KIOST Demonstrates World's First Ultrasonic Sea Sand Salinity Removal Performance

Research Results Published in ‘Scientific Reports,’ a Sister Journal of ‘Nature’

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (President Lee Heeseung, KIOST) has developed ultrasonic washing equipment capable of effectively removing salinity (NaCl) from sea sand and has, for the first time in the world, demonstrated its performance. The results of this research were published in the prestigious journal 'Scientific Reports,' a sister publication of 'Nature.'

Sand is an essential material used in various types of social infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and bridges. However, as the extraction of river sand has become impossible, sea sand is now being used as a substitute. In this case, a salinity removal process is mandatory.

If salinity is not properly removed, it can cause corrosion of rebar within cement concrete and premature damage to structures, which can significantly affect structural safety. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recommends that the allowable salinity content in sea sand should be 0.04% or less.

The research team led by Dr. Gilrim Yoon of the KIOST Marine Spatial Development and Energy Research Division has developed a new type of ultrasonic washing equipment that can remove salinity from sea sand more efficiently.

KIOST Marine Spatial Development and Energy Research Division, Senior Researcher Gilrim Yoon.

This technology utilizes the cavitation mechanism of ultrasound, which enables powerful particle removal, penetration, and non-contact washing. It allows for precise and rapid salinity removal even in confined spaces, significantly reducing both water usage and processing time during washing.

Conventional sea sand washing uses a spraying method that removes salinity by pouring a large amount of water from above, and it is known that about 4 tons of water are required to wash 1 ton of sea sand.

In contrast, the ultrasonic method developed by the research team mixes sea sand and fresh water at a 1:2 ratio and applies more than 300W of ultrasound for 3 minutes, which has been confirmed to lower the salinity concentration to 0.04% or less, meeting the standard.

Ultrasonic Equipment for Seawater Sand Salinity Cleaning.

KIOST President Lee Heeseung stated, "This research is significant because it not only provides an alternative to the shortage of river sand, which is a domestic and international issue, but also ensures both the safety and economic feasibility of structures. We plan to continue advancing related technologies so that large quantities of sea sand can be processed more quickly and precisely in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.