Unused material from a case study: a collection of online Info on defoamers.

As you can see from my previous work, there’s certainly no shortage of defoamer manufacturers.
They are produced by huge chemical corporations, international service conglomerates, Russian vertically-integrated companies, and independent contractors alike.

I learned a lot about these companies. Frankly, a bit too much. For my work on «Case Study #6: Defoamers,» I ended up with a surplus of information.

But since I’d already done the research, I decided to publish it here on my site. Perhaps it will be useful to someone.
Of course, this information isn’t exhaustive and may contain inaccuracies—it’s all sourced from the internet. Still, it can serve as a great starting point for your own research.

1. Leading manufacturers of defoamers for drilling fluids

Top service companies:

Halliburton (SFA, LFA defoamers)
Schlumberger (Barafoam line of defoamers)
Baker Hughes
Tagras
Eurasia

Major chemical corporations:

Dow Chemical
BASF (polyethylene glycol-based defoamers)
NOV

2. Relevant patent links for drilling fluids and defoamers

US3920559, EP0339762, RU0002804720, RU2543481C2, RU2458960C1, GB2483771,
AU1989028506, US6426379B1, CN103819630B, RU2076886C1, RU2351630C2
So, what’s the point of this short list of links?
The fact is, patent offices in every country describe inventions and their compositions in completely different ways.
You would think you could just type «Silicone defoamer for drilling fluids» into a patent database and have endless reading material. Not a chance.
At best, you’ll get five hundred patents containing that phrase. Then you’ll spend another 50 hours realizing that the phrase was just slapped on for keyword stuffing.
Therefore, if you are looking for drilling fluids or defoamers, use the links above and see what kind of terminology patent offices in different countries actually use to describe them.

3. Quick links to Russian defoamer manufacturers

4. Overview of defoamers from major companies

The largest petrochemical and chemical corporations produce a wide range of defoamers for drilling fluids based on various chemical substances.
The most common types are:

Synthetic Defoamers: Made from synthetic polymers like polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, and polyesters. They offer high efficiency and chemical resistance.
Organic Defoamers: Based on organic substances like alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. They are less efficient but more environmentally friendly.
Inorganic Defoamers: Made from inorganic materials such as clay, kaolin, and bentonite. They have low efficiency but are inexpensive and eco-friendly.

Service and oil production companies also develop their own defoamers, typically tailored for specific drilling and production conditions.

Examples from Chemical Corporations:

Dow Corning: Polysiloxane-based (e.g., Dow Corning 2000, 2010, 2020).
BASF: Polyurethane-based (e.g., BASF-Nouryon Foam Control).
Huntsman: Polyester-based (e.g., Huntsman Foam Control 500, 1000).
Momentive: Polyurethane and polysiloxane-based (e.g., Momentive Foam Control 2000, 3000).

Examples from Service & Oil Companies:

Schlumberger: Polyurethane-based (Foam Control 500).
Halliburton: Polysiloxane-based (Foam Control XT).
Baker Hughes: Polyester-based (Foam Control 3000).
Weatherford: Inorganic-based (Foam Control 5000).

Choosing the right defoamer depends on the drilling fluid type (water-based vs. hydrocarbon-based), drilling conditions (temperature, pressure), and environmental regulations. Always consult a specialist.

5. DOW corning defoamers

DOW Corning’s defoamers for drilling fluids are synthetic polymers based on polysiloxanes.
Their high efficiency and chemical resistance make them ideal for drilling applications. They are available as liquids, pastes, and powders.

These defoamers prevent foam, which can cause problems like:

Poor visibility in the wellbore
Difficulty controlling drilling tools
Increased wellbore pressure
Damage to equipment

By reducing the water’s surface tension in the drilling fluid, they cause foam bubbles to collapse.

Examples:

Dow Corning 2000: For water-based drilling fluids.
Dow Corning 2010: For hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids.
Dow Corning 2020: For fluids with high clay content, resistant to high temperatures and pressure.

6. BASF defoamers

BASF’s defoamers for drilling fluids are synthetic polymers based on polyurethanes.

Examples:

BASF Nouryon Foam Control: For water-based fluids.
BASF Nouryon Foam Control Plus: For hydrocarbon-based fluids.

Key Characteristics:

Efficiency: Effectively prevent foam formation.
Chemical Resistance: Stable against acids, alkalis, and solvents.
Durability: Withstand high temperatures and pressures during drilling.
Safety: Safe for both the environment and personnel.

