How to make salt mounds

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of piled salt, for causing no loss of shape when taking out from a forming mold (in the event of die-cutting of salt) to make shape maintenance possible.SOLUTION: First, for 100 pts. mass of particulate salt (average grain size 42 μm), 22 pts. mass of water is input and kneaded until moisture is diffused in the entire salt to make the salt sherbet-like. Next, the salt so kneaded (kneaded salt) is packed in a tray-shaped forming mold made of soft silicone rubber and is frozen as is in a freezer. Temperature inside the freezer is kept at -18°C or below and kept for five hours or longer, so that kneaded salt is frozen exactly in the shape of the forming mold. Then, the molded frozen kneaded salt is removed from the forming mold while deforming the mold, in a manner that the frozen kneaded salt is peeled off. As the frozen kneaded salt is firmly solidified, even if a force is imparted to a degree that the forming mold is deformed, the salt can be easily removed without losing the shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making a pile of salt, and more particularly to a method for making a three-dimensional block of salt that can be used as a pile of salt. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, mounded salt has been made by gathering salt, solidifying it, and forming it into a shape. It has been used mainly for prayers for warding off evil spirits and for business prosperity, but its shape and forming method have not changed much since ancient times. One well-known example of a molding method that puts ingenuity into it is the one disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-321411 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional method of making mounded salt is to put salt directly in a vessel or to use a mold to shape it. In the method using a mold, salt moistened with water is packed into the mold and pressed into a compact, and then it is immediately removed from the mold. However, with this method, the salt is simply pressed into a compact, so the bonding strength between adjacent salt particles is weak, and there is an issue that the shape is easily distorted when the salt is removed from the mold. Currently, the most commonly used molds are pyramidal, such as conical, triangular, and square pyramidal. The reason that pyramidal molds such as conical and triangular pyramidal are used is because they allow the salt to be removed from the mold without losing its shape after it has been arranged. On the other hand, the reason that molds other than pyramidal have rarely been used is thought to be mainly due to the fact that the problem of the salt easily losing its shape during the molding process could not be overcome.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, salt is moistened with a liquid in which burnt alum is dissolved in water, and the salt is shaped in a mold, then removed from the mold and allowed to dry naturally (see claim 2, paragraphs

[0020] and

[0021] of Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 states that "after drying, the crystal particles of the burnt alum penetrate between the salt particles and exert a strong bonding force" (see paragraphs

