Defoamer for Fermentation | Foam Control for Molasses, Ethanol, Citric Acid & Vitamin Bioprocess
Foam is one of the biggest constraints in submerged fermentation. It eats into usable tank volume, lowers the oxygen transfer rate (OTR / KLa) your culture depends on, and can carry over into the exhaust line and threaten sterility. The real challenge is controlling foam without harming microbial respiration or contaminating the broth. INVINO® supplies EO/PO block copolymers and emulsion defoamers proven safe for high-solids molasses processing and for ethanol, citric acid, vitamin, amino acid, and MSG fermentation.
Our non-ionic polyether (alkylene oxide) defoamers work above their cloud point, lowering interfacial tension to collapse protein-stabilized foam. They stay chemically inert through 121°C autoclave / SIP sterilization and don't break down into byproducts that inhibit strain growth or foul downstream UF/RO membranes.
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INVINO® Fermentation System Defoamer Products
| PRODUCT CODE | TYPE | ACTIVE SOLID (%) | Application / Best For | TECHNICAL FILES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INVINO-4000B | Polyether Ester | 100.0 | Optimized for sugarcane/beet molasses ethanol fermentation, yeast cultivation, and high-gravity fuel alcohol. | DOWNLOAD |
| INVINO-103 | Alkylene Oxide Block Copolymer | 100.0 | Calibrated for amino acids, MSG / glutamic acid, lysine, and organic acid fermentation. | DOWNLOAD |
| INVINO-103B | Block Polyether | 100.0 | Engineered for high-purity deep-culture systems, vitamin fermentation (Vitamin C, B12), and continuous citric acid tanks. | DOWNLOAD |
| INVINO-7030D | Silicone Emulsion | 30.0±1.0 | High-dispersion compound for waste yeast mash, food-regulated processing, and bulk molasses distillation. | DOWNLOAD |
Fermentation Defoamer Applications
The high viscosity and solids in molasses, corn, and grain ethanol mashes trap foam and make it hard to collapse. Our silicone-free polyethers penetrate viscous broth quickly and keep the foam layer down at high temperature — freeing up working volume and protecting fermentation yield.
Submerged production of citric acid, vitamins (C, B12), amino acids (glutamic acid / MSG, lysine), and yeast extract runs in deep tanks where protein-rich broth builds stubborn foam. Our 100% bio-inert, non-toxic polyethers protect cell respiration, stay stable through 121°C media sterilization, and remain water-soluble to avoid fouling downstream UF/RO membranes.
Fermentation Defoaming: Technical FAQ
Q: Will the defoamer affect the Oxygen Transfer Rate (OTR / KLa)?
A: Overdosing raw silicone oil can form a continuous surface film that lowers OTR. INVINO® EO/PO polyether block copolymers disperse evenly into the broth and break protein-stabilized bubbles without reducing gas-liquid oxygen transfer.
Q: Is the defoamer stable during high-temperature sterilization (Autoclave / SIP)?
A: Yes. Low-end emulsions can phase-separate under thermal shock. INVINO® high-purity block polymers are designed to survive 121°C high-pressure steam sterilization without breaking down.
Q: Does this product affect downstream membrane filtration (UF/RO)?
A: Silicone or mineral oil carriers can leave residues that blind membranes. Our polyether grades (INVINO-103 / 103B) stay water-soluble through post-fermentation separation, avoiding ultrafiltration membrane fouling.
Q: How should I add the defoamer to the fermenter?
A: Add about 20–30% of the calculated dose to the raw substrate mash before sterilization, then meter the remainder automatically with a peristaltic pump tied to a foam-level sensor in the reactor headspace.
Technical Guide for Fermentation Foam Control
For process-specific operating parameters in ethanol production, review our molasses fermentation foam-control guide.
Request Your Fermentation Defoamer Solution
Standard Protocol for Bioprocess Sample Dispatch
System Parameter Submission
Share your microbial strain, operating temperature, aeration rate, and downstream separation setup (UF/RO).
Free Lab Test (121°C + Strain Check)
Send us your broth and our fermentation lab runs a 121°C autoclave simulation and strain-compatibility check, then compiles a matched profile — free of charge.
Free Sample Dispatch
Free samples (100–500 g) ship via air express for real tank trials. No MOQ at sample stage; buyer covers freight, refunded on the first bulk order.
