Salt, i.e. Sodium chloride is the most widely used de-icing agent in Europe and throughout the world due to its huge advantages over the alternatives. When salt is applied to ice and snow it creates a brine that has a lower freezing temperature than the surrounding ice or snow. It is also most efficient as a de-icer when spread before ice has formed. Whilst in theory salt can work to lower temperatures, it is usually used at temperatures down to -15°C.
The chemical industry is by far the largest consumer of salt. lt is the raw material for the production of chlorine (Cl) and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH); they are produced by the electrolysis of salt in the form of brine by the mercury cell process, the diaphragm cell process, and the membrane cell process. Chlorine, which is one of the most abundant and common chemical elements on Earth, is an extremely effective disinfectant and essential component in the chemical manufacture of thousands of vitale products used every day, such as PVC (construction and houses), for instance. Caustic soda solution is an essential ingredient in many industrial operations, including pulp and paper, detergent and the chemical processsing industry. It is also used in alumina, petrochemical and textile industries.
Pharmaceuticals:� Salt provides the life essential nutrients sodium� and chlorine regulating� and impacting many body and hormonal systems. In some medical conditions� the ingestions of those� nutrients becomes crucial to treat and to� reinstall the electrolyte� balance in the body. Salt is also used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical products.
One of the most interesting areas of use for the salt is as an additive to the aviation fuel. After the aviation fuel is purified, salt is added so that there are no water molecules left in it.