The residue left by seawater evaporation was formerly referred to as salt. Iodizing salt for human consumption is a relatively new practice. Iodine is required for the body to produce thyroxin, a necessary hormone. Iodine is delivered to the body through the channel of salt. Sodium chloride is used in many major industrial chemical processes. Potassium Iodate (KIO3) content in iodized salt is 25 ppm or 3.0025 percent. In an open environment, iodized salt has better moisture-absorbing properties. The stability of this Industrial salt in Pakistan is determined by some factors, including moisture content, polarized light, and contaminants such as ferric chloride and magnesium sulphate.
An iodized salt production project has a simple manufacturing method. Iodized salt is regular table salt that has been treated with potassium iodate 50 to increase the amount of iodine in the diet and help people in our nation who are deficient in iodine.
7 steps to start an iodized salt manufacturing business in 2023
Here are the 7 Steps to Launch an Iodized Salt Manufacturing Company.
1. Conduct market research
If you want to establish a small-scale iodized salt production firm, you must first analyze the need in your local market. Meet with local retail establishments and conduct detailed market research to learn client trends and purchasing patterns in the immediate area.
2. Understand the manufacturing process of Iodized Salt
For a novice, understanding the production process of iodized salt is essential. It is preferable to learn from someone who is already in the industry. Otherwise, contact the machine makers and learn everything you can about the process.
The following are the basic phases in the iodization process:
- The raw salt is placed into the conical-shaped hopper and crushed to a size of 2-3 mm with a High carbon steel Roll crusher.
- This salt is transported to the discharge site on the ground by an inclined conveyor.
- By using air pressure, a 0.1 percent aqueous potassium iodate solution is sprayed over a mixing bed of salt with a thickness of 10-15cm.
- This salt is combined in a horizontal mixer to ensure consistent Iodine mixing.
- This salt is packaged in a predetermined amount from the hopper. It can also be put in a one Kg poly pack for direct sales.
You must also obtain information about the machines and equipment needed in the manufacturing process. The following are some fundamental types of equipment:
Iodized Salt manufacturing equipment
- Belt conveyor: 3 roll type 450mm width & 6.8 meters length.
- Roll Crusher size 75 x 30 cm with SS hopper.
- Potassium iodate solution spraying chamber (SS).
- Mixing Screw Conveyor, 3-meter long stainless steel storage tank (100 liters) for potassium iodate solution.
- Air Compressor with a capacity of 26 CFM.
3. Develop a business plan
Make a business strategy for your iodized salt production operation. If you are seeking finance, it is best to use an expert. You may also use free business templates found on the internet to create your company plan.
4. Give your company a name
Choose a name that people will associate with your salt production firm. Additionally, ensure that the domain name is not identical to the firm name. It will assist you in developing a website that is identical to the company name.
5. Is company legally compliant?
Ensure that your iodized salt processing company Is legally compliant, which means, that your company should have permission from relevant authorities to do business in this industry. Determine the suitable company structure under which you will conduct your iodized salt production business unit. Furthermore, check with local officials to see what licenses and permissions you need to run your business smoothly. Also, speak with insurance firms to verify your company is adequately covered.
6. Make financial arrangements
Finance is not a problem if you are funding your manufacturing firm or being supported by people you know. A business plan, on the other hand, is required if you are seeking financing. In this case, a well-articulated business strategy will be beneficial.
7. Market your company
If you want to start small and with a limited budget, devote extra time to establishing your marketing approach. You must identify low-cost methods of advertising your product brand.
Industrial Salt types and prices
Industrial salts are often obtained in bulk, with the cost varying according to the amount of purity of the salt.
1. Solar Salt
Solar salt is a considerably purer salt that is often higher than 99.5 percent sodium chloride and is produced by an evaporation method. Sunlight is shone on large outdoor ponds filled with a salt-water combination. The sun evaporates the water, leaving a pure salt crystal behind. This is the sort of salt that is commonly used in water-softening applications to keep the brine tank clear of pebbles and other insoluble debris.
2. Rock Salt
Rock salt is discovered underground, and it is extracted with minimum processing. As a result, rock salt contains natural contaminants such as rock and shale, which are insoluble. This isn’t a problem when it’s dispersed on the road, but it may be a problem in other industrial processes because insoluble compounds might harm manufacturing equipment. The average price of rock salt in 2021 was $56 per ton.
Salt Vacuum Pan
Vacuum pan salt is the finest type of salt, produced by evaporating salt and water in enormous commercial evaporators known as vacuum pans utilizing steam heat. This method produces the fine, flaky salt used in food preparation and flavoring. The average price of vacuum and open pan salt in 2021 was $220 per ton.
Salt sector of Pakistan trade
In 2022, the approximate price range for Pakistan Table Salt is between US$ 0.16 and US$ 0.17 per kilogram or between US$ 0.07 and US$ 0.08 per pound (lb). Industrial salt price in Pakistan Rupee is PKR 24.87 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 161.66 in Lahore and Islamabad. Pakistan’s import price for table salt in 2019 was US$0.22 per kg.
In 2021, the average industrial salt price tons of vacuum and open pan salt was $220 per ton.
Conclusion
Finally, don’t expect your firm to become a roaring success overnight. This is a common novice error. The iodized salt production firm, like any other manufacturing business, will require some time to generate profits. However, if you are determined and doing the proper things, profit will come sooner rather than later.
