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When using defoamers in wastewater treatment, the following methods can make the effect better:

1. Determine the appropriate amount of addition

• Small-scale test to determine the initial dosage:

First, conduct a small-scale test, which can generally be carried out in a laboratory or a small treatment facility. Add defoamers to the wastewater in different proportions to observe the defoaming effect and the impact on the wastewater treatment process.

For example, you can start with a lower addition amount, such as adding tens of milligrams of defoamer per liter of wastewater, and then gradually increase the dosage until a satisfactory defoaming effect is achieved.

A rough range of appropriate addition amounts can be determined through small tests.

• Consider wastewater characteristics and treatment processes:

Different types of wastewater have different characteristics such as composition, concentration, pH, and so on, and the demand for defoamers will also vary.

If the wastewater contains a large amount of surfactants, organic matter or suspended matter, a relatively high amount of defoamers may be required.

At the same time, the wastewater treatment process will also affect the amount of defoamers used. For example, biological treatment processes may be sensitive to the amount of defoamers used, and the amount of addition needs to be carefully controlled to avoid adverse effects on microorganisms.

• Refer to product instructions and experience data:

Defoamer product instructions usually provide some recommended ranges of use and addition amounts, which can be used as a reference.

In addition, you can consult defoamer suppliers to learn about their experience and recommended dosage in similar wastewater treatment projects.

You can also refer to the usage experience of other companies in the same industry, but be aware that the specific conditions of the wastewater may be different and need to be adjusted appropriately.

2. Choose the right time to add

• Add before foaming:

If you can predict that foaming may occur during wastewater treatment, you can add defoamers in advance before foaming.

This can prevent the generation of foam and reduce the difficulty and cost of subsequent treatment.

For example, before the wastewater enters the treatment facility, or before adding certain chemicals that are prone to foaming, you can add an appropriate amount of defoamer.

• Add at the early stage of foam generation:

If the defoamer is not added in advance, once the foam is found, the defoamer should be added as soon as possible for treatment.

In the early stage of foam generation, the amount and volume of foam are relatively small. Adding defoamers at this time can more effectively control the development of foam.

Avoid waiting until a large amount of foam accumulates, because a larger amount of defoamers may be required to achieve a good defoaming effect at this time.

3. Correct addition method

• Uniform addition:

In order to ensure that the defoamer can fully play its role, it should be added to the wastewater evenly.

It can be added by dripping, spraying or stirring to fully mix the defoamer with the wastewater.

If the dripping method is adopted, the dripping speed should be controlled to avoid excessive local concentration.

• Add in batches:

In some cases, adding a large amount of defoamer at one time may lead to poor effect or other problems.

You can consider adding the defoamer in batches and adjust the addition amount in time according to the generation of foam and the treatment effect.

For example, observe the foam situation regularly during the treatment process, and when the foam appears again, add a certain amount of defoamer appropriately.

• Use with other treatment agents:

In wastewater treatment, defoamers can be used with other treatment agents to improve the treatment effect.

For example, when used with flocculants, oxidants, etc., attention should be paid to the order of addition and interaction to avoid affecting their respective performance. Experiments and adjustments are required based on specific circumstances to determine the best addition plan.