Method for preparing bamboo salt containing potassium, and bamboo salt obtained using method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technique related to a method for preparing bamboo salt and, more specifically, to a method for preparing bamboo salt containing potassium, and bamboo salt obtained using the method, the method enabling obtainment of bamboo salt in which, by a single high-temperature heat treatment, sulfides are contained in an amount similar to or greater than that of conventional nine-times-roasted bamboo salt and in which potassium content is adjusted as desired without loss.

Description

Method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt and bamboo salt obtained by the method

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology related to a method for manufacturing bamboo salt, and more specifically, to a method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt and bamboo salt obtained by the same method, which can obtain bamboo salt with a potassium content controlled as desired without loss, containing an amount of sulfides similar to or greater than that of conventional nine-times roasted bamboo salt through a single high-temperature heat treatment.

[0002] Salt, used as a seasoning to enhance the flavor of food in daily life, is primarily composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is physiologically indispensable to humans. Specifically, sodium chloride regulates the osmotic pressure of body fluids, maintains acid-base balance as a buffer, and constitutes alkaline digestive fluids such as bile, pancreatic juice, or intestinal juice; additionally, chlorine, another component of sodium chloride, constitutes gastric juice. As such, since it performs functions closely related to the physiological activity and survival of animals, a deficiency in salt intake leads to a lack of secretion of digestive fluids in the short term, resulting in a loss of appetite; in the long term, it causes general weakness, lethargy, fatigue, and mental instability; and if there is a rapid loss of salt in the body, distinct physical and mental functional impairments such as dizziness, apathy, and clouded consciousness occur.

[0003] However, it is known that excessive daily salt intake raises blood pressure and affects insulin signaling, thereby inducing insulin resistance. In particular, sodium chloride, the main component of salt, has been identified as a direct causative agent of hypertension and diabetes. For this reason, the WHO / ISH recommends that adults limit their daily salt intake to 5 g or less, and the Japanese Society of Hypertension recommended 7 g or less in 2000.

[0004] Meanwhile, the salt we consume can be broadly classified into rock salt, refined salt, re-refined salt, and solar salt, and it is known that the mineral content varies depending on the type of salt. Specifically, rock salt and refined salt, which are primarily consumed by most people worldwide, contain over 99% sodium chloride while being almost devoid of minerals such as K, Ca, and Mg; however, it has been reported that tidal flat solar salt produced in Korea contains approximately 85% sodium chloride while being rich in minerals such as K, Ca, and Mg (Lee, Kang-Deok et al. 2008 Korean Society of Food Science and Technology Conference and General Meeting, p. 282, Korean Society of Food Science and Technology, Gwangju, June 18-20, 2008).

[0005] Bamboo salt is produced by burning or melting tidal flat solar salt together with bamboo nine times; it is produced exclusively in Korea and has been widely used since ancient times for therapeutic purposes such as anti-inflammation and anti-diabetes. Recently, scientists have revealed various physiological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties (Gao TC et al., 9 th International Symposium, pp. 1345-1347, Beijing, China, 2009; Shin HY et al., Immunopharmacol Immunotoxol, 25, p. 377-384, 2003; Yang Ji-sun et al., Journal of Applied Pharmacology, 7, 178-184, 1999).

[0006] As such, bamboo salt is reported to have significantly higher antioxidant function than ordinary foods, and its antioxidant function improves as the number of heat treatments increases, leading to a decrease in ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential).

[0007] The conventional method of producing bamboo salt involves removing brine from solar salt produced in West Coast salt fields through a natural drainage process over approximately four years, packing the salt into bamboo tubes, and repeating the heat treatment, recovery, and grinding process about nine times. Due to this inefficient process, existing bamboo salt products are very expensive and take about 40 days to manufacture. Furthermore, the nine repetitive heat treatment cycles result in high energy and labor costs. Significant losses are also incurred, as a considerable amount of unreacted material is discarded after the heat treatment.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a new method for manufacturing bamboo salt that can be produced efficiently while reducing the burden on manufacturing time, labor, energy costs, personnel expenses, and workspace, and that has an ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) value equal to or lower than that of existing bamboo salt products with almost no loss.

