Automatic Foam Control

Uses Emulsifier, wetting agent, binder, stabilizer, plasticizer, lubricant, solubilizer, dispersant, vise, control agent, defoamer, intermediate for hard surface detergents, rinse aids, automatic dishwashing, textile processing, paints, latexes also for foam control in paper sizing operations Properties Liq. m.w. 1950 ref. index 1.4516 sol. in xylene, IPA, ethyl acetate, min. oil, perchloroethylene, IPM, trichlorotrifluoroethane sp.gr. 1.018 vise. 300 cps HLB 4.0 cloud pt. 32 C (1% aq.) fiash pt. (COC) >450 F pour pt. -27 C surf, tens. 33.0 dynes/cm (0.1%) 100% act. 

Microbial cultures may foam when they are subjected to vigorous mechanical stirring and aeration. If this foaming is not controlled, culture is lost by entrainment in the exhaust gases and so there are systems, often automatic, for detecting incipient foaming. 

Permanent gamma ray scanning equipment was installed on each separator along with foam density and level recorders in the process control room. An emergency trip system that automatically shuts a valve in the appropriate separator gas line to isolate the separator from the compressor suction drums when a high foam level occurs was added also. A similar trip system was insulted in the gas feed line from the HP separator to the power station... 

As the loam becomes laden with oil 3"d solids pressure drop across the foam increases. When the pressure drop reaches 6 psi the automatic controls initiate the regeneration process... 

One approach to control the concentration of antifoam is to use the minimum amount needed to stop foaming. This may be done with an automatic antifoam addition system. Excess antifoam which is not associated with the cells or media constitutents is more likely to adsorb on the membrane, so better control of its concentration will lower antiforam adsorption. 

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