

Defoamer
KSh5,000.00 Original price was: KSh5,000.00.KSh4,900.00Current price is: KSh4,900.00.
Defoamer, also known as an anti-foaming agent, is a chemical additive that reduces and eliminates foam formation in liquids. Foam is formed when gas is trapped in a liquid, and it can cause problems in various industrial processes, such as in the production of food and beverages, pulp and paper, and wastewater treatment. Defoamers work by destabilizing foam bubbles and breaking them apart, allowing the gas to escape from the liquid. They typically contain surfactants or oils that spread over the surface of the liquid to disrupt foam formation. Defoamers are available in various forms, including liquid, powder, and emulsion, and are used in a wide range of industries to improve process efficiency and product quality
Defoamer Uses
Primary Uses of Defoamers
1. Industrial Manufacturing
- Pulp & Paper Industry: Controls foam in pulp washing, bleaching, and paper coating.
- Textile Processing: Prevents foam in dyeing and finishing baths.
- Chemical Production: Used in fermentation (e.g., antibiotics, ethanol).
2. Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Prevents foamin aeration tanks, clarifiers, and effluent discharge.
- Reduces sludge foamingin anaerobic digesters.
3. Oil & Gas Industry
- Drilling Fluids: Minimizes foam in mud systems.
- Refining & Petrochemicals: Controls foam in distillation towers.
4. Food & Beverage Processing
- Prevents foamin sugar refining, brewing, and juice processing.
- Used in cooking oilsto reduce splattering.
5. Paints & Coatings
- Eliminates foamin water-based paints, inks, and adhesives.
6. Agricultural Chemicals
- Spray Applications: Reduces foam in pesticide and herbicide solutions.
Secondary Uses of Defoamers
1. Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
- Fermentation Control: Used in vaccine and antibiotic production.
2. Construction & Concrete
- Prevents air entrainmentin cement mixtures.
3. Automotive & Lubricants
- Reduces foamin engine oils, gear fluids, and hydraulic systems.
4. Household & Cleaning Products
- Added to detergentsto prevent excessive sudsing.
5. Marine & Shipping
- Prevents foamin ballast water treatment systems.
6. Printing & Photography
- Controls foamin developing solutions and ink systems.
APPEARANCE |
Watery/Thin – Low viscosity e.g., ethanol |
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1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC):
- Silicone-based:Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
- Oil-based:Mineral oil with hydrophobic silica
- Water-based:Polyether-polysiloxane copolymer
- CAS Number:
- Silicone: [63148-62-9]
- Mineral oil: [8042-47-5]
- Polyether-modified: [68937-54-2]
- HS Code:90 (Surface-active agents)
- Molecular Formula:
- PDMS: (C₂H₆OSi)ₙ
- Mineral oil: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ (paraffinic/naphthenic)
- Synonyms:Antifoam, foam suppressor, foam control agent
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State:Liquid (emulsion or oil), paste, or powder
- Color & Odor:
- Silicone:Milky white to clear; faint odor
- Oil-based:Amber; mild hydrocarbon odor
- Boiling Point:>200°C (silicone), varies for oil-based
- Melting Point:N/A (liquid form)
- Density:95–1.05 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water:Dispersible (emulsion forms)
- Organic solvents:Soluble in hydrocarbons, alcohols
- pH Level:6–9 (neutral)
- Vapor Pressure:Low (<0.1 mmHg at 20°C)
- Flash Point:50–200°C (depends on carrier)
- Autoignition Temperature:~300–400°C
- Viscosity:100–10,000 cP (varies by formulation)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Generally non-hazardous (some classified as eye/skin irritants)
- Silicone emulsions: H315 (skin irritation), H319 (eye irritation)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1 | Flammability: 1 | Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: N/A (oil mist limit 5 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (particulates)
- Reactivity:
- Stable, but avoid strong oxidizers (nitric acid, peroxides)
- Incompatible with strong acids/bases (may break emulsions)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- 5–40°C (avoid freezing or high heat)
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Incompatible Materials:Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
- Container Type:
- HDPE drums (silicone/oil-based)
- Fiberboard (powder forms)
- Shelf Life:12–24 months
- Special Handling:
- Use gloves (nitrile) and goggles
- Ventilation recommended for spray applications
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- FDA 21 CFR 173.340 (food-grade defoamers)
- REACH registered (EU)
- EPA exempt (low toxicity)
- Hazard Symbols:
- GHS07 (Exclamation mark) for irritants
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Non-hazardous for most (UN3082 if oil-based)
- Waste Disposal:
- Incinerate or landfill per local regulations
- Not RCRA hazardous
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Silicone:LC50 >100 mg/L (fish)
- Oil-based:LC50 10–100 mg/L (moderate)
- Persistence:
- Silicone: Slow degradation (years in environment)
- Polyether: Biodegradable (weeks to months)
- Carcinogenicity:
- IARC/NTP: Not classified
- Mineral oil (untreated): Group 3 (unclassifiable)
- Biodegradability:
- Silicone:<20% in 28 days
- Polyether:>60% in 28 days (OECD 301)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves(nitrile or neoprene) – Prevent skin contact, especially with oil-based defoamers.
- Safety goggles– Protect against splashes (some formulations irritate eyes).
- Respirator(if misting occurs) – Use NIOSH-approved mask for vapor/mist protection.
- Protective apron/clothing– For large-scale handling.
Handling & Storage:
- Ventilation:Ensure good airflow to prevent vapor buildup.
- Static Control:Ground containers during transfer (flammable formulations).
- Storage:Keep in sealed containers away from heat, sparks, and oxidizers.
- Incompatibilities:Avoid strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents (check SDS).
Inhalation (Mist/Vapors):
- Move to fresh air immediately.
- If breathing difficulty occurs, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
- Wash with soap and water
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Eye Contact:
- Rinse with lukewarm water for 15+ minutes, holding eyelids open.
- Seek urgent medical helpif irritation continues.
Ingestion:
- Do NOT induce vomiting.
- Rinse mouth with water, drink milk or water to dilute.
- Call Poison Control or seek medical helpif swallowed in large amounts.
Flammability:
- Varies by formulation:
- Silicone-based:Generally non-flammable.
- Oil-based:Combustible (flash point ~150–200°C/302–392°F).
Extinguishing Media:
- Foam, COâ‚‚, dry chemical (ABC), or water spray.
- Avoid water jets(may spread oil-based defoamers).
Firefighting Precautions:
- Wear SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)if toxic fumes are present.
- Cool nearby containers with water spray to prevent explosion.
 Spill & Leak Response
- Small spills:Absorb with inert material (sand, clay, or spill pads).
- Large spills:Contain with barriers; prevent entry into drains/waterways.
- Dispose ofas hazardous waste if required (check local regulations).