What Is Defoamer And Describe Its Types & Features?

Almost every product of our everyday life forms foam, whether it be shampoos, detergents or cake batter, and much more. Though foam might be tolerable in some of the products for an industrial process, it is a significant concern. The foam-related troubles add to listing from a dispersion of fillers, defects in the coating, product operation, inhibition of permeation and wetting, and much more. At that time, defoamer or anti-foaming agents come into action.

Industrial processes use defoamer/defoaming agents to control the unwanted foaming generation and build up. Most industrial processes require transferring of liquid or mixing, which raises the risk of unwanted foam build-up. Poor foam control can show adverse effects, including equipment damage, reduced process efficiency, environmental pollution, decreased product yield, and much more. Generally, there are different types of Defoamer, each employed to reduce the amount of foam produced. Utilizing the right combat defoamer or anti-foaming agents is imperative.

Types of Defoamer/ Anti-foaming Agents

1. Silicone-Based Defoamer

Silicone-based defoamer/anti-foaming is high in durability even under vigorous agitation or under alkaline conditions. Silicone Defoamers include hydrophobic silica diffused in silicone oil. Silicone oil has a lower surface tension that allows it to rapidly spread gas-liquid and facilitates the weakening of foam films and penetration of bubble walls.

Features of Silicone-Based Defoamer

• • Nonaqueous and thick liquid

  • Oil or water-based emulsion

  • Used in manufacturing of pesticide, chemical, and petroleum

  • Avoid entrained foam

  • Highly efficient

  • A broad range of application

  • Low dose requirements

Uses of Silicone-Based Defoamer

• • For laundry detergent application

  • Pulp manufacturing

  • Food and beverages

2. Non-Silicone Defoamers

Defoamers manufacturers India suggest these agents as it does not acumen discoloration and can be used in formaldehyde sensitive systems. They could be organic or low environmental impact defoamers that are designed to control foam while diminishing entrained air in different industrial processes. This defoamer chemical can be based on synthetic, vegetable, or certified carrier oils as per the characteristics, compatibility, and requirement of the industry.

Features of Non-Silicone Defoamers

• • Water dispersibility

  • Slightly insoluble

  • Self emulsifiable

  • Relative stability

  • High spreadability

  • Higher performance

Uses of Non-Silicone Defoamers

• • Coatings, Paints, Latex

  • Industrial wastewater

  • Chemical processing

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3. Powder-Based Defoamer

The versatile defoamer can be implemented as control foam built up in cleaning hoses and waste tanks while protecting equipment. It can be added diluted to instantly combat bubble build or added to hoses to control foaming from cleaning solutions. Beyond knocking down the foam, TPA is a free-flowing dispersible powder. This anti-foaming agent is designed for industries like liquid fertilizer and chemicals and works to burst foam and prevent regeneration.

Features of Powder-Based Defoamer

• • Long term shelf stability

  • Non-toxic

  • Controls Foaming

  • Do not freeze

  • Food grade version

Uses of Powder-Based Defoamer

• • Used in industries where products may be left for storage

  • Used for industries that develop food, cosmetics, and household products.

  • Cleaning hoses

  • Waste tanks

  • Carpets

  • It can be added to cement, plaster, and detergents.

4. Oil-Based Defoamers

The oil-based defoamers are based on mineral oils, vegetable oils or native oils, or even waxes to boost performance. It has 100% dispersion in mineral oil and can be used for highly foaming applications and consistently foam reduction. It is ideal for controlling acid-base systems with temperatures above 200 degrees C and suitable for oily foaming systems.

Features of Oil-Based Defoamers

• • High dispersibility

  • Fast defoaming

  • Strong anti-foaming performance

Uses of Oil-Based Defoamers

• • Pigment and Dyes

  • Paper

  • Textile

  • Water treatment

  • Paints

NAQ Global has an extensive portfolio of defoaming agents, each designed to meet the industry's demands and needs. They are a renowned defoamer chemical supplier that strives to improve industries' efficiency by providing the right solutions while consistently focusing on the environment.