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Mechanical Over Air Agitation

We use an emulsion clean prior to our alkaline clean for heavy degreasing and ink/stencil removal. Our current cleaner cannot be air agitated though due to quick foaming that overflows even at minimum air agitation. I am trying to research means of mechanical agitation that should reduce the foaming action. Any ideas?

The tank is 2'W x 5' L x 4' D SS. The first 8" or so are taken up with a burner tube for heating to 160 F.

Benjamin Curto
- Ponderay, ID, USA
2001

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2001

You may want to consult a chapter in the Metal Finishing Guidebook which I wrote on this subject of agitation. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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2001

Benjamin,

That 'chapter' of Ted'ss is more like a tome ... a vast data bank of options. Must have taken quite some time to collate!

I've only got one idea which you may have already thought about but didn't mention. Why not go out and find out who make foam suppressants? They do exist! Then, maybe, your emulsion may be inexpensive but possibly there are better ones that foam less.

Food for thought, anyhow.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).