Lubrication Foam Inhibitors & Defoamers
Afton's foam inhibitors improve lubrication and reduce maintenance by altering the lubricant’s surface tension, structurally weakening and breaking air bubbles.
Foam inhibitors are essential in instances where foam can lead to oil spillage, inefficient control response and other problems.
Most lubricant applications involve agitation, which traps air in the lubricant and encourages the formation of foam. Excessive foaming may result in increased lubricant oxidation and decreased operational efficiency.
The lubricant viscosity and surface tension determine the foam stability. Low-viscosity oils produce foams with large bubbles that tend to break quickly. High-viscosity oils, on the other hand, generate stable foams containing fine bubbles that are difficult to break. Surface-active materials, such as dispersants and detergents, further increase foaming tendency.
To combat this problem, Afton Chemical's foam inhibitors alter the surface tension of the oil and help to weaken the structure of air bubbles. The result is better lubricating qualities and reduced maintenance.