Is dry salt mix composition compromised in elevated temperatures?

[Flippers4pups]

Doing a Google search on this subject, I couldn't find anything definitive if elevated temperatures compromise the salt mixes that we use. Let me make this clear, when I'm talking about this I'm talking about dry salt.

Case in point, hardened or bricked, clumped dry salt that is in a sealed container or bag.

I am not a chemist, but my theory is that in elevated temperatures say as in a warehouse during the summer months, stored salt mixes can be subjected to temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

So the question is, does elevated temperatures compromised dry salt mix composition?

Does it chemically alter the sodium chloride?

Can it alter the buffering capacity in the sodium bicarbonate that's in these mixes?

Does it degrade the elements that are added to the salt mix?

All things equal, does the length of exposure of elevated temperatures have an impact?

Randy, I need you on this one.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Bump!

 

[TheHarold]

What molecules “degrade” at 150f?

I wouldn’t think so, honestly.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Let's assume we are not talking about salt mixes that contain organics (vitamins, etc.). Organics will degrade at elevated temp.

The inorganic degradation reactions that takes place in salt mixes generally needs enough moisture around to permit a little of the calcium and the carbonate/bicarbonate to dissolve and react to form calcium carbonate. So high humidity exposure is worse than heat. Heat may facilitate these reactions as well, perhaps by driving moisture out of ingredients like magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.

As a test, mix the salt in water as usual, let it settle till clear. Then measure the alk. If the alk is normal, the salt is good to go.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Let's assume we are not talking about salt mixes that contain organics (vitamins, etc.). Organics will degrade at elevated temp.

The inorganic degradation reactions that takes place in salt mixes generally needs enough moisture around to permit a little of the calcium and the carbonate/bicarbonate to dissolve and react to form calcium carbonate. So high humidity exposure is worse than heat. Heat may facilitate these reactions as well, perhaps by driving moisture out of ingredients like magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.

As a test, mix the salt in water as usual, let it settle till clear. Then measure the alk. If the alk is normal, the salt is good to go.

Thank you Randy for the response!

As far as "bricking", does the sealed container/bag need moisture in it only or can elevated temperatures for extended periods cause a "melting" effect to occur, causing the "bricking"?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you Randy for the response!

As far as "bricking", does the sealed container/bag need moisture in it only or can elevated temperatures for extended periods cause a "melting" effect to occur, causing the "bricking"?

I'm not certain how much reaction will take place in a closed bag at 150 deg F.

 

[reefwiser]

Bricked salt mix has never been a good thing in my experience. I have always gotten a refund and the store got a credit when they received a shipment where the salt had bricked from the supplier.