[0009] Accordingly, the objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt that is inexpensive to manufacture because it is made up of a single heat treatment process and has a very short manufacturing time compared to the existing traditional bamboo salt manufacturing method, and can also be obtained without loss of bamboo salt containing an amount of sulfides similar to or greater than that of the existing nine-times roasted bamboo salt, as well as having a potassium content adjusted as desired.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a potassium-containing bamboo salt that has a higher content of various mineral elements compared to conventional bamboo salt, and not only allows the potassium content—which is particularly beneficial for preventing high blood pressure and stroke—to be adjusted to a desired level, but also contains a large amount of hydrogen sulfide-producing substances that cause antioxidant activity.

[0011] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and may naturally include objectives of the invention that a person skilled in the art can recognize from the description in the detailed description of the invention that follows, even if not explicitly mentioned.

[0012] To achieve the objectives of the present invention as described above, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt comprising the steps of: preparing a pretreatment composition by mixing one or more of solar salt (NaCl), potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder; placing the pretreatment composition into a crucible, covering it with a lid, and then placing it into a heat treatment device; closing a gas valve of the heat treatment device to form a closed system inside the crucible and then treating it under vacuum; opening the gas valve and introducing an inert gas into the crucible to form a reducing atmosphere; heat-treating the pretreatment composition contained in the crucible in the reducing atmosphere; and recovering the bamboo salt from the crucible after natural cooling.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the pretreatment composition comprises 44.5-95.1 wt% of solar salt, 2.2-9.7 wt% of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, 1.8-48.7 wt% of potassium chloride, and 0.4-1.4 wt% of bamboo carbon powder.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the pretreatment composition is introduced into the crucible in an amount of 70 volume% or less.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pretreatment composition is obtained by mixing one or more of the solar salt, potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride and bamboo carbon powder in a stirrer for 40 to 80 minutes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the step of forming the reducing atmosphere is performed by injecting an inert gas into the heat treatment apparatus, wherein the inert gas is one or more of argon and nitrogen.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the heat treatment reaction step is performed by including a step of raising the internal temperature of the heat treatment apparatus from room temperature to 700-1,100°C at a constant rate and a reaction step of maintaining the raised reaction temperature in the reducing atmosphere for 1-5 hours.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, one or more reactions represented by the following reaction formula occur in the reaction step to remove the carbon powder.

[0019] [Reaction Equation]

[0020] 2NaCl + K2SO4+ 2C → 2KCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0021] NaCl + Na2SO4+ 2C → NaCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the solar salt and potassium chloride exist in a molten state during the reaction step.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate is adjusted so that the sulfur content contained in the recovered bamboo salt is 0.5% to 2% by weight.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the content of potassium sulfate and potassium chloride is controlled so that the potassium content contained in the recovered bamboo salt is 1% by weight or more.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides potassium-containing bamboo salt produced by any one of the manufacturing methods described above.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is -340 mV or less.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the potassium is included in an amount of 1% to 25% by weight.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the bamboo salt comprises a structure in which sodium chloride and potassium chloride are mixed and recrystallized.

[0029] According to the potassium-containing bamboo salt manufacturing method of the present invention described above, compared to the existing traditional bamboo salt manufacturing method, the manufacturing time is very short and the manufacturing cost is low as it is made up of a single heat treatment process. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain bamboo salt that contains an amount of sulfides similar to or greater than that of the existing nine-times roasted bamboo salt, as well as having a potassium content adjusted as desired, it is possible to efficiently manufacture bamboo salt while reducing the burden of manufacturing time, labor, energy costs, personnel costs, workspace, and loss.

[0030] The potassium-containing bamboo salt of the present invention has a higher content of various mineral elements compared to conventional bamboo salt, and not only can the potassium content, which is particularly beneficial for preventing high blood pressure and stroke, be adjusted to a desired level, but also contains a large amount of hydrogen sulfide-generating substances that cause antioxidant activity, so its ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) value is equivalent to or superior to that of conventional bamboo salt products.

[0031] These technical effects of the present invention are not limited to the scope mentioned above, and naturally include effects of the invention that a person skilled in the art can recognize from the description of specific details for implementing the invention that follows, even if not explicitly mentioned.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B are actual photographs of bamboo salt produced by the method for producing potassium-containing bamboo salt according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A is a photograph of the bottom and top surfaces of the bamboo salt separated from the crucible before grinding, and FIGS. 2B is a photograph of the produced bamboo salt after grinding it into different sizes.

[0034] The terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the description of the invention, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this invention.

[0037] In interpreting the components, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error even in the absence of separate explicit notation. In particular, when terms of degree such as "approximately" or "substantially" are used, they may be interpreted as referring to or close to the numerical value where inherent manufacturing and material tolerances are presented.