[0011] ,

[0020] and

[0030] of Patent Document 1), but the strength of the salt when removed from the mold is the same as that of salt mounds formed using techniques prior to Patent Document 1, so the shape is still likely to collapse when removed from the mold (during removal from the mold). For this reason, the method of producing salt mounds disclosed in Patent Document 1 also has the same problem as the conventional method in that the shape of the mold cannot be freely selected.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and aims to provide a method for making a salt mound that makes it possible to maintain its shape without losing its shape when removed from the mold (when demolding). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the method for making salt mounds according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (1) A method for producing mounded salt, comprising a kneading step of adding water to granular salt and kneading the salt, a molding step of putting the kneaded salt into a mold and molding the salt, and a demolding step of removing the molded salt from the mold, The method is characterized in that a freezing step of freezing the molded salt is included between the molding step and the demolding step.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned (1) configuration of the method for producing mounded salt of the present invention, the molded salt can be frozen and solidified like an ice block, so that the salt can maintain its shape without losing its shape when removed from the mold (when demolding). As a result, it becomes possible to select molds of complex shapes that could not be used in the past, such as tray-shaped molds and cylindrical molds. And, by greatly expanding the types of molds that can be selected, it becomes possible to produce a wide variety of mounded salt that has never been seen before. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a method for producing mounded salt can be provided that enables the salt to maintain its shape without losing its shape when the mixed salt is removed from the mold (when the mold is removed). That is, when the kneaded salt is placed in a mold and frozen, it freezes to the shape of the mold. The frozen salt then solidifies like an ice block, so that when it is removed from the mold, it can maintain its shape without losing its shape. Therefore, even if a mold of a complex shape is used, the salt block can be easily removed without losing its shape, so that the types of molds that can be selected are greatly expanded, and a wide variety of piled salt can be produced. Furthermore, during the process of freezing the kneaded salt, the pattern and unevenness applied to the inner surface of the mold are transferred to the surface of the salt block, so that the pattern and unevenness of the mold can be accurately reproduced in detail. Furthermore, the salt block obtained by this method does not lose its shape even when it is thawed after being removed from the mold, and can therefore maintain the shape it was formed in the mold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a forming mold (tray-shaped) used in a method for producing mounded salt in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a forming mold (cylindrical) used in the method for producing mounded salt in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a process diagram showing a method for making a salt mound in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tray-shaped mold is filled with mixed salt. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cylindrical forming mold is filled with kneaded salt when a cylindrical forming mold is used. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which frozen mixed salt (molded product) is being removed from a tray-shaped molding die. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which frozen mixed salt (molded product) is being removed from a cylindrical molding die when such a die is used. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the frozen kneaded salt (molded product) immediately after removal from a tray-shaped molding die. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the frozen kneaded salt (molded product) immediately after removal from a cylindrical molding die. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the kneaded salt (molded product) after a drying process when a tray-shaped molding die is used. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the kneaded salt (molded product) after a drying process when a cylindrical molding die is used. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the results of a compression test on a frozen solid sample of kneaded salt. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the results of a compression test on a heated and dried solid sample of kneaded salt. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the results of a compression test on a naturally dried solid sample of kneaded salt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0021] (Things to prepare) To make a salt mound, you will need the following: 1. Granular salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) 2. Water (H2O) or saline solution or carbonated water or colored aqueous solution 3. Molds (preferably made of flexible materials; those that do not deform at all are not suitable) 4. Freezer 5. Heating equipment for drying

[0022] Particulate salt (sodium chloride NaCl; particle size 30 to 600 μm): Commercially available salt is fine, but salt with a small particle size is preferable. Salt with a small particle size adheres tightly to the inner surface of the mold more easily than salt with a large particle size, so the pattern and irregularities on the inner surface of the mold can be copied in more detail (in fine detail). Commercially available salt with a large particle size can be crushed into small particles using a juicer mixer or the like before use.

[0023] Water or aqueous solution: In addition to water (H2O), colorless and odorless solutions such as salt solution with salt dissolved in water and carbonated water are good, but if the purpose is to mold salt blocks colored to the color of the aqueous solution used, it is also possible to use colored aqueous solutions such as green tea, oolong tea, barley tea, etc., and water or a colorless aqueous solution can be colored with a coloring agent. Also, since salt is produced from seawater, seawater or bittern produced from seawater can be used in consideration of its affinity with salt.

[0024] Mold: It is preferable to use one made of a material with moderate flexibility, but it can be used as long as it can be deformed to the extent that it can be bent. Examples of the material for the mold include silicone rubber, plastic, and aluminum. Examples of the shape of the mold include a tray-shaped mold 1 as shown in Figure 1 and a cylindrical mold 2 as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Freezer: A general household or commercial freezer can be used.

[0026] Heating equipment for drying: Gas flames are suitable for heating. Heating with an induction cooker or microwave oven may cause the salt blocks to lose their shape, so care must be taken when using induction cookers or microwave ovens as heating equipment.

[0027] (How to make salt mounds) Next, a method for producing a mound of salt in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (tray-shaped) showing one example of a molding mold used in a method for making mounded salt in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view (cylindrical) showing another example of a molding mold used in the method for making mounded salt, FIG. 3 is a process diagram showing the method for making mounded salt in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the state in which kneaded salt has been filled into a molding mold when a tray-shaped molding mold is used, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which kneaded salt has been filled into a molding mold when a cylindrical molding mold is used, and FIG. 6 is a view showing the state in which frozen kneaded salt (molded product) is being removed from a molding mold when a tray-shaped molding mold is used. FIG. 7 is an oblique view showing the frozen mixed salt (molded product) being removed from a molding mold when a cylindrical molding mold is used; FIG. 8 is an oblique view showing the frozen mixed salt (molded product) immediately after removal from a molding mold when a tray-shaped molding mold is used; FIG. 9 is an oblique view showing the frozen mixed salt (molded product) immediately after removal from a molding mold when a cylindrical molding mold is used; FIG. 10 is an oblique view showing the mixed salt (molded product) after a drying process when a tray-shaped molding mold is used; and FIG. 11 is an oblique view showing the mixed salt (molded product) after a drying process when a cylindrical molding mold is used.

