How defoamers effectively eliminate foam
Generally speaking, foam is the most common phenomenon in production and life, but in some cases, foam is a serious threat to production. In order to avoid such situations, different types of defoamer products need to be added. But what is the actual effect of this defoaming agent product? The following is a detailed introduction by experts in the research and development and production of defoamer products.
However, according to industry experts, although the actual effect of defoamers is very prominent, for consumers, if they cannot choose high-quality products, it is difficult to ensure the effectiveness of the product. In terms of selecting defoamers: it is necessary to determine whether the system of the defoamer to be used is a water-based system or an oil-based system.
For example, in the fermentation industry, oil-based defoamers (polyether-modified silicone or polyether defoamers) must be used. And the water-based paint industry must use water-based defoamers. After selecting the defoamer, compare the amount of addition, and then refer to the price, you can get the most suitable and economical defoamer product. And for the addition and use of these defoamer products, its main effects are manifested in the following aspects:
1. Add hydrophobic particles to eliminate foam. The formation of foam is mainly due to the action of surfactants on the foam surface. Surfactants have hydrophilic groups, which are conducive to the formation of foam. After the addition of hydrophobic particles, the hydrophilic groups are neutralized and the foam will burst.
2. Reduce the local tension on the foam surface to eliminate the foam rupture. Foam is generated because air enters the solution and forms foam by expanding around. The foam must be maintained with the same overall tension, then it will be maintained. If the tension of a certain part is reduced, the part cannot expand during the expansion of the foam, the foam will burst, and the foam will be eliminated.
3. Destroy the elasticity of the membrane to cause the bubbles to burst and defoam. Air expands in the solution to form foam. The reason why the foam can expand is mainly because there is a surfactant on the surface of the bubble membrane, which can maintain the elasticity of the foam to ensure the expansion of the foam. After using the defoamer, the properties of the surfactant will be changed, and the elasticity cannot be maintained, so the foam will burst.
