| In the modern world we often take for granted some | | | | Thankfully there is a way to prevent these kinds of |
| of the processes which happen behind the scenes of | | | | problems from affecting the process. By adding |
| industry that make it possible to manufacture products | | | | antifoam to the liquid, the surface tension can be |
| at a consistent rate and quality. What happens at the | | | | reduced making a clear boundary between the liquid |
| microscopic level can affect results on a huge scale. | | | | and trapped air. Contaminants collect on the surface of |
| Understanding the consequences of microscopic | | | | the liquid and make it easier to separate them from |
| changes in a process allows us to fine tune it and | | | | the liquid. |
| produce results more quickly, consistently and | | | | Antifoams can be based on several different |
| efficiently. Antifoams are one of the products which | | | | chemicals. A widely used type of antifoam is oil based. |
| help us do that. | | | | Any oil which is insoluble in the liquid being treated can |
| Many modern manufacturing techniques require the | | | | be used. To enhance the performance of these |
| circulation of a liquid through a system. A common | | | | solutions wax or silica can be added. |
| problem encountered when operating a system like | | | | Water can also form the base of antifoam. By |
| this is the inadvertent production of foam. When | | | | dispersing oils or complex fats in the water, the |
| pressure is applied to or released from this type of | | | | resulting liquid can be used as antifoam. |
| system, the change in pressure can cause air to | | | | Silicone based antifoams have silica and emulsifiers |
| become dissolved in the liquid being circulated. When | | | | added to silicone oils. This type of antifoam is widely |
| this happens, the liquid becomes inconsistent and can | | | | used on liquids other than water such as crude oil. |
| cause inaccurate level readings, overflow or | | | | Hydrocarbon based antifoams can be produced |
| unexpected behaviour from the equipment. | | | | without silicone and provide the ideal solution for |
| When this happens, air trapped in the liquid rises to the | | | | releasing air from solvents as well as water. |
| surface and creates bubbles. This foaming effect | | | | Using antifoams helps produce consistent, predictable |
| causes several problems such as: | | | | results and extend the life of equipment. Today |
| - Reduced pump efficiency | | | | antifoams can be found in dishwasher detergents, |
| - Reduced storage capacity | | | | food products, numerous industrial applications and |
| - Contamination | | | | even in pharmaceuticals to prevent bloating and |
| - Additional costs correcting these problems | | | | indigestion. |