ASTM E2407-04

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E2407–04
Standard Test Method for
Effectiveness of Defoaming Agents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2407; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope rest, any remaining foam is measured. The ability of the
defoaming agent to reduce foam is expressed as percent foam
1.1 This test method describes a qualitative method for the
reduction.
evaluation of liquid defoaming agents used to control undesir-
able foam in dilute, aqueous surfactant solutions. This labora-
5. Significance and Use
tory test method may be applied to aqueous systems containing
5.1 This test is designed to determine the ability of a
additional components, such as agricultural chemicals. This
material to reduce or eliminate undesirable foam that can be
method is described using SI units
generated during the mixing and application of agricultural
1.2 This standard method does not purport to address all of
chemicals in dilute aqueous mixtures.
the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 This method is useful for testing liquid defoaming
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
agents, such as “silicone emulsion” or “organic” type defoam-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ing agents. In principle, it might also be used to test dry
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
antifoam agents with minor modifications to the procedure.
2. Referenced Documents 5.3 This method could be employed to determine the
relative effectiveness of one defoaming agent versus another. It
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is left to the user of this method to interpret the results with
E1116 Test Method for Emulsification Characteristics of
respect to the actual field use of the defoaming agents tested.
Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrates
5.4 This method assumes that the defoaming agent being
E1519 Terminology Relating to Agricultural Tank Mix
tested has sufficient durability to maintain its activity for the
Adjuvants
duration of the test.
3. Terminology 5.5 Sodium lauryl ether sulfate as the foaming agent is
described in Section 7, Reagents. If desired the user of this test
3.1 Definitions:
method may select an alternative suitable foaming agent.
3.1.1 defoaming agent, n—a material that eliminates or
suppresses foam in the spray tank. E1519
6. Apparatus
3.1.2 durability, adj—the degree to which a defoaming
6.1 Blender—Theblendershouldhavearemovable1.2liter
agent remains effective over time under foam generating
glass cup equipped with a removable stainless steel blade
conditions
assembly (Note 1), and a motor base capable of a no-load
3.1.3 foaming agent, n—a material that increases the vol-
speed of 22,000 rpm.
ume or stability of the foam formed in a spray mixture
NOTE 1—The blade assembly should turn freely by hand. If it does not,
4. Summary of Test Method
replace the assembly before using this test method.
4.1 Foam is generated in a high-speed blender with a dilute
6.1.1 Blender assembly— Plug the power supply cord of the
surfactantsolutionpriortoadditionofadefoamingagenttothe
blender into the power outlet of a variable transformer with a
blender cup. After 1 min of gentle agitation and five min of
0 to 120 V output. Plug the transformer into a 115V ground
fault protected (GFCI) power source. Using water, an elec-
tronic balance, and a marking pen, mark 50 mLgraduations on
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on
theglassblendercup,from200to1000mL.Thisiseasilydone
Pesticides and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct responsibility of
by placing the blender cup on the balance, taring the balance,
Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticides Formulations and Delivery Systems.
then adding 50 g water and marking the water level on the
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2004. Published November 2004. DOI:
10.1520/E2407-04.
exterior of the cup. Continue adding 50 g water at a time and
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
marking the water level until the cup contains 1000 g. See Fig.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.2 Electronic balance accurate to 0.01 g,
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E2407–04
FIG. 1 Typical Setup Showing Power Supply, Blender Assembly, and Foam.
6.3 Stopwatch, and of the foam and liquid should not decrease by more than about
6.4 Disposable polyethylene pipet, 7 mL volume or equiva- 25 mLduring this period. Significant loss of foam suggests the
lent. blender cup may have residual antifoam present. In this event,
wash the blender cup with detergent and thoroughly rinse, then
7. Reagents
repeat steps 8.1.1-8.1.3 before continuing with the method.
7.1 Defoaming agent—material to be tested.
8.2 Add 250 mL of the surfactant solution to the blender
7.2 Hard water stock— Prepare 3 L of 342 ppm hard water
cup. Cover the blender cup a
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