As a key tool to solve the foam problem in the water treatment process, the classification and selection of water treatment defoamers are crucial to achieve efficient and safe treatment process. Water treatment defoamers can be classified into various types based on their composition and mechanism of action. Mainly including surfactant defoamers, organosilicon defoamers, polymer defoamers, and mineral oil defoamers. Among them, surfactant defoamers destroy the stability of foam film by reducing the liquid surface tension; Organosilicon defoamers are highly favored for their excellent defoaming performance and high temperature resistance; Polymer defoamers achieve defoaming effect by adsorption and destruction of foam film; Mineral oil defoamer is one of the traditional defoamers, which destroys the structure of foam by wetting the surface of foam film.

When choosing water treatment defoamers, multiple factors need to be considered. First, appropriate defoamers should be selected according to the characteristics of water quality and the type of foam. Different types of defoamers need to be selected for different foam properties to achieve the best defoaming effect. Secondly, it is necessary to consider the conditions of the processing system, such as temperature, pH value, and pressure, which can all affect the selection and effectiveness of defoamers. In addition, the dosage and addition method of defoamer shall be determined according to the degree of foam and treatment requirements. Finally, cost is also one of the factors that cannot be ignored, and it is necessary to choose a cost-effective defoamer while ensuring the defoaming effect.

In practical applications, the demand for defoamers varies in different industries' water treatment processes. For example, in sewage treatment plants, due to the large amount of organic matter and surfactants in the sewage, surfactants or organosilicon defoamers are usually chosen; In industrial circulating cooling water systems, due to the need for high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, organic silicon defoamers are more suitable. In addition, attention should be paid to the environmental impact, toxicity to aquatic organisms, and ecological risks of defoamers during the selection and use process.

The classification and selection of defoamers for water treatment are key steps in achieving efficient and safe water treatment processes. The foam problem in the water treatment process can be effectively solved and the treatment efficiency and water quality safety can be improved by in-depth understanding of the characteristics and application scope of different types of defoamers and mastering scientific selection principles and methods. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant industries and enterprises pay attention to the selection and management of defoamers in practical applications to ensure the smooth progress of water treatment processes and the achievement of environmental protection goals.