MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the I-Salt project in Alaminos, Pangasinan, the introduction of a salt ionization technology for the town's salt makers.
In a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said there is a salt community in Alaminos that is looking forward to this technology.
He said the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) would teach this community about it.
"They are seeking for (assistance) in salt ionization. I met with 21 salt makers in the area," he said.
The I-Salt project is an iodized salt processing model and design that uses three technologies.
The DOST said these technologies are the saturated brine feed reservoir, spin dryer, and iodizing machine.
Saturated brine feed reservoir is an evaporating setup, which has a capacity of 300 liters per batch. This helps produce finer salt with higher purity.
Spin dryer was designed to reduce the moisture of salt. This can process up to 75 kilograms per batch of salt, even in humid and rainy conditions.
The agency added that reducing salt moisture is in accordance with the ASIN Law (Act of Salt Iodization Nationwide), which contributes to the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders through a cost-effective measure of salt iodization.
Salt will then be transferred to an iodizing machine, a portable screw-type machine, which is operated continuously with 750 kg per hour capacity. This machine infuses iodine to the salt.
Another DOST-attached agency, the DOST- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), helped in the development of these technologies.
Meanwhile, dela Peña said he is happy with how the local government of Alaminos is adopting the technology.
"You will see there the cooperation between the DOST and the local government unit. They are very keen on adopting technology that will be appropriate for them," he said, adding that Alaminos has done many research and development (R&D) activities.
He visited Alaminos as part of the observance of the Regional Science and Technology Week. (PNA)
