In the intricate process of water treatment, the generation of foam is a prevalent yet often underestimated issue. These seemingly harmless bubbles actually pose various threats to the water treatment system, directly affecting the efficiency of water treatment and the quality of effluent water.

The formation of foam is primarily attributed to the dispersion of gas in liquid, which originates from surface-active substances in sewage, including organic compounds such as synthetic detergents, proteins, and oils. These substances reduce the surface tension of the liquid, enabling bubbles to persist and accumulate continuously, resulting in an increasing number of foam.

Foam poses numerous hazards to water treatment systems. Firstly, the accumulation of large amounts of foam can occupy the effective volume of treatment facilities, significantly reducing the system's treatment capacity. Secondly, the buildup of foam may lead to operational failures of equipment, such as foam overflow, which can pollute the surrounding environment and damage precision components like electrical elements and bearings, thereby increasing maintenance costs and downtime risks for the equipment. Additionally, some foam may carry harmful substances such as grease and surfactants, which, if not controlled, will directly affect the quality of effluent water and even cause secondary pollution to the environment.

With the increasingly stringent green environmental protection laws and regulations, the water treatment industry is facing higher emission standards and processing efficiency requirements. Against this backdrop, controlling foam issues is not only crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of enterprises but also an inevitable requirement for complying with modern green environmental protection laws and regulations. The scientific application of defoamers provides an economical and effective technical solution to this challenge, and its importance is increasingly prominent in the field of water treatment. By gaining a deep understanding of the formation mechanism and hazards of foam, water treatment professionals can better select and use defoamers, thereby optimizing the treatment process and ensuring the stable operation of the water treatment system.