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Getting Rid of Foam in a Clarifier 1

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seventhstream

Mechanical
Jul 20, 2000
18
I'm hoping someone with more experience than I could help me with an application: we are using a clarifier to remove scum from our process. The scum is very foamy and flows off the top of the clarifier and to a tank along with the wash down water. Is there some application or plumbing scheme that will break down the foamy scum to a liquid? thank you
 
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You can spray water on some foams and help to break them. That is if you do not agitate when spraying. Otherwise you might call one of the vendors of clarifiers and ask for recommendations.
 
Check with Dow Corning. Their silicone products are extremely effective at breaking up or preventing foaming. They are used at low concentrations (ppm). An example of a silicone anti-foam is simethicone, which is used in over the counter remedies for indigestion such as Gas-X. Other silicone products are used extensively in hydrocarbon lubricants to prevent foaming. I have no connection to Dow Corning, but work in the lubricant industry where their products are used.
 
Thank you for your replies. Spraying water may work. Anti-foams probably won't work because the foam is of a food substance.
 
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