Alberger process

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 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

References

1. (July 1996). "Salt plant enhances safety, cuts costs with low-temperature hot melt". Access Intelligence.
2. Claudia D. O'Donnell. (March 1998). "A short salt synopsis". BNP Media.
3. (1946). "Kansas and the Nation's Salt". Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science.
4. Tejal Rao. (29 January 2019). "The Rumors Aren't True: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt Will Still Flow". [[New York Times]].
5. "Alberger Flake Salts". [[Cargill]].
6. [[European Patent Office]]: {{patent. US