Defoamers
Anti-foam reagents, also known as defoamers, are chemical compounds used to control or eliminate foam formation in industrial processes. Foam can be generated during various chemical, biochemical, and physical processes, such as fermentation, distillation, mixing, and spraying, and can cause several issues, including reduced process efficiency, product quality issues, and safety hazards.
Anti-foam reagents are designed to reduce the surface tension of the liquid, thus preventing the formation of foam or breaking the existing foam. These reagents work by either destabilizing the foam bubbles or by preventing the formation of the foam stabilizing layer. They can be divided into two categories: silicone-based and non-silicone-based anti-foam agents.
Anti-foam reagents can be added directly to the process or incorporated into the formulation of the product. The selection of the appropriate anti-foam agent depends on various factors, including the nature of the foam, the type of process, and the compatibility with other process components.
