Refined Salt (vacuum dried salt)
Refined Salt, particularly vacuum dried salt, is a high-purity form of sodium chloride (NaCl) that has been processed to remove impurities and enhance its quality. This type of salt is produced using advanced vacuum salt-producing and evaporation technologies, ensuring a product that is white, pure, and less susceptible to humidity and caking. It is widely used in various industries due to its high purity and consistent quality.
Production Process The production of refined vacuum dried salt involves several steps to ensure its high purity and consistent quality. The process typically starts with the extraction of raw salt from underground mines or salt pans. This raw salt is then dissolved in water to form a brine solution. The brine is purified to remove impurities such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfate ions. The purified brine is then subjected to vacuum evaporation, where the water is evaporated under reduced pressure, leaving behind pure sodium chloride crystals. These crystals are then dried and packaged to produce the final product.
Chemical Properties Refined vacuum dried salt has a high sodium chloride content, typically above 99.10%, with minimal impurities. The salt is characterized by its uniform particle size, which not only enhances its appearance but also improves its solubility and handling properties. The low moisture content (usually less than 0.20%) and the absence of anti-caking agents make it ideal for various applications.
Physical Properties
Physical State: Solid at room temperature
Molecular Weight: Approximately 58.44 g/mol
Color: White
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Salty
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting Point: 801°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: 2.165 g/cm³ (solid)
pH: Neutral (7)
Crystalline Structure: Forms crystalline structures
Appearance: Forms transparent to translucent crystals
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture
Applications
Food Industry: Refined vacuum dried salt is used as a seasoning and preservative in various food products. Its high purity and consistent quality make it suitable for food processing, where it can enhance the flavor and shelf life of products.
Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical sector, refined vacuum dried salt is used as an excipient in the production of tablets, oral rehydration salts, and other pharmaceutical formulations. It is also used in hemodialysis and infant formulations.
Industrial Applications: In industries such as soap and detergent manufacturing, refined salt is used to maintain the proper viscosity of the saponification reaction. It is also used in the production of sodium and chlorine compounds, which are essential for further chemical syntheses.
De-icing: Large quantities of sodium chloride are used for de-icing roadways in sub-freezing weather, ensuring safe transportation conditions.
Quality Standards Refined vacuum dried salt complies with various quality standards, including:
Pharmacopeia Indonesia
US Pharmacopeia
FSSC 22000
Halal
SEDEX
Packaging and Storage Refined vacuum dried salt is typically packaged in polypropylene (PP) bags, with common packaging sizes ranging from 25kg to 1000kg, depending on customer requirements. The salt should be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its quality and prevent caking.
Health and Safety Refined vacuum dried salt is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). However, it is important to handle it with care to avoid skin and eye contact. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. If it comes into contact with skin, wash immediately with soap and water. It is also important to store refined vacuum dried salt in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture to maintain its quality and stability.
Conclusion Refined vacuum dried salt is a high-quality product that offers numerous benefits in both food and industrial applications. Its production process ensures a high degree of purity and consistency, making it a reliable choice for maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body and supporting various industrial processes. With proper packaging and storage, refined vacuum dried salt can maintain its quality and effectiveness over time, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for a wide range of applications.