SALT SAFETY SIEVING

Bulk salt, whether destined for food applications or for chemical and industrial use, can contain foreign particles and occasional lumps generated during production, storage or handling. Safety sieving removes metal, plastic or wooden fragments, other contaminants and undesired agglomerates so that only clean product reaches the next process step. As with other crystalline products, the process is normally carried out with one mesh size, selected according to the minimum dimensions of foreign bodies and lumps to be intercepted.

Before safety sieving, it is important to ensure that the salt flow does not contain large agglomerates; in particular, lumps larger than about 20 mm should be broken or removed upstream to avoid excessive stress and potential damage to the screen. This preventive action, combined with correctly chosen mesh size and feed conditions, helps maintain mesh integrity and consistent sieving performance over time.

Because of salt's corrosive nature, MLT Cuccolini vibrating sieves for this segment are built with all product‑contact parts in AISI 316 stainless steel. This material choice supports long service life, hygienic operation and compatibility with cleaning procedures in both food and non‑food environments. Depending on whether the salt is handled as coarse crystals or finer grades, different vibration settings and mesh ranges can be applied to secure the desired cut point without compromising flowability.

For safety sieving in the coarse mesh range from 10 to 0.8 mm, the main solutions are VP2 and VP2_ST machines and VP1 compact sieves. VP2 units are typically installed under silos, storage hoppers and big bag emptying stations, providing a robust barrier against foreign bodies as salt enters the process line. VP2_ST versions integrate into sack tip or bag emptying stations, where compact design and ergonomic access for operators are essential.

When salt must be screened at mesh sizes below 0.8 mm, for example when fine grades require tighter safety sieving, the recommended solution is the VPB/M vertical‑motor range. The three‑dimensional motion generated by the vertical motor offers better control of residence time on the screen and efficient separation at finer cut points. For particularly critical dry salt products requiring a cut below about 3 mm and showing difficult behaviour, CS/CD multifrequency sieves can be applied to keep meshes active and reduce blinding. Finally, salt safety sieving can also be handled by our VTU nutation tumblers, especially useful with relatively high flowrate levels.

Choosing MLT Cuccolini for salt safety sieving means combining corrosion‑resistant construction with a complete portfolio of vibrating sieves tailored to mesh range, capacity and installation constraints. Producers in both food and chemical sectors gain cleaner, safer salt free from foreign bodies, better protection of downstream equipment, fewer unplanned stoppages due to blockages or screen damage, and easier cleaning thanks to hygienic design.

By matching sieve type — VP2/VP2_ST, VPB/M, CS/CD or VTU — to the specific salt grade, desired mesh size and available space, MLT Cuccolini supports plant designers and end users in building reliable safety sieving steps that integrate seamlessly into existing processes.

Are you looking to secure salt safety sieving in your food or chemical line while protecting both product and equipment? Contact our team to review your process layout, capacities and mesh requirements and define the MLT Cuccolini vibrating sieve configuration best suited to your application.