HOW SALT IS MADE: THE SCIENCE BEHIND SALT PROCESSING

Salt Processing Journey from Extraction to Packaging

Salt processing is essential for obtaining a high-purity product used in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Natural salt processing methods differ, from extracting underground deposits to evaporating seawater.

In this article, we explain in detail how salt is made and the processes for various applications.

Salt Processing Methods

Salt is extracted from underground deposits, mineral reserves, and seawater. Depending on the source, the salt processing method varies to guarantee maximum efficiency and purity.

1. Rock Salt Mining: Extracting Underground Deposits

One of the most common ways to understand how salt is made is rock salt mining. This process involves extracting salt from geological deposits formed by the evaporation of prehistoric seas.

Salt processing in rock mining:

• Underground deposits are drilled using specialized machinery.
• The extracted salt is crushed and sieved to remove impurities.
• It is then classified and destined for industrial, food, or chemical uses.

2. Solution Mining: Producing Refined Salt

Another key method in salt processing is solution mining, used when salt deposits cannot be extracted through conventional mining.

How salt is made through solution mining:

• Water is injected into underground deposits to dissolve the salt and create a brine.
• The brine is extracted and subjected to a vacuum evaporation process.
• The salt crystallizes with a purity of over 99%, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and chemical applications.

3. Solar Evaporation: Natural Salt Processing

Solar evaporation is the oldest and most eco-friendly method within salt processing. It relies on the sun and wind to evaporate water and obtain salt crystals.

Salt processing through solar evaporation:

• Seawater is introduced into evaporation ponds.
• Solar radiation and wind promote salt crystallization.
• The salt is harvested and refined according to its intended use.

The 3-Stages of Sea Salt Processing

To ensure the highest purity and quality, PROSALT salt plants use a three-stage refining method:

Washing: The raw salt undergoes multi-stage washing to remove both soluble and insoluble impurities. This results in cleaner, high-grade salt suitable for food and industrial use.
Drying: The washed salt is dried using advanced drying technology, reducing moisture content and preventing clumping, ensuring long-term stability.
Sieving & Packaging: The refined salt is carefully sieved to achieve uniform particle size before being packaged for various industrial, chemical, or food applications.

This three-stage salt processing method guarantees high purity, consistency, and superior quality, making it ideal for a wide range of industries.

The Importance of Salt Processing in Industry

Salt processing is crucial for various industries, as it ensures a product with the appropriate purity and granule size for each application.

Food Industry: Salt is an essential ingredient for food preservation and flavor.
Chemical Industry: Used in the production of chlorine, caustic soda, and other chemical products.
Pharmaceutical Industry: High-purity salt is crucial in medical and laboratory applications.
Water Treatment: Used in purification and water softening systems.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Salt Processing

Salt processing has evolved over time, integrating advanced technology to improve efficiency and product quality. Understanding how salt is made helps to recognize the importance of each method and its impact on the purity and sustainability of the final product.

If you want to learn more about salt processing, keep exploring specialized content and discover innovations in the salt industry.

Advancing Salt Refining for a Smarter Future

With a focus on technical excellence, PROSALT continuously innovates to refine salt processing methodologies. Our state-of-the-art facilities deliver superior products while maintaining sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Whether for industrial, chemical, or food applications, PROSALT ensures high-purity, consistent salt backed by precision engineering. Contact us to learn how our solutions can optimize your salt processing needs.