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Foam



         


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Foam is a substance that is formed by gas bubbles in a liquid or solid. Foam can be formed by salivating, such as occurs with animals suffering from rabies. The low density of foam makes it excellent as an insulator and as a flotation device. The lightness and compressibility of foam makes it ideal as packaging and packing material. Foam is manufactured to extinguish fires. Foam is also produced as a by-product in the manufacture of various products.

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Foam problems in the chemical industry

Foam is a serious problem in the chemical industry, especially for biochemical processes. Many biological substances, for example proteins, easily create foam on agitation and/or aeration. Foam is a problem because it alters the liquid flow and blocks oxygen transfer from air (therefore preventing microbial respiration in fermentation processes). For this reason, antifoam compounds, like silicone oils, are added to prevent these problems.

See also: quantum foam, Styrofoam

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