What are Industrial Salt Tablets
Industrial salt tablets are compressed blocks or “tablets” of very high purity sodium chloride (NaCl), often >99%. They are formed by compressing evaporated or refined salt into uniform shapes (round, pillow, cushion), which makes them easy to handle, store, dose, and dissolve at predictable rates.
They are not edible salt (not food grade necessarily), but intended mostly for technical uses: water treatment, chlorine‐alkali production, de-icing, etc.
Key Properties & Specifications
Here are typical specifications and parameters for good-quality industrial salt tablets:
Characteristic | Typical Value / Range | Why It Matters |
Purity (NaCl content) | ~ 99.0% to 99.9% | High purity reduces unwanted ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, etc.) which interfere with performance and scaling. |
Insoluble matter / impurities | Very low, e.g. < 0.1% or even <0.01% | Low insolubles ensure cleaner dissolution and less residue or clogging. |
Moisture content | Low, often < 0.5% or tighter | High moisture can cause tablets to deteriorate, clump, or lose strength. |
Physical strength (compression / hardness) | Specific dimensions: diameter (e.g. 20–25 mm), height (≈ 10-12.5 mm), crushing force 6-9 (units vary) for tablets. | Tablets must survive transport & storage, but also dissolve properly. |
Chemical impurities (Ca, Mg, Fe, Sulphate, Arsenic, etc.) | Very low limits. For instance RX Marine’s tablets: Calcium <0.04%, Magnesium <0.04%, Sulphate <0.2% etc. | Impurities can cause scaling, reduce efficiency or damage equipment. |
Appearance | White, odourless, solid tablets; uniform shape, no slime during dissolution. | For predictable performance and visual inspection. |
Common Applications / Uses
Industrial salt tablets are used in a variety of settings. Some key applications:
- Water Softening / Treatment
Used to regenerate ion exchange resins that remove hardness (calcium, magnesium) from water—used in boilers, cooling towers, household softeners, hotels, and hospitals. Soft water reduces scaling and increases efficiency. - Chlor-Alkali Industry / Disinfection
Salt is a raw material for producing chlorine, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), used in disinfection, pool treatment, etc. - Industrial Processes
- In chemical manufacturing (textiles, dyes, pigments, etc.,) where high purity is required.
- In oil & gas (drilling fluids/muds), to adjust density / prevent dissolution in salt formations.
- In metal processing, soap making, as filler, for cleaning, etc.
- Domestic & Commercial Appliance Maintenance
Water softeners for household dishwashers, washing machines, showerheads, etc. Tablets help reduce soap usage, prevent limescale, and extend equipment life.
Usage Ideas / How to Use
Here are some ideas of how industrial salt tablets are used, and best practices:
- Dosing & Regeneration Cycles: For water softener systems, put tablets in the brine tank. The system draws salt to regenerate resin at set intervals. The shape and size affect how fast they dissolve; you might choose larger tablets for a slower, steadier brine draw.
- Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep moisture away, because humidity can cause the tablets to cake or crumble. Use packaging materials like heavy-duty PP bags or liners.
- Selection by Purity: For sensitive industrial uses (e.g., producing chlorine or in pharmaceuticals), choose tablets with higher purity and very low trace metals. If it’s just for softening / domestic use, lower specs may suffice.
- Shape / Size: Round or cushion tablets are common. Size (diameter & thickness) affects dissolution rate: thin/flat tablets dissolve faster. Choose based on the softener or dissolution requirement.
- Environmental & Safety Considerations:
• Ensure that discharge from water softening (brine) is handled properly.
• Avoid contaminants in the salt that could cause corrosion or environmental harm.
• Use certified products (ISO, etc.), especially if in contact with potable water.
Pros & Cons
Advantages:
- Predictable, uniform dissolution.
- Easier handling and dosing vs loose salt.
- High purity → better performance and less maintenance.
- Reduced waste and lower risk of scale formation.
Disadvantages / Limitations:
- Higher cost vs bulk granular salt.
- Must manage moisture/storage.
- Not all tablets are equally pure or strong.
- Dissolution rate may be slower with very large or dense tablets; it can cause bridging in certain tank types.