery unit, or device, is a rechargeable unit that holds the battery and the electronics. It serves as the insertion point for the cartridge and provides energy to the heating element to generate an aerosol. The battery unit can be recharged using a USB-C cable.
The CVS uses an e-liquid which contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to aid in the aerosol formation, water as a dilutant, nicotine, flavors, sweeteners, and benzoic and/or lactic acid, which aid in the formation of nicotine salts.
The CVS is a closed pod system—it is engineered with sealed pods and integrated heating elements. This ensures the integrity of the e-liquid, minimizes leakage, avoids deterioration of the heating element, and the closed design enhances safety and reliability of the system. Open pod systems, in contrast, allow users to manually refill the e-liquid, which introduces the potential for leakage and contamination, misuse with noncertified or unauthorized substances, and deterioration of the heating element if not replaced frequently.
The heating technology used in the CVS is based on a ceramic heater, which uses the principle of electric resistance of a metallic heating track printed onto a microporous ceramic substrate. The heat generated by the printed heating track, when powered, is transferred to the e-liquid, which heats up and evaporates.
The innovative H-shape geometry of the ceramic heater is designed to increase the e-liquid supply surface area, allowing a sustained and consistent e-liquid feed to the metallic heating track during the vaporization process. At the same time, the low thermal diffusion of the ceramic substrate minimizes heat loss and improves energy efficiency.
Thanks to this new technology, the CVS offers a uniform taste delivery while providing an optimized heat transfer and e-liquid vaporization.
The CVS is built around simplicity and reliability. Its features include:
Leak-proof system design
This includes reliable seals between components and the microporous ceramic body of the heater, which aids in retaining the e-liquid inside the cartridge.
Improved airflow path
As air is drawn in through the mouthpiece, it passes over the printed heating track, where the e-liquid is vaporized. The vapors are then rapidly cooled, triggering aerosol formation.
Puff activation feature
The heating track is only powered when an internal sensor detects the pressure drop generated when a puff is taken.
Dry puff detection system
A dedicated algorithm tracks changes in heater resistance to detect low levels of e-liquid and stop the power supply. This prevents overheating of the e-liquid, which are typically responsible for forming harmful chemicals such as carbonyls.
Recyclable
In a number of markets, end-of-life devices are collected through our CIRCLE program and sent to centralized CIRCLE hubs, which inspect, process, and separate materials for recycling and reuse, contributing to environmental sustainability. The CIRCLE program covered 82% of market volume as of the end of 2023.
Because it doesn’t burn tobacco, and does not emit smoke, our CVS emits on average 99% lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), compared with cigarettes. However, this does not necessarily equal a 99% reduction in risk. The CVS is not risk free and contains nicotine, which is addictive. But for adult smokers who don’t quit, it is a better alternative than continued smoking.
Given the similarity in e-liquid formulation and aerosol performance between the CVS and its precursor MESH Vaping System (MVS), the data gathered from the scientific assessment of MVS (including clinical data) can provide valuable insights into positioning CVS as a better alternative to cigarettes.
Read more on PMI’s scientific assessment of our e-vapor products:
For communicating the extent of HPHCs emitted by our smoke-free products, we use reduced emission statements, which indicate the relative reductions of a selected number of toxicants in the emissions of smoke-free products compared with cigarettes.
The approach used by PMI to substantiate reduced emissions for consumer-facing product statement is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 9 list. This is a list of nine priority HPHCs proposed by the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation for mandated lowering in cigarette smoke, which does not include nicotine.
PMI selected the WHO 9 because it allows us to provide consumers with accurate and nonmisleading information while improving the consistency of the messages across product categories and aligning with industry practices. Furthermore, this approach enables consumers to make informed decisions about the products available on the market, including product properties, benefits, and risks.
