Salt
NaCl · Rock Salt · Sea Salt · Halite · Table Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is one of the most widely used bulk materials in industrial and food-grade applications. It is typically crystalline, granular, or pelletized and can vary in purity and moisture content depending on the source. While free-flowing under dry conditions, salt readily absorbs moisture from the air, leading to caking, clumping, and corrosion of handling equipment. KWS designs conveying and storage systems to prevent buildup, minimize corrosion, and maintain consistent material flow.
Overview
Chemical Formula
Common Names
Common Forms
Applications
- Food and chemical processing
- Water softening and treatment
- Deicing and road maintenance
- Animal feed and agricultural supplements
- Chlor-alkali and industrial chemical production
Material Characteristics
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Common Forms | Granular, Crystalline, Pelletized Solid |
| Bulk Density | 70–90 lb/ft³ (depends on grain size and moisture content) |
| Flow Behavior | Free-flowing when dry; becomes cohesive when humid |
| Abrasiveness | Low but can wear equipment over time with impurities |
| Corrosiveness | High hygroscopic and promotes rust on carbon steel |
| Dust Potential | Moderate fine particles may become airborne when dry |
Handling Challenges
- Corrosion and rusting of metal components due to salt's hygroscopic nature
- Caking and bridging in bins and hoppers from absorbed moisture
- Material buildup and plugging in screw conveyors and feeders
- Dust generation requiring containment and ventilation
- Product degradation or contamination in food-grade systems
Summary
Salt requires conveying systems designed for corrosion resistance, clean operation, and consistent flow. KWS Manufacturing provides engineered solutions—including stainless steel screw conveyors, drag conveyors, and feeders—tailored for the challenges of salt handling in both industrial and food-grade applications.
With extensive experience handling hygroscopic and corrosive materials, KWS ensures reliable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting performance for salt conveying systems.
