We use a lot of equipment in daily life. We must have noticed the use of chemicals and solutions to maintain our equipment. One such substance is defoamer. In this article, we are going to explore defoamers, their uses, application and much more information.
Defoamers are additives, prepared by blending silicone oil and surfactants. It is an anti-foaming chemical that is used for industrial processes. It has anti-foaming properties so it is used to reduce foam during the process.
Why do we need to reduce the foam?
The surface coating is needed to be corrosion-free and there should not be friction on it. The chances of friction increase due to the formation of the foam. It is also capable of efficient filling of the container. There are different kinds of defoamers which are available with various characteristics. It also controls the complete generation where the industrial liquid comes into the picture. It has got low viscosity.
The difference between Defoamers and Anti- foamers:
In general terms, defoamers and anti-foamers are considered as the same substances but in terms of application, there is a difference between the two. The defoamer is used to remove the existing foam
on the surface. It allows the product to function smoothly without any hindrance. Anti-foamers are applied so that the substance does not create any foam before the process begins.
Reasons of foam generation or entrapped air
There can be many reasons for foam generation. The leaky seals on the pump can be one of them. If there is high pressure on the pump, it leads to a situation of entrapped air. If the design of a surface like a pump, tank, inlet and outlet is not as per the requirement, then it may open a way to entrapped air. Bubbles that can have sufficient buoyancy to rise to the surface may create foam. The dissolved air in coolants and processing liquids may create a problem later. There can be an effect on the efficiency of the pump and storage tanks. There can be bacterial growth or flotation of dirt on the surface.
A different application of Defoamers:
- Aqueous solution: This solution is a kind of water-based substance that is used with self-emulsifying products or emulsions. It is used to prevent foam formation in aqueous systems. The foam formation creates hurdles in the working of the surface coating. It hinders the regeneration of foam.
- Mineral oil-based Defoamer: In such kinds of defoamers, oil works as a carrier. It can be white oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil. Oil is insoluble in any foaming medium.
- Powder-based Defoamer: Powder-based defoamers are majorly compounded with oil-based substance and it works with a carrier like silica. It is used to prepare powder substances like cement, plaster or detergent.
- Silicone-based defoamer: These kinds of defoamers are oil or water-based emulsions. They are polymers compounded with silicone backbone. Silicone glycols might be the compound of silicone fluids. Silicone-based defoamers are also useful in non-aqueous substances like crude oil and oil refining.
Uses of Defoamers:
Food Products: Antifoaming products are in demand by food professionals as it makes the food presentable. Deep-fried food needs to be prepared with the use of defoamers.
For the harsh environment: Defoamers are self-emulsified which can be diluted with water and used under a temperature of 30 C.
For wastewater treatment: Defoamers are used in wastewater treatment where defoamers control bubbles and help to minimize foam generation.
Wood pulp, paper, paint: It is used to prevent the formation of foam in the production process of wood pulp and paper. Kraft and sulfite washing is the required process in wood pulp. Defoamers are needed for the same process. It is also used in the preparation of paints during the fermentation process.
Oil drilling: Defoamers are used in the cementation, drilling mud during the process of oil extraction. It plays a vital role in preventing gas from entering the liquid extract. It hinders the formation of foam.
How to test defoamers:
The defoamer can be tested with the help of around pumping objects with a nozzle and a cylinder. An air injection system can also be used. The foam height is measured with a scale attached to a cylinder. The heater in the system controls the temperature. The other method is to check entrained air by measuring the density of the liquid. The filter system is used by measuring the time to drain liquid out of the filter.
Take Away
In this article, we learnt about the defoamers. They are additives, which are used to prevent foam and control entrapped air. It is different from anti-foam. There are various applications of defoamers like aqueous, mineral oil-based, silicone-based, powder-based. It is used in the wood pulp and paper industry, Oil drilling industry, and food product industry. It is also added to paints and used for water waste systems and for harsh environments. It can be measured with the help of different methods.
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