Various physical, chemical methods can be used to control foam formation, including ultra-sonication and thermal fluctuation. A defoamer or an anti-foaming agent is a chemical additive that reduces and hinders the formation of foam in industrial process liquids. The terms anti-foam agent and defoamer are often used interchangeably.

A defoamer is normally used in industrial processes to increase speed and reduce other problems. It addresses both problems with surface foam and entrained or entrapped air. A wide variety of chemical formulas are available to promote coalescence of foam. Most commonly application of Water soluble anti-foam are:

• Amines (D.G.A, D.E.A and M.D.E.A) Gas Treating Process
• Aeration
• Neutralization
• Settling Ponds