MIDLAND, Mich.—Dow Corning Corp.'s Xiameter AFE-1510 Antifoam Emulsion and Xiameter AFE-1520 Antifoam Emulsion have been used successfully as process aids and cleaning aids during production of beer.
“While carbon dioxide bubbles can create a distinguishing 'head' on a glass of beer, too much foam can create problems,” said Don Buchalski, global marketing manager for Dow Corning's Xiameter brand.
He said the addition of silicone antifoams during the brewing process can prevent boilovers, which can hinder production.
Silicone antifoams destabilize and collapse the bubbles, helping brewers to reduce loss and avoid having to stop production to clean up spills, according to Dow Corning.
The antifoams are removed along with the silica used for haze stabilization in the filtration process before packaging, the company said.
Beyond beer production, tasteless, odorless food-grade silicone antifoam emulsions are also used in production of wine, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices and drinks, and soy sauce, the company said.
More information is available at www.xiameter.com.