There are three primary components in many defoaming formulations

There are three primary components in many defoaming formulations:
· A liquid base: Common liquid bases include mineral oil, vegetable oil, synthetics (polyol, esters), or polydimethylsiloxane (silicone). The liquid vehicle has several functions: to reduce film pressure at the rupture point, to puncture the film, and to roll back the water from the hydrophobic surface.
· A hydrophobic particle: Examples of hydrophobic particulates include hydrophobic silica, fatty acids, fatty amides, polyethylene, metallic soaps of fatty acids, higher alcohols (C8-C20), fatty esters, sulfonated fatty acids, waxes, and polyesters. The hydrophobic particle helps to form gaps and rupture bubble walls, thus aiding, to some extent, the prevention of foam reforming.
· Emulsifier(s): Emulsifiers typically consist of fatty esters, synthetic esters, ethoxylates, soaps, phosphate esters, and sulfonates. Emulsifiers can be formulated into defoamers to adjust insolubility properties of the defoamers with the intended application or they can be actual defoamer actives in themselves. The emulsifier/spreading agent, as the name implies, facilitates spreading.
Defoamers should be stored between 18 and 32℃ to avoid product degradation. Should defoamers need to be heated, do not use direct steam as the high temperature will damage the defoamer. Instead, use insulated tanks with steam or hot water coils on the inside or external electric heat tracing. Never let overly hot or cold surfaces contact the defoamer.