[0038] In the case of an explanation of a temporal relationship, for example, when the temporal sequence is explained using 'after', 'following', 'next', 'before', etc., it includes cases where the sequence is not continuous unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0039] Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0040] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals used to describe the present invention indicate the same components. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0041] The technical features of the present invention are a method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt and a potassium-containing bamboo salt produced by the same, which allows for efficient production of bamboo salt without the problems of inefficiency, significant burden on manufacturing time, labor, energy costs, and workspace, as well as the problem of inefficiency, by having a very short manufacturing time and only one heat treatment process compared to traditional bamboo salt manufacturing methods, while keeping manufacturing costs low and enabling the production of bamboo salt that contains sufficient sulfides and has a potassium content adjusted as desired.

[0042] Accordingly, the method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt according to the present invention may include the steps of: preparing a pretreatment composition by mixing one or more of sun-dried salt (NaCl), potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder; placing the pretreatment composition into a crucible, covering it with a lid, and then placing it into a heat treatment device; closing the gas valve of the heat treatment device to form a closed system inside the crucible and then treating it under vacuum; opening the gas valve and introducing an inert gas into the crucible to form a reducing atmosphere; reacting the pretreatment composition contained in the crucible in the reducing atmosphere with heat treatment; and recovering the bamboo salt from the crucible after natural cooling.

[0043] Here, the pretreatment composition may comprise 44.5-95.1 wt% of solar salt, 2.2-9.7 wt% of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, 1.8-48.7 wt% of potassium chloride, and 0.4-1.4 wt% of bamboo carbon powder.

[0044] Each component included in the pretreatment composition is experimentally determined by considering the components of the finally produced bamboo salt. The content of sun-dried salt and potassium chloride is calculated based on the potassium chloride content in the bamboo salt being 1.8-48.7% by weight. Since the essential meaning of "salt" may be lost if the potassium chloride content in the produced bamboo salt exceeds 50% by weight, it is limited to 50% by weight. Therefore, unlike conventional bamboo salt production methods, the method for producing potassium-containing bamboo salt according to the present invention allows for the replacement of a certain amount of sun-dried salt with potassium chloride within the range where the produced bamboo salt functions as salt, thereby allowing the potassium content, which is beneficial for preventing high blood pressure and stroke, to be adjusted as desired. The content of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate can be controlled so that the potassium content in the bamboo salt is 1% by weight or more.

[0045] One or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, along with sun-dried salt and potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder are produced into sodium sulfide (Na2S) through a reduction reaction, which can act as a reducing agent within the body upon ingestion. Bamboo carbon powder is removed in the form of carbon dioxide through a reaction in which it combines with oxygen contained in one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate—specifically, one or more reactions described in the reaction equation below.

[0046] [Reaction Equation]

[0047] 2NaCl + K2SO4+ 2C → 2KCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0048] NaCl + Na2SO4+ 2C → NaCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0049] Here, the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate is a value calculated based on the sulfur content in the manufactured bamboo salt being 0.5-2% by weight. Since the sulfur content in commercially available bamboo salt is 0.5-1.5% by weight, the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate was determined by calculating a similar figure. In particular, the sulfur contained in bamboo salt performs an antioxidant function that removes reactive oxygen species, which cause cell damage by inducing oxidative stress within cells. However, if the sulfur content in bamboo salt exceeds 2% by weight, it may act as a toxic substance rather than an antioxidant in the body. Therefore, the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate was adjusted so that the sulfur content in the bamboo salt is between 0.5% by weight and 2% by weight.

[0050] Bamboo carbon powder is a powder obtained by grinding bamboo charcoal, which is produced by carbonizing bamboo, into a powder form. As described above, it acts as a reducing agent, so its content can be determined by the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate. Since it is completely removed by carbon dioxide, there is almost no ash generated when bamboo is carbonized as in conventional technology, allowing for cleaner bamboo salt to be obtained. If necessary, bamboo carbon powder can be replaced with other known carbon powders, such as powder obtained by grinding charcoal made from wood other than bamboo (pine, oak, etc.).

[0051] Since the pretreatment composition must be uniformly mixed with one or more of solar salt, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder, the mixing method is not limited as long as it allows for uniform mixing. However, as one embodiment, the composition can be obtained by placing one or more of solar salt, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder into a stirrer and mixing for 40 to 80 minutes. This is because if the heat treatment reaction is performed without evenly mixing each component included in the pretreatment composition, the color of the manufactured bamboo salt may not be uniform, and the content of mineral elements may vary depending on the part.

