In the quest for sustainable industrial practices, researchers have made a significant stride in salt purification technology, offering a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and longevity of the chlor-alkali industry. A recent study published in *Environmental Challenges* (translated from Indonesian as *Tantangan Lingkungan*) introduces an innovative method that combines brine washing and elutriation to produce high-purity sodium chloride (NaCl), crucial for sustainable chlor-alkali production (CAP).
The research, led by Badrut Tamam Ibnu Ali from the National Research and Innovation Agency in South Tangerang, Indonesia, addresses a critical challenge in the CAP industry: the presence of impurities such as magnesium (Mg²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) in raw rock salt. These impurities accelerate electrode degradation, cause membrane fouling, and reduce electrolysis efficiency, ultimately impacting the industry’s bottom line.
The integrated purification method developed by Ibnu Ali and his team begins with brine washing to remove water-soluble impurities, followed by elutriation, which uses an upward fluid flow to eliminate insoluble fine particles. This process significantly increases the purity of NaCl from 88.0% to 99.5%, while drastically reducing the Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents from 1.44% to 0.06% and from 0.69% to 0.05%, respectively.
“The enhanced purity and crystallinity of the salt not only improve the efficiency of the electrolysis process but also extend the lifespan of the electrodes and membranes,” explained Ibnu Ali. “This translates to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact for the industry.”
The study also highlights the potential for brine reuse without compromising performance, aligning with circular economy principles. This aspect is particularly noteworthy as it minimizes waste generation and contributes to more sustainable industrial practices.
The implications of this research extend beyond the chlor-alkali industry. The coupled brine washing and elutriation process could be adapted for use in other sectors where high-purity salt is required, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. The enhanced crystallinity and morphological characteristics of the purified salt, confirmed through XRD and SEM analyses, suggest a more ordered and uniform structure, which could lead to improved product quality and performance in various applications.
As the global push for sustainability intensifies, innovations like this are crucial for shaping the future of industrial processes. “This technology offers a scalable solution that can be integrated into existing facilities with minimal modifications,” noted Ibnu Ali. “It’s a step towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly chlor-alkali industry.”
The research published in *Environmental Challenges* underscores the importance of continuous innovation in industrial processes to meet the dual goals of economic viability and environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, such advancements are not just beneficial but essential for the long-term viability of key industries.