Why Does Antifoam Work?

Once the antifoam has entered the lamella, a lens is formed by the antifoam on the lamella and begins to spread. The progressive spreading process reduces the thickness of the lens, the shape of which is altered by movements in the foam. Stresses occur until the lens breaks and the foam lamella ruptures.

How does an antifoam work?

An essential feature of a defoamer product is a low viscosity and a facility to spread rapidly on foamy surfaces. It has affinity to the air-liquid surface where it destabilizes the foam lamellas. ... Entrained air bubbles are agglomerated, and the larger bubbles rise to the surface of the bulk liquid more quickly.

Why is antifoam used in fermentation?

During the fermentation stage, antifoams provide excellent foam control for a variety of aerobic fermentation applications, including bacterial and fungal fermentations. The aerobic fermentation process injects air into the fermentor in large volumes, which naturally creates foam.