Difference between water based defoamers and oil based defoamers
The main difference between water based and oil based defoamers
The main difference between water-based and oil based defoamers lies in their solubility in water. Water based defoamers are compatible with water, meaning they can dissolve or disperse in water. On the other hand, oil based defoamers are not soluble in water or are only slightly soluble.
Water-based defoamers are typically made by emulsifying oils and waxes in a water carrier. They usually contain a high percentage of water, ranging from 60% to 95%, and are technically oil-in-water emulsions. These defoamers find applications in various industries such as textile printing and dyeing, pulping and papermaking, chemical reactions, petrochemicals, metalworking fluids, biological fermentation, water treatment, and others.
Oil-based defoamers are composed of mineral oil or polyether without emulsification. They may also come in powder form, where the active ingredients are carried on granular carriers like silica. Oil-based defoamers are suitable for use in coatings, adhesives, metal processing, starch solutions, effluent treatment, and other applications where water compatibility is not required.
Water based and oil based defoamers share several desirable properties that make them well-suited for use across a range of applications. Specifically, both types exhibit chemical inertia, meaning they will not react with the surfactants and other chemicals that cause foaming. This inertness also translates into physiological inertness, as quality defoamers are non-toxic, non-polluting, and environmentally benign. In addition to being chemically neutral, these defoamers deliver powerful defoaming capabilities even when used in low dosages. Their performance remains stable across wide temperature ranges and conditions like heat, cold, and aging. When used in coated paper production, water and oil-based defoamers impart excellent softness and lubrication which helps boost the quality of the end product. The common thread across both types is that by leveraging appropriate water-insoluble oils or hydrophobic solid particles as key ingredients, manufacturers can create defoamers that efficiently destabilize foam-forming systems while avoiding unwanted side reactions with other paper chemicals. The shared mechanisms between water and oil-based products lead to the same desirable industrial properties.
When choosing between water-based and oil-based defoamers, several factors should be considered:
Compatibility with the foaming system: Determine whether the foaming system requires a water-based or oil-based defoamer based on its compatibility.
Effectiveness and impact on materials: Ensure that the selected defoamer effectively eliminates foam without negatively affecting the materials of the original system.
Environmental and regulatory considerations: Consider any industry-specific factors such as high temperatures, strong acids, or strong alkalis that may affect the performance of the defoamer.
Both water based and oil-based defoamers offer advantages and are suitable for various applications. The widespread adoption of oil defoamers is hindered by their high cost, which some manufacturers view as expensive. The choice depends on specific requirements, including compatibility, effectiveness, cost, and environmental considerations.
