Foam occurs when gas becomes entrapped at the surface of or within a liquid caused by biologically, chemically or mechanically (surface aeration, mixers, diffused air). The most commons two types of foam in wastewater are biological and chemical / surfactant induced foam.
Biological foam is created by the activity of microorganisms as they metabolize and break down organics within the wastewater. Filamentous microorganisms (Nocardia spp., Microthix app.), interaction between primary & waste-activated sludge and sludge age can cause foam. Bio-foam is extremely stable and can be dry in appearance, comprised of very small circular bubbles and typically brownish or grayish in color.
Surfactant foam is generated by the introduction of surface-active agents including: soaps/detergents, surfactants, cleaners, reactions between caustics and oil/grease and other discharged chemicals. This foam is stable, white in color and irregular in shape.
We provide foam control agents that can be added to pre-existing foam or before the formation of foam to help prevent it. Chemical formation of each product determines performance and system compatibility. Chemistry behind our foam control agents includes silicone, mineral oil or petroleum derivative based, synthetic (containing no silicone or oil) and emulsions of the other chemistries. Our products have no adverse byproducts and can be added in most processes of wastewater treatment including; EQ tanks, neutralization, coagulation and flocculation tanks, dissolved air flotation, outfall, aeration basins, aerobic and anaerobic digesters, secondary clarifiers, ultrafiltration membranes, membrane bioreactors.
