Definition and function of defoamer
First, the definition of defoamer
Defoamer, also known as anti-foam agent, is a chemical that can effectively eliminate or inhibit foam formation in liquids. The production of foam is usually a mixture of liquid and gas, and when the gas is wrapped in the liquid to form bubbles and aggregate together, the foam is formed. Foam in some industrial processes can lead to low production efficiency, product quality decline and even equipment damage, so it is necessary to use defoamer to eliminate foam.


The main function of defoamer is to rapidly destroy the foam structure, promote the rupture of bubbles, reduce the generation of bubbles, and effectively control the number of bubbles. Defoamer is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, paper, petroleum, sewage treatment and other industries, its role can not be underestimated.


Second, the type of defoamer
There are many types of defoamer, and the common defoamer is mainly divided into the following types:




1. Silicone defoamer
Silicone defoamer is one of the most widely used defoamer at present and has excellent defoamer effect. Its main component is organosilicon compound, which has good stability and high temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance. Silicone defoamer is usually used in water-based systems and oil-based systems, and is suitable for a wide range of industries, such as paint, paper, textile and so on.


2. Fatty acid ester defoamer
Fatty acid ester defoamer is a kind of defoamer based on natural vegetable oil or animal oil, which usually has good biodegradability and safety. They are suitable for some industries with high environmental requirements, such as the food, beverage and cosmetics industries.


3. Polyether defoamer
Polyether defoamer has excellent anti-foaming effect and is suitable for various chemical reactions and production processes. Polyether defoamer is widely used in chemical and industrial production, especially in organic solvent systems.


4. Alcohol defoamer
Alcohol defoamer is mainly based on alcohol and can destroy the structure of foam quickly. They are usually used in water-based systems to solve foam problems efficiently and stably.


5. Natural defoamer
Natural defoamer is mainly derived from plant and animal extracts and has good environmental friendliness. They are widely used in food, medicine and other industries with high requirements for safety and natural ingredients.




Third, the action principle of defoamer
The action principle of defoamer can be understood from the following aspects:




6. Reduce surface tension
Defoamer molecules are usually composed of two parts, one lipophilic and the other hydrophilic. When the defoamer is added to the foam system, the defoamer molecules will quickly migrate to the surface of the bubble, reduce the surface tension of the bubble, lead to the decline of the stability of the bubble, and finally make the bubble burst.


7. Formation of membrane rupture
Another way of action of defoamer is to form a film that directly destroys the membrane structure of the bubble, causing the foam to be unable to maintain its stability, thereby eliminating the foam.


8. Change the bubble structure
By changing the surface of the bubble, the defoamer changes the surface tension of the bubble and reduces the formation and stability of the foam. When the number of bubbles is reduced, the formation of bubbles is effectively controlled.


9. Adsorption
The molecules of defoamer also have strong adsorption. When the defoamer is added, the defoamer will adsorb on the surface of the foam, further reducing the stability of the bubble and promoting the bubble rupture.




Fourth, the application field of defoamer
As a common industrial chemical, defoamer has a wide range of applications. Here are some typical application areas:




10. Water treatment field
In the process of sewage treatment and water treatment, defoamer is used to inhibit the formation of foam and prevent foam from affecting the normal operation of the sedimentation tank and filtration system. At the same time, the use of defoamer helps to improve the efficiency of water treatment and reduce energy consumption.


11. Paint industry
In the process of coating production, the foam will affect the quality and production efficiency of the coating. The addition of defoamer can effectively eliminate foam, ensure the uniformity and quality of the coating, and improve the smoothness and adhesion of the coating.


12. Paper industry
Foam in pulp production not only reduces production efficiency, but can also lead to difficulties in pulp separation and equipment failure. The use of defoamer can effectively eliminate foam, improve production efficiency and reduce equipment damage.


13. Food and beverage industry
Foam is a common by-product in food and beverage production, especially in beer and beverage production. Defoamer can reduce unnecessary foam formation and ensure product stability and quality.


14. Chemical industry
In the process of chemical production, the generation of foam often has an adverse effect on the reaction process. The defoamer can effectively adjust the reaction environment, control the formation of foam, and ensure the high efficiency of production and product stability.


15. Oil drilling and production
In the process of oil production, the use of defoamer can prevent the foam problem of downhole equipment and ensure the smooth progress of drilling operations. In addition, defoamer can also improve the purity and quality of the product during the petroleum refining process.




5. Selection and use of defoamer
When choosing defoamer, it is necessary to choose according to the specific use environment and requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a defoamer:




16. Use the environment
According to the different application, choose the appropriate type of defoamer. For example, in water-based systems, polyether or fatty acid ester defoamer is more effective; In oil-based systems, the effect of silicone defoamer is more significant.


17. Temperature and PH
Different defoamer has different characteristics of high temperature resistance and acid and alkali resistance. In some high temperature or extreme pH environments, it is very important to choose a defoamer that is resistant to high temperature and acid and alkali.


18. Biodegradability and safety
For some industries with high environmental protection requirements, such as food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, defoamer with good biodegradability and harmless to the human body should be selected.


19. Defoaming efficiency and durability
The defoaming efficiency and durability of the defoamer are also important factors to consider when selecting. Efficient defoamer removes foam quickly and consistently, reducing usage.


20. Cost and economy
Cost is an important factor when choosing a defoamer. Although the price of some high-performance defoamer is higher, their long-term benefits in reducing foam generation and improving production efficiency are often more obvious.




Vi. Conclusion
As a widely used and efficient industrial additive, defoamer plays a vital role in many fields. Whether in chemicals, food, oil extraction, water treatment, paper and other industries, the use of defoamer can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. With the development of industrial technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the research and development and application of defoamer will continue to innovate and develop.

Choosing the appropriate defoamer and using it reasonably according to the specific application can bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the enterprise. In the future, defoamer will continue to play an indispensable role in various industries, promoting the continuous development and progress of modern industry.