[0052] In the step of introducing the pretreatment composition into the heat treatment device, the crucible into which the pretreatment composition is introduced is in the form of a lid. After introducing the pretreatment composition into the crucible at a volume of 70% or less, the lid is closed to proceed with the subsequent steps. At this time, introducing the pretreatment composition at a volume of 70% or less of the crucible is intended to prevent the sample from overflowing out of the crucible during the reaction, and closing the lid is intended to prevent the components contained in the introduced pretreatment composition from vaporizing and being released to the outside during the subsequent steps, particularly during the heat treatment reaction. That is, if chlorides such as solar salt and potassium chloride contained in the pretreatment composition vaporize, chlorine gas may be generated, and chlorine gas is a highly toxic substance to the human body as well as capable of causing corrosion of the equipment. The material of the crucible is not limited as long as it is a material that does not react with the introduced pretreatment composition even at high temperatures and is easily separated from the finally obtained bamboo salt, but it can be implemented as a ceramic material containing one or more selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, zirconia, and magnesia.

[0053] In the vacuum treatment step, the reason for forming a closed system by closing all valves (gas inlet and outlet) connected to the heat treatment device is to prevent atmospheric oxygen from reacting with the carbon powder in the pretreatment composition and interfering with the heat treatment reaction. Even if a closed system is formed by placing a crucible containing the pretreatment composition into the heat treatment device and closing it, a vacuum can be formed by using a vacuum pump to suck in and remove internal air in order to prevent atmospheric oxygen inside the heat treatment device from reacting with the carbon powder in the pretreatment composition.

[0054] The step of forming a reducing atmosphere is performed by injecting an inert gas into the heat treatment apparatus at a constant rate, and the inert gas may be one or more of argon and nitrogen. The reason for injecting an inert gas is to prevent it from reacting with the pretreatment composition and to allow carbon dioxide (CO2) generated during the heat treatment reaction to flow out. If a closed system is maintained, carbon dioxide generated during the reduction reaction in the heat treatment reaction step is not discharged, which can interfere with the heat treatment reaction, and by flowing an inert gas at a constant rate, the phenomenon of air being drawn in from the gas outlet can be prevented.

[0055] The heat treatment reaction step is performed by including a step of raising the internal temperature of the heat treatment device from room temperature to 700–1,100°C at a constant rate, and a reaction step of maintaining the raised reaction temperature for 1–5 hours in a reducing atmosphere. The reason for raising the reaction temperature to 700–1,100°C is to form sodium sulfide (Na2S) through a reduction reaction and to ensure it is evenly mixed within the bamboo salt produced by melting salt (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl). Continuously introducing an inert gas into the heat treatment device blocks the inflow of air from the outside, thereby maintaining a reducing atmosphere, ensuring the reaction proceeds smoothly, and minimizing losses.

[0056] As described above, in the reaction step, the bamboo carbon powder undergoes a reaction in which it combines with oxygen contained in one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate—that is, one or more reactions described in the following reaction scheme—and is removed in the form of carbon dioxide.

[0057] [Reaction Equation]

[0058] 2NaCl + K2SO4+ 2C → 2KCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0059] NaCl + Na2SO4+ 2C → NaCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑

[0060] At this time, the reason for maintaining the reaction time for about 1 to 5 hours is to ensure that the solar salt (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium sulfide (Na2S) are sufficiently melted so that they can be mixed uniformly. For example, if the reaction time is too short relative to the amount of pretreatment composition added, cooling begins without the solar salt (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) melting, which may result in uneven composition of the bamboo salt produced.

[0061] In the stage of recovering bamboo salt, the heat treatment device is kept in a reducing atmosphere and naturally cooled without applying any further heat. In particular, during the process of stopping the operation of the heat treatment device and waiting for the temperature to naturally cool to room temperature, the molten solar salt (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) may recrystallize into a combined form of sodium (Na) and potassium (K).

[0062] Next, the potassium-containing bamboo salt of the present invention is manufactured by any one of the methods described above, and may include a structure in which the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is -340 mV or less, the potassium is contained in an amount of 1% to 25% by weight, and sodium chloride and potassium chloride are mixed and recrystallized.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] Potassium-containing bamboo salt-1 (KCl approximately 5%) was prepared as follows according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 1. The solar salt used in the present invention was purchased as a fine salt product from Eco Salt Co., Ltd., located in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. To prepare the bamboo salt, the solar salt was dried to a moisture content of less than 1% before use.

