Anti-foaming agent

Industrial uses

When used as an oil additive to the base stock of oil, antifoaming agents prevent the oil from foaming and frothing during high speed mechanical agitation. It is also used in mining and drilling operations, as well as in sugar manufacturing to reduce the amount of foam produced.

Food

When used as an ingredient in food, antifoaming agents are intended to curb effusion or effervescence in preparation or serving. The agents are included in a variety of foods such as Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke, Sprite, and chicken nuggets in the form of polydimethylsiloxane (a type of silicone).

Silicone oil is also added to cooking oil to prevent foaming in deep-frying.

Pharmaceuticals

Antifoaming agents are also sold commercially to relieve bloating. A familiar example is the drug Simethicone, which is the active ingredient in drugs such as Gas-X.

See also

• Foaming agent

References