I. Definition and Overview

Food-grade silicone defoamer is a defoamer specifically used in the food processing industry. It uses silicone as the main active ingredient and can effectively eliminate the foam generated during food production. This defoamer works on the premise of meeting relevant food safety standards.

II. Characteristics

Strong defoaming performance
It can quickly diffuse to the foam surface and reduce the local surface tension of the foam. Since the formation of foam is due to the existence of surface tension, when the surface tension is destroyed, the foam will quickly break. Food-grade silicone defoamers can achieve good defoaming effects at very low concentrations, and generally only a small amount is needed to effectively control the foam.

Good chemical stability
It can remain stable in common acid and alkali environments in food processing. For example, when making fermented foods, the fermentation liquid may be acidic or weakly alkaline. Food-grade silicone defoamers will not react chemically with these substances, thereby ensuring the normal function of their defoaming function and will not have adverse effects on the quality of food.

Physiological inertness
It is non-toxic and harmless to the human body. Because it is used in the food industry, it will not be absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract and will not accumulate in the body. When passing through the human digestive system, it will not participate in metabolism and will not interfere with the physiological functions of the human body.

Good temperature resistance
During the food processing process, some processes may involve high temperature environments, such as food sterilization and cooking. Food-grade silicone defoamers can maintain stable defoaming performance in a wide temperature range, and generally work normally at -40℃ to 200℃.


III. Application areas

Beverage industry
During the production process of juice, carbonated beverages, etc., a large amount of foam will be generated due to stirring, fermentation and other operations. Food-grade silicone defoamers can effectively eliminate these foams, avoid waste and pollution caused by foam overflow, and also ensure the continuity and production efficiency of beverage production.

Dairy industry
For example, in the production process of yogurt, cheese, etc., foam will be generated during the fermentation process. The use of this defoamer can ensure the appearance and taste of dairy products and prevent foam from affecting product quality and packaging process.

Fermentation industry
When producing fermented products such as soy sauce, vinegar, and beer, a large amount of foam will be generated in the fermentation tank. Food-grade silicone defoamers can ensure the smooth fermentation process, prevent problems such as overflow of fermentation liquid and contamination caused by foam, and ensure the yield and quality of fermented products.


Food processing additives industry
In the process of food processing, such as starch processing and sugar making, foam will be generated due to the stirring and conveying of materials. Food-grade silicone defoamers play a good defoaming auxiliary role, improving production efficiency and product quality.


IV. Usage and precautions

Usage method
Generally, direct addition method or dilution and addition method are adopted. The direct addition method is suitable for situations where the amount of foam generated is small. Just add an appropriate amount of food-grade silicone defoamer directly to the foam-generating system. If the amount of foam generated is large, the defoamer can be diluted with an appropriate amount of solvent (such as water and other solvents that meet food hygiene standards) and evenly added to the foam system.


Precautions
It should be used strictly in accordance with the prescribed addition amount. Too little addition may not achieve the defoaming effect, while too much addition may affect the taste or other quality characteristics of the food.
When storing, it should be placed in a dry, cool and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environment to prevent the defoamer from deteriorating. At the same time, it should be sealed to prevent impurities from mixing in and affecting its performance.