Salt stands as an indispensable nutrient for the human body, with a recommended daily intake ranging from 5 to 7 grams. Despite its ubiquity, salt remains a vastly underestimated commodity in the realm of food consumption, with approximately 15 million tons devoured annually worldwide across various qualities, from table salt to industrial-grade variants essential for food production processes.
Yet, beyond its culinary indispensability, salt emerges as a cornerstone of modern industry, with over 90% of the staggering 200 million tons of sodium chloride consumed annually earmarked for industrial applications. This sector predominantly channels salt into the production of chlorine, caustic soda, and soda ash, pivotal ingredients in diverse industries such as petroleum refining, petrochemistry, organic synthesis, and glass manufacturing. Consequently, large-scale salt production becomes not only economically imperative but also pivotal in meeting the escalating demand for higher-quality salts, driven by an evolving standard of living and an increasing ecological consciousness mandating purer raw materials to mitigate chemical process waste.
In response to these evolving demands, the necessity arises for technologically advanced, energy-optimized salt plants capable of continuous, largely automated operation to ensure both optimal quality and economic viability. GEA Messo PT plants epitomize this synergy of quality and efficiency, meticulously engineered to deliver superior salt quality while maximizing operational economy. Rooted in extensive experience and meticulous planning, these plants represent the pinnacle of modern crystallization techniques, seamlessly tailored to the geological characteristics and end-user requirements, thereby offering the most suitable technology to fulfill the stringent quality standards demanded, particularly in vacuum salt production.
Salt wash
Salt processed, washed and conditioned in the mechanical refining plant meets all demands on table salt or salt for animal use.
It is also applied in the fish industry and in the chemical industry.
RAW SALT FEEDING
The journey of salt processing begins with the raw salt being charged into the holding salt hopper, where it is then conveyed by a specialized conveyor equipped with a salt feeder mechanism. This conveyor is designed with magnetic rods or plates at the discharge point to effectively remove any iron particles present in the raw salt before it proceeds to the next stage. From here, the conveyor deposits the raw salt into the wet mill.
SALT WASHING AND GRINDING
In the wet mill, the raw salt undergoes a dual transformation: reduction in particle size and grinding. This grinding process not only decreases the size of the salt particles but also facilitates their interaction with brine, resulting in surface polishing. As the salt is milled, a salt slurry is formed, which is then directed into a slurry tank via gravity. Within the slurry tank, additional salt water (brine) is introduced to complete the washing process. The solution overflowing from the slurry tank is directed to settling ponds, while the salt slurry is pumped into washing tanks for further purification.
SLURRY SEPERATION AND CENTRIFUGING
Following washing, the salt slurry undergoes separation and centrifugation. Initially pumped to a thickener, the slurry undergoes a unique process that facilitates the thickening of the salt bed at the tank’s bottom. Subsequently, the thickened slurry is transferred to a centrifuge, where the brine is separated from the salt slurry, resulting in the formation of salt cake.
DRYING
The salt cake is then subjected to drying, a crucial step accomplished through the utilization of vibratory or static fluid bed dryers. These dryers feature integrated systems comprising heating and cooling sections, ensuring optimal drying of the final product. Hot air is circulated into the salt bed via an air blower, expediting the drying process.
PARTICAL SEPERATION
Upon completion of drying, the salt output from the dryer undergoes particle separation through various types of screens, tailored to meet specific size requirements. This ensures the production of salt particles of desired dimensions.
IODIZATION
Finally, the salt undergoes iodization, wherein it is treated with iodine spray and other additives as necessary. This iodization process not only enriches the salt with essential iodine but also prepares it for various forms of salt manufacturing, catering to diverse consumer needs.