Selection & Application of Antifoaming Agents
Crucible maintains an extensive formulary of antifoam chemistries, often broadly categorized into silicone and non-silicone types, both of which contain a diverse spectrum of chemistries.
Which antifoam is most appropriate depends on several factors, including the chemical & physical properties of the foaming solution, its intended use and application, the method of foam generation, the type of foam present, and any applicable regulatory requirements. Proper selection and evaluation can be a difficult task. Our technical staff has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the selection process and find an effective foam control solution for your application.
A wide variety of applications utilize antifoam agents to prevent the formation of foam. Those listed below are just a selection:
Paint, Inks, Coatings, Adhesives & Emulsion Polymers
Pigment grinding, mixing, and chemical reactions inherently generate foam in these processes. Left unchecked, foam can result in significant production and packaging inefficiencies, as well as surface defects in dried films. To effectively control foam and its detrimental effects, antifoams are crucial components of these types of products.
Crucible Chemical carries a selection of reliable antifoams for paints and coatings, adhesives, and inks.
Water & Waste Treatment
In water and wastewater treatment applications, controlling foam is critical to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operations.
At Crucible Chemical, we offer a number of antifoam products for water treatment applications.
Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacturing & Compounding
Certain chemical synthesis, reaction and processing operations rely on antifoams and defoamers to prevent and control foam formation.
Cleaning & Janitorial Products & Processes
Useful both during their manufacture and at the point of use, antifoams are effective components of carpet cleaners, floor polishes, parts washers, detergents, sanitizing solutions and many other cleaning and janitorial products.
Metal-Working Fluids
Metal-working applications using soluble oils, semi-synthetic and synthetic fluids require antifoams, which help increase productivity, extend the lifespan of tools, and reduce scrap rate.
You’ll find a selection of high-quality antifoaming agents for metal-working fluids at Crucible Chemical.
Textiles
The processes of sizing, scouring, bleaching, dyeing, finishing, etc. in textile applications create foam which can contribute to problems like machine downtime, uneven dyeing, and spotting on printed fabrics. Antifoams are often formulated into textile auxiliaries like dye carriers, scours, wetting agents and print pastes, and other foam control solutions are employed throughout textile wet processing.
Oil and Gas
Foam can reduce productivity and efficiency during drilling, extracting, and processing operations in the oil and gas industry. Antifoams prevent and control foam in almost every process in the industry, both aqueous and nonaqueous.
Work with Crucible Chemical for All Your Foam Control Needs
Antifoaming agents work to avert the many detrimental effects of foam before it becomes a problem. Proper selection and application saves time and money, keeping processes running smoothly and maintaining consistent product quality.
To learn more about how our Foamkill™ antifoams and defoamers can help improve your operations, please contact us today.