The present invention relates to foam control compositions and methods for
controlling foam in aqueous media by adding to the system an effective
amount of the foam control agent of the present invention. The
antifoam/defoam compositions of the present invention include a
concentration of active ingredients such as a polyalkylene glycol, a
fatty alcohol alkoxylate, and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block
copolymer, the compositions carried in polybutene and surfactants
selected from polyethylene glycol esters, sorbitan esters,
polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters, and dialkyl
phthalate. These compositions have been found to be superior in
controlling foam versus conventional defoamers. The benefits of the
foaming control effect are more evident at moderate to high temperatures
and high caustic aqueous media such as Bayer process liquors.