Mixing salt-water solution for density current experiments

Common table salt (sodium chloride) is mixed with water to yield a high-density fluid for turbidity current experiments. A large tub is filled with water and bags of salt are added in 50 lb. (22 kg) increments. To dissolve the salt, a centrifugal pump is placed at the the bottom of the tub and is run for approximately one hour per bag of salt. To minimize corrosion, the pump is removed from the tub after use and submerged in a 5-gallon bucket of fresh water.