[0029] First, 22 parts by mass of water (HO) is added to 100 parts by mass of salt with an average particle size of 42 μm, and the salt is kneaded until the moisture is distributed throughout the salt and the salt becomes sherbet-like (kneading step S1). The larger the particle size of the salt, the less water can be added. Furthermore, if coloring is added during mixing, colored mounds of salt can be made. As the coloring agent, for example, edible dyes can be used. The edible dyes are not particularly limited, and any of water-soluble dyes, natural dyes, and synthetic dyes can be used. Examples of edible dyes include gardenia yellow, gardenia green, gardenia blue, caramel dye, monascus dye, paprika dye, annatto dye, and chlorophyll. One type of edible dye may be used, or two or more types may be used.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the salt kneaded as described above (hereinafter simply referred to as "kneaded salt") 3 is placed in a tray-like mold 1 or a cylindrical mold 2 made of flexible silicone rubber, and the surface of the kneaded salt placed in the mold 1 or 2 is firmly pressed all over so that the kneaded salt 3 is packed into every corner of the mold 1 or 2 (molding step S2). This makes it possible to bring the salt into a state where it is possible to copy the complex shape of the mold 1 or 2.

[0031] Next, the kneaded salt 3 is frozen in a freezer while being packed in the mold 1 or 2 to freeze the kneaded salt 3 (freezing step S3). In order to freeze the kneaded salt 3, for example, the temperature in the freezer may be kept at -18°C or lower, and the kneaded salt 3 may be stored for 5 hours or more. When frozen, the mixed salt 3 freezes to the exact shape of the mold. That is, the mixed salt 3 solidifies like an ice block, with the pattern and unevenness on the inner surface of the mold 1 or 2 being copied in detail (even down to the smallest detail) onto the surface of the mixed salt in contact with the inner surface of the mold 1 or 2. In this way, the mixed salt 3 can accurately reproduce the complex shape of the mold 1 or 2 down to the smallest detail.

[0032] Next, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the molded and frozen kneaded salt 3 (molded product 4 or 5) is removed from the mold 1 or 2 (demolding step S4). In order to remove the frozen and solidified kneaded salt 3 from the mold 1 or 2, the characteristics of the flexible mold 1 or 2 are utilized, and the frozen kneaded salt 3 is removed from the mold 1 or 2 while deforming the mold 1 or 2. When a tray-shaped mold 1 is used, the frozen kneaded salt 3 can be easily removed from the mold 1 by peeling it off as shown in FIG. 6. When a cylindrical mold 2 is used, the frozen kneaded salt 3 can be easily removed from the mold 2 by pushing or pulling it out as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the frozen kneaded salt 3 (molded product 4: Pegasus) immediately after being removed from the mold 1 when a tray-shaped mold 1 is used. FIG. 9 shows the frozen mixed salt 3 (molded product 5: pine cone) immediately after removal from the cylindrical molding die 2 when the cylindrical molding die 2 is used. The frozen mixed salt 3 (molded product 4 or 5) is solidified, so that even if a force sufficient to deform the molding die 1 or 2 is applied, it can be easily removed without losing its shape.

[0033] The kneaded salt 3 (molded product 4 or 5) removed from the forming mold 1 or 2 thaws in a stable state such as a flat surface because the frozen moisture melts over time. Even after thawing, the shape arranged in the forming mold 1 or 2 is maintained without being distorted. Therefore, the drying step S5 described below can be performed on the kneaded salt 3 in a state where it is removed from the forming mold 1 or 2.

[0034] The thawed mixed salt may be placed as a pile of salt as is, or may be subjected to a drying process S5 to give it strength so that it can be carried around.

