Alberger process

The Alberger process is an industrial method of producing salt from rock salt.

Method

The Alberger process begins by heating brine under high pressure with a series of heaters. Impurities are removed using a tank filled with granite cubes called a graveler. When the pressure is released, salt crystals form in a steam-heated evaporation pan. This results in a three-dimensional pyramid-shaped flake salt, which has low bulk density, high solubility, and good adhesion. According to a scientific article from 1946, the process results in salt of high purity but "is the least economical method for the production of a given quantity of salt."

Production

Cargill operates a plant in St. Clair, Michigan that is the only place in the United States that manufactures such salt using the Alberger process. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is a brand of salt produced using the Alberger process. Because of its shape, density and flavor characteristics, it is often a preferred choice by snack food manufacturers.

History

The method was patented by Charles L. Weil on June 8, 1915.

References

1. Industrial processes
2. Kosher salt
3. Grainer evaporation process
4. Cargill
5. History of salt
6. Salt
7. Saltern
8. Open-pan salt making
9. Flake salt
10. Water softening
11. List of people from Baltimore
12. New Cheshire Salt Works
13. The Thumb