From an old Grand Saline Sun:

Solar salt production is the capturing of sea water in shallow ponds where the sun evaporates most of the water. The concentrated brine containing impurities is then discarded and the salt is gathered by mechanical harvesting machines.

This is the oldest method of salt production. It has been used since man first noticed salt crystals appearing in trapped pools of sea water. Its use is practical only in warm climates where the evaporation rate exceeds the precipitation rate, either annually or for extended periods, and ideally where there are steady prevailing winds.

Two types of ponds are used. First is the concentrating pond. Here the salty water from the ocean or salt lake is settled and concentrated. The second is called the crystallizing pond where the salt is actually produced. For a better understanding, let us visit the Morton Saltair facility in Utah.

Water from the Great Salt Lake contains 15 to 25 percent salt. Starting each spring, salt water is pumped from the lake to nearby Morton concentrating ponds. Sun and wind evaporate much of the water. Gradually the concentration of salt in the water becomes very high. At this time, the strong salt solution, now saturated brine, is drawn into crystallizing or "garden" ponds where salt production actually begins.

Crystallizing ponds range from 15 to 90 acres with foot-thick floor of salt deposited there over the years. During the salt making season of four to five months, brine flows continuously through these ponds. Now remember, this is a saturated brine solution. There is as much salt in the water as it can hold. So most of the pure salt crystalizes (sic) out of the solution as the water evaporates. Natural chemical impurities are returned to the Great Salt Lake.

By September three or four inches of new salt have deposited on the permanent salt floor. This amounts to 300 to 400 tons of salt per acre. The ponds are then completely drained. Mechanical harvesting machines gather the loose salt and carry it to piles.

In this way, a year's supply of salt is made each summer. The salt is then stored until required for washing, drying, screening and grinding to prepare it for use by the customer.

Morton solar facilities are located at Newark, California; Saltair, Utah; Inagua, Bahamas; Ecuador, South America; Mexico and Puerto Rico. Solar salt is used for agricultural products, water softening and ice control.

Additions, corrections, comments, complaints and compliments concerning this page should be submitted to Billy & Carla Clifton.