[0035] There are two types of drying methods: natural drying, which involves leaving the material at room temperature for a long period of time to dry, and heat drying, which involves rapidly drying the material by heating. 1. Natural drying: Dry slowly in a place where it will remain stable. 2. Heat drying: Using a heating device, heat the mixed salt until the moisture has completely evaporated. During natural drying, dendritic crystals form on the surface of the salt block as the water evaporates, but the use of bittern when kneading the salt can prevent the adhesion of dendritic crystals.

[0036] The drying process increases the salt's strength against pressure such as when it is pinched with fingers, allowing it to maintain the shape set in the mold for a long period of time and making it easier to carry without losing its shape. Figure 10 shows the kneaded salt 3 (molded product 6: Pegasus) after the drying process when a tray-shaped mold 1 is used. Figure 11 shows the kneaded salt 3 (molded product 7: pine cone) after the drying process when a cylindrical mold 2 is used. It is noted that molded product 6 (heat-dried solid sample having a Pegasus shape) shown in Fig. 10 is lighter in weight than molded product 4 (frozen solid sample having a Pegasus shape) shown in Fig. 8, and is therefore known to have undergone a drying process. Also, molded product 7 (heat-dried solid sample having a pinecone shape) shown in Fig. 11 is lighter in weight than molded product 5 (frozen solid sample having a pinecone shape) shown in Fig. 9, and is therefore known to have undergone a drying process.

[0037] By using the method for making mounded salt in this embodiment, there is little risk of the shape being distorted during the manufacturing process, so it becomes possible to select molding dies of complex shapes that could not be used in the past. In addition, the number of types of molding dies that can be selected is greatly expanded, making it possible to manufacture a wide variety of mounded salt that has never been seen before.

[0038] (Compression test) We created solid samples of the salt listed below (regular hexahedrons with sides of 3.2 cm) and compressed them using a compression testing machine (autograph) to measure the kgf they could withstand. The frozen solid samples (1) to (5) were in a state almost immediately after removal from the mold (the mixed salt was frozen). The heat-dried solid samples (1) to (5) were obtained by removing the frozen solids from the molds and heating and drying them over a gas flame. The naturally dried solid samples (1) to (5) were obtained by removing the frozen solids from the molds and leaving them at room temperature for 7 days to dry over time.

[0039] (Test Results) The results of the compression tests on the individual salt samples are shown in Tables 1 to 3 below and in Figs. 12 to 14. Figures 12 to 14 are characteristic diagrams showing examples of the results of compression tests on a frozen solid sample, a heat-dried solid sample, and a naturally dried solid sample of mixed salt, respectively, where the vertical axis represents the test force (compressive force) (kgf) and the horizontal axis represents the time (sec).

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] [Table 2]

[0042] [Table 3]

[0043] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 12, frozen solid samples (1) to (5) can withstand a large test force of about 300 to 550 kgf, which shows that their strength is temporarily and dramatically improved. And because frozen solid samples (1) to (5) are so strong, they do not lose their shape when removed from the mold (when demolding). Incidentally, there is data showing that the pinch strength (the force exerted when pinching with thumb and index finger) of men (in their 20s to 50s) is 6.6 to 7.1 kgf on the right and 5.8 to 6.4 kgf on the left. From this data, Tables 2 and 3 and Figures 13 and 14, it can be seen that the heat-dried solid samples (1) to (5) and the naturally dried solid samples (1) to (5) have improved strength against the pressure exerted when pinching with fingers. This allows the shape formed in the molding die to be maintained for a long period of time, and makes it easy to carry around without losing its shape.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the temperature in the freezer is kept at -18°C or lower and the salt is stored for 5 hours or more in order to freeze the salt, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. The temperature in the freezer and the freezing time can be freely set within a range in which the salt can be frozen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Tray-shaped mold 2 Cylindrical mold 3. Mixed salt (mixed salt) 4,5,6,7 Molded products

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for producing mounded salt, comprising a kneading step of adding water to particulate salt and kneading the salt, a molding step of putting the kneaded salt into a mold and molding the salt, and a demolding step of removing the molded salt from the mold, This method for producing mounded salt is characterized by including a freezing step of freezing the molded salt between the molding step and the demolding step.

Images