What is a defoamer chemical, and how it works?

Who does not love bubbles? They are fun to watch and a welcome addition to a child’s birthday party. But there is one area where they are not welcome at all - in industrial processes. The presence of bubbles signifies foam formation, which can wreak havoc in manufacturing, wastewater treatment and countless other industries. Solution? A defoamer chemical.

Now the question that needs to be answered is -  just what exactly are they? And even more importantly, how do they work? Well, you don’t have to worry about it anymore as here we have tackled this exact subject. So, without any further ado, let’s get started, beginning with —

Understand Just What They Are

Now, when we are talking about these chemicals, which are also known as anti-foaming agents, we must first discuss what they actually are. They are basically specialised chemicals that are designed to prevent or reduce foam formation in liquids. That is basically what they do.

Another thing about them that you must understand is that there is no uniformity when it comes to their type. Depending on the industrial processes, you can find a myriad of options suited for your purpose. Here are some of the many different types —

1.Oil-Based: These are made from mineral oil or vegetable oil derivatives; these are workhorses in many aqueous systems.

2.Silicone-based: Prized for their efficiency and stability, these are the go-to options for harsh environments.

3.Water-based: Those who are already familiar with the industrial process know just how popular water-based options are. And the main reason for that is because they are a safe choice for food & pharmaceutical applications.

4. Powder: These dry agents are perfect for processes where liquid addition is not feasible.

How Do They Work?

Now that we have talked about what these chemicals are, it is time for us to turn our heads towards just how they fulfil their objectives. Well, here is how they complete the task at hand —

1.This agent is first added to the foaming liquid. This needs to be in an accurate manner as you would to make sure that it is effective.

2.The agent then quickly spreads across the liquid surface - this is by design, so there is no need to worry. Just think of it as a super-fast, microscopic speed board zipping across a bubbly lake.

3.Next is our agent penetrating the foam structure, getting right into the heart of the foam

4.Now, the next is the most crucial step—the chemical starting to destabilise the foam. Do note that there are several ways that can happen, depending on the agent and even the acting material.

5.As a result of all this action, the foam structure can no longer support itself. This is the ultimate objective of this chemical.

This entire process happens incredibly quickly, often in just seconds, ensuring that industrial processes keep flowing smoothly without any bubbly interruptions.

Final Words

There you have it, folks — a short but useful exploration into a topic that is actually quite fundamental in the industrial processes. And if you are looking to purchase a natural defoaming agent, connect with NAQ Global today!