[0065] 1. Step of preparing the pretreatment composition

[0066] 600g of solar salt (NaCl), 17.2g of edible potassium sulfate (K2SO4), 31.5g of edible potassium chloride (KCl), and 4.7g of bamboo carbon powder were placed in a cylindrical container, and a pretreatment composition was prepared by mixing using a mixer at 180 RPM for 1 hour. At this time, the amount of potassium sulfate added was calculated so that the sulfur content relative to the bamboo salt being produced would be 0.5%.

[0067] 2. Step of introducing into the heat treatment device

[0068] The prepared pretreatment composition was placed into a cylindrical alumina crucible to fill it to 70 volume%, and then the lid was closed and placed inside a box-type electric furnace.

[0069] 3. Step of processing in a vacuum state

[0070] All valves were closed electrically to form a closed system, and internal air was removed using a vacuum pump to create a vacuum.

[0071] 4. Step of forming a reducing atmosphere

[0072] 99% pure argon gas was injected at a flow rate of 3 L / min to maintain atmospheric pressure, and the gas outlet valve was opened to allow the argon gas to be discharged to the outside.

[0073] 5. Step of heat treatment reaction

[0074] A reduction reaction was induced by using an electric furnace to increase the temperature at a rate of 8℃ / min and heat treating at 900℃ for 2 hours.

[0075] 6. Step of recovering bamboo salt

[0076] After natural cooling for 12 hours while maintaining a reducing atmosphere, the electric furnace was opened at room temperature (below 100℃) to remove the crucible, the lid of the crucible was opened, and the reactant inside the crucible, i.e., the manufactured bamboo salt, was recovered. The bamboo salt easily detached from the crucible and could be easily recovered.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] Potassium-containing bamboo salt-2 (approx. 20% KCl) was prepared by performing the same method as in Example 1, except that 600g of solar salt (NaCl), 20.4g of edible potassium sulfate (K2SO4), 150g of edible potassium chloride (KCl), and 5.6g of bamboo carbon powder were used in the step of preparing the pretreatment composition.

[0079] Example 3

[0080] Potassium-containing bamboo salt-3 (approx. 50% KCl) was prepared by performing the same method as in Example 1, except that 300g of solar salt (NaCl), 16.3g of edible potassium sulfate (K2SO4), 300g of edible potassium chloride (KCl), and 4.5g of bamboo carbon powder were used in the step of preparing the pretreatment composition.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] Potassium-containing bamboo salt-4 (approx. 50% KCl) was prepared by performing the same method as in Example 1, except that 300g of solar salt (NaCl), 13.3g of edible sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), 300g of edible potassium chloride (KCl), and 4.5g of bamboo carbon powder were used in the step of preparing the pretreatment composition.

[0083] Experimental Example 1

[0084] The bamboo salt prepared in Example 1 was recovered and visually inspected, and the results are shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In FIGS. 2a, the left side is a photograph of the bottom surface and the right side is a photograph of the top surface.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 2a, it can be seen that bamboo salt in the shape of a crucible is obtained in a whole, and thus it can be confirmed that the bamboo salt produced according to the method of the present invention is easily separated from the crucible.

[0086] In addition, as shown in Fig. 2b, the whole bamboo salt obtained can be crushed into various sizes. It can be seen that the bamboo salt on the right, crushed to 1-2 mm, has a brighter color than the bamboo salt on the left, crushed to 2 mm or more, indicating that the smaller the particle size, the brighter the color of the bamboo salt obtained.

[0087] Experimental Example 2

[0088] The mineral element and sulfur content contained in potassium-containing bamboo salt-1, potassium-containing bamboo salt-2, potassium-containing bamboo salt-3, potassium-containing bamboo salt-4 prepared in Examples 1 to 3, and conventional bamboo salt (Insanga Insan Bamboo Salt) were measured using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer as described below, and the analysis results are shown in Table 1.

[0089] First, 5 g of prepared bamboo salt was dissolved in 50 mL of 5% hydrochloric acid solution, and then the sample solution was diluted 10 to 10,000 times with distilled water. The content of each element in the diluted solution was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES, SPECTRO GENESIS) and then calculated using the dilution factor.

