Foam Control Agents

Many industrial processes cannot be carried out effectively due to foam activity.  In order to eliminate problems with the process, foam has to be prevented (anti-foam) or be killed (defoamer).  This can be achieved either by mechanical or chemical means (Foam Contraol Agents).

The structures of Foam Control Agents (FCA) can be of a variety of chemical classes:

silicone; modified siloxane; ester; poly alkylene glycols (PAG); mineral oils; alcohols, or combination of these chemicals.  Solids also show excellent foam control properties.

In many cases, the final application determines what kind of chemical as FCA should be chosen:  silicone based systems are normally not accepted in industries where coating on the metal surface is applied (automotive industry); food industry allows only food approved grades; ecological systems ask for biodegradeable grades.

ADD APT Chemcials AG offers water soluble grades (Foamstop 150; Foamstop 200; Foamstop 400) as well as mineral oil/ester soluble grades (Foamstop WE10; Foamstop MP50).

Typical applications for FCA are: 

• Potato industry
• Sugar industry
• Lubricant industry
• Paint industry
• Graphic Art inustry
• Waste water (sewage systems)
• Paper industry
• Adhesives
• Cleaners
• Fermentation process (yeast; anitbiotics)
• Cement/ Concrete industry (powder based FCA)