Static foam destruction: role of ultrasound.

High intensity ultrasonic vibrations were used for destabilizing the static foam structure. Ultrasonic horn as a source of ultrasonic vibration was used for the destruction of the foam. The effect of the ratio of the horn to the column diameter on the drainage and collapse rate of foam has been analyzed. Further, an empirical correlation for the initial foam collapse rate in the presence of ultrasonic horn has been developed in terms of the initial liquid hold-up, surface tension of the surfactant solution and the ratio of horn diameter to the column diameter. Efficiency of the ultrasonic horn is related to the position of the tip of the horn. Periodic supply of ultrasonic vibrations was found to be a more viable option than the continuous supply in terms of saving in energy and operating cost for defoaming using ultrasound.