A High-Efficiency Defoamer for Seawater Desalination Based on Polyether-Modified Silicone

As surface-active functional compounds, defoamers play a pivotal role in seawater desalination processes. In this study, a polyether-modified silicone compound was synthesized, and its structure was confirmed through FITR and 1H-NMR characterization. Using this compound as the main component, a more effective and stable composite defoamer product was obtained through a co-optimization method. The particle size of the defoamer ranged from 600 to 700 nm in aqueous systems, and the surface tension could be reduced to 27.46 mN/m, thereby exhibiting superior defoaming and antifoaming properties. Additionally, the defoamer demonstrated good compatibility with commonly used scale inhibitors and was non-corrosive to equipment. Industrial testing further confirmed its efficacy in controlling foam during seawater desalination effectively.