Lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Brawijaya University (FPIK UB) Andi Kurniawan S.Pi., M.Eng.D.Sc created an innovative method to overcome the scarcity of salt. He developed the Salt Tunnel Greenhouse with “Continuously Dynamic Mixing” method which can increase the efficiency of salt production and reduce dependence on weather factors.
This innovation departs from rakyat salt production which still uses traditional methods, namely the evaporation method by evaporating sea water or brackish water (Solar Salt). This method is hampered by seasonality, where in the rainy season salt production stops due to the low intensity of sunlight.
“In its development, salt production technology to overcome weather problems has developed using bamboo tunnel salt crystallization houses. However, the use of bamboo material for construction of salt tunnel frames has several obstacles, such as bamboo’s limited lifespan and lack of durability,” he said.
With the innovative method “Continuously Dynamic Mixing”, Andi overcomes problems related to salt tunnel frames with galvalum frames. The galvalum frame tunnel in this invention is made based on the longer lifespan of the galvalum frame compared to the bamboo frame. The galvalume tunnel construction design is made precisely so that the tunnel shape is neat. In addition, the galvalum frame can be disassembled and easily moved from one place to another.
“Through the Continuously Dynamic Mixing technology, we can optimize the salt processing process without being too dependent on weather factors,” said the man who also serves as Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation and Internationalization.
This method is in the process of patent registration with number S00202210897, which involves a new approach to the salt processing process that utilizes continuous and dynamic principles. This approach allows salt production to produce K1 quality salt (NaCl 95%) and can meet industrial salt standards.
This innovation has been implemented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia through Cioleng Bahari Beach Cooperative and Kugar Putera Pansela Cidahon located in Cianjur Regency, West Java. Where the cooperative has carried out its first harvest of quality salt using the Continuously Dynamic Mixing method. [dk/Irene/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