[0090] The sulfur components in the prepared bamboo salt can exist in the form of sulfides and sulfates; to confirm this, the ORP was measured using a Dual pH / Ion Meter K2200 ISTEK. Here, ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) is an indicator representing the oxidation or reduction state by measuring the potential (electrical property) of an oxidation-reduction reaction; a high value indicates oxidative power, while a low value indicates reducing power. For conventional bamboo salt currently on the market, the ORP is measured to be approximately -340 mV.

[0091] Analysis Results Element Sample Name Na(%) Mg(%) Ca(%) K(%) S(%) ORP(mV) Insan Ga Insan Bamboo Salt 38.62 ND 0.0 10.6 70.52 -341 Potassium-containing Bamboo Salt -1 36.4 20.4 00.0 32.4 31.14 -340 Potassium-containing Bamboo Salt -2 30.6 30.4 50.0 210.0 21.21 -340 Potassium-containing Bamboo Salt -319.0 40.4 60.0 225.0 21.06 -343 Potassium-containing Bamboo Salt -419.8 70.4 40.0 223.8 21.05 -342

[0092]

[0093] From Table 1 showing the analysis results, it can be seen that the bamboo salt produced by the method of the present invention (potassium-containing bamboo salt-1, potassium-containing bamboo salt-2, potassium-containing bamboo salt-3, potassium-containing bamboo salt-4) has a higher mineral content than conventional bamboo salt. The sulfur content also shows a higher value than conventional bamboo salt and remains within a level that is not dangerous to the body. ORP, an indicator of reducing power, also shows a value similar to that of conventional bamboo salt. In particular, it can be seen that the potassium content, which prevents high blood pressure and stroke, can be adjusted to a desired level. Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A step of preparing a pretreatment composition by mixing one or more of solar salt (NaCl), potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder; A step of placing the above pretreatment composition into a crucible, covering it with a lid, and then placing it into a heat treatment device; A step of closing the gas valve of the heat treatment device to form a closed system inside where the crucible is inserted, and then treating it in a vacuum state; A step of opening the gas valve and introducing an inert gas into the interior into which the crucible is inserted to form a reducing atmosphere; A step of heat-treating the pretreatment composition contained in the crucible in the above reducing atmosphere; and A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt comprising the step of recovering bamboo salt from the crucible after natural cooling.

2. In Paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt, characterized in that the above pretreatment composition comprises 44.5-95.1 wt% of solar salt, 2.2-9.7 wt% of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate, 1.8-48.7 wt% of potassium chloride, and 0.4-1.4 wt% of bamboo carbon powder.

3. In Paragraph 2, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by introducing the above-mentioned pretreatment composition into the above-mentioned crucible at a volume of 70% or less.

4. In Paragraph 2, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt, characterized in that the above-mentioned pretreatment composition is obtained by mixing one or more of the above-mentioned solar salt, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and bamboo carbon powder in a stirrer for 40 to 80 minutes.

5. In Paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt, characterized in that the step of forming the reducing atmosphere is performed by injecting an inert gas into the heat treatment device, wherein the inert gas is one or more of argon and nitrogen.

6. In Paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt, characterized in that the heat treatment reaction step comprises a step of raising the internal temperature of the heat treatment apparatus from room temperature to 700-1,100℃ at a constant rate and a reaction step of maintaining the raised reaction temperature in the reducing atmosphere for 1-5 hours.

7. In Paragraph 6, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by removing the bamboo carbon powder by causing one or more reactions represented by the following reaction formula to occur in the above reaction step. [Reaction Equation] 2NaCl + K2SO4+ 2C → 2KCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑ NaCl + Na2SO4+ 2C → NaCl + Na2S + 2CO2(g)↑ 8. In Paragraph 6, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized in that the solar salt and potassium chloride exist in a molten state during the above reaction step.

9. In Paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by controlling the content of one or more of potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate so that the sulfur content contained in the recovered bamboo salt is 0.5% by weight to 2% by weight.

10. In Paragraph 9, A method for manufacturing potassium-containing bamboo salt, characterized in that the content of potassium sulfate and potassium chloride is controlled so that the potassium content contained in the recovered bamboo salt is 1% by weight or more.

11. Potassium-containing bamboo salt produced by the manufacturing method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In Paragraph 11, Potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of -340mV or less.

13. In Paragraph 11, Potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by containing 1% to 25% by weight of the above potassium.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned bamboo salt is a potassium-containing bamboo salt characterized by having a structure in which sodium chloride and potassium chloride are mixed and recrystallized.

Images