Salts Transportation

Transportation and Preservation of Salt

Extraction and Initial Handling

• In salt mountains or domes, large blocks are cut using specialized drills or mechanical saws.

• In solar evaporation fields, salt crystals are collected by scrapers or harvesters and gathered into piles for further processing.

Preparation for Transport

• Large blocks are often broken down into manageable sizes for easier handling.

• Salt may be screened or roughly purified before packaging.

• Depending on the end use, salt is shipped either in bulk (loose) or packed into jumbo bags, sacks, or sealed containers.

Modes of Transportation

• Road Transport: Heavy-duty trucks are commonly used, with loads covered by tarpaulins or carried in sealed containers to prevent exposure to moisture.

• Rail Transport: In some regions, large volumes are shipped in covered rail cars designed to protect against rain and humidity.

• Maritime Transport: Bulk carriers and dry cargo ships move massive quantities of salt internationally. In many cases, salt is loaded directly into ship holds or stored in large industrial bags.

Storage and Protection

• Dry Environment: Salt is extremely sensitive to moisture; therefore, storage must be in dry, humidity-controlled warehouses.

• Proper Ventilation: Adequate airflow prevents condensation and fungal growth.

• Separation from Ground Contact: Salt piles are kept on raised platforms or pallets to avoid direct contact with soil or water.

• Covering: Outdoor salt heaps are covered with strong plastic sheets or protective membranes to shield against rain and dew.

• Anti-Caking Agents: For industrial or food-grade salt in fine form, additives are sometimes used to maintain free-flowing granules during transport and storage.

Handling of Natural Salt Blocks

• Large natural blocks intended for therapeutic, decorative, or touristic purposes are lifted and moved using cranes or forklifts to avoid breakage.

• In some cases, the surfaces are coated with a transparent protective layer to prevent deterioration due to humidity and to preserve their natural appearance.