7. Huntsman defoamers

Huntsman’s defoamers for drilling fluids are synthetic polymers based on polyesters.

Examples:

Huntsman Foam Control 500: For water-based fluids.
Huntsman Foam Control 1000: For hydrocarbon-based fluids.

Additional Features:

High Resistance: Effective at temperatures up to 200°C and pressures up to 1000 bar.
Low Toxicity: Environmentally safe and do not contain harmful substances.
Versatility: Usable in water-based, hydrocarbon-based, and high-clay-content drilling fluids.

8. Momentive defoamers

Momentive’s defoamers for drilling fluids are synthetic polymers based on siloxanes.

Examples:

Momentive H-100: For water-based fluids.
Momentive H-200: For hydrocarbon-based fluids.

9. Schlumberger defoamers

Examples:

Schlumberger Foam Control 100: Siloxane-based, for water-based fluids.
Schlumberger Foam Control 200: Polyurethane-based, for hydrocarbon-based fluids.

10. Russian-produced defoamers

In Russia, several companies produce defoamers, including LLC «NeftePAV,» LLC «ShIKh,» LLC «AquaKhim,» and LLC «EcoAgent.»
They use various materials like siloxanes, polyurethanes, and acrylic resins.

Examples:

NeftePAV® BPG: Siloxane-based, for water-based fluids.
ShIKh BPG: Siloxane-based, for water-based fluids.
AquaKhim Defoamer-2: Polyurethane-based, for hydrocarbon-based fluids.
EcoAgent Defoamer-1: Acrylic resin-based, for water-based fluids.

11. Schlumberger’s barafoam defoamers

The Barafoam series are effective silicone-based defoamers for drilling fluids.

Features:

Base: Polydimethylsiloxane and hydrogenated polydimethylsiloxane for high efficiency.
Enhanced Activity: Contain hydrophobic agents that boost the silicone base.
Compatibility: Include emulsifiers and stabilizers for water-phase compatibility.
Stability: High thermal-oxidative stability up to 300°F.
Action: Reduce surface tension and adsorb quickly onto bubbles, destroying their structure.
Non-invasive: Do not affect the drilling fluid’s viscosity or rheology.

12. Halliburton’s SFA defoamers

SFA defoamers are effective compositions based on a surfactant mixture.

Features:

Synergy: Combine anionic and nonionic surfactants for a synergistic effect.
Bubble Destruction: Contain alkyl alcohols to effectively break down foam bubbles.
Compatibility: Include hydrogenated vegetable oils for better hydrocarbon compatibility.
Stability: High thermal stability up to 350°F.
Fast-Acting: Quickly and effectively suppress foaming.

In short, SFA products are Halliburton’s highly effective, all-purpose defoamers for drilling fluids.

13. BASF defoamers

BASF produces a wide range of high-performance defoamers for drilling fluids:

PENBREAK: Nonionic defoamers based on polyoxyethylenes and copolymers. Effective against stable foams and resistant to hard water and contaminants.
BREAK-UP: Anionic defoamers based on alkylbenzene sulfonate. They are fast-acting and used in low concentrations.
VAPAM: Cationic defoamers. They quickly and effectively destroy foam through electrostatic interaction with air bubbles.
DEFOAM: A blend of nonionic and anionic defoamers, offering a universal, wide-spectrum solution.
OIL MUD DEFOAMER: A highly effective defoamer specifically for oil-based drilling fluids.
SILICON DEFOAMER: Organosilicon defoamers with unique thermal resistance up to +260°C.

All BASF defoamers are characterized by high efficiency, thermal stability, and compatibility with various types of drilling fluids, helping to solve issues with persistent foam and drilling complications.

14. Dow Corning defoamers (by Dow Chemical)

Dow Chemical produces highly effective organosilicon defoamers under the Dow Corning brand:

Dow Corning Q2-3183A: A universal, wide-spectrum defoamer for both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids. Effectively suppresses stable foam from surfactants.
Dow Corning Q2-3183L: A liquid defoamer for water-based systems. Quickly destroys foam and remains stable in hard water.
Dow Corning Q2-3183G: A granulated powder defoamer and antifoam agent for drilling fluids.
Dow Corning Q2-3208: A high-performance defoamer for hydrocarbon-based fluids. Suppresses persistent foams from surfactants and asphaltenes.
Dow Corning Q2-3343: A modified silicone defoamer with enhanced resistance to high temperatures (up to 250°C).

Distinctive features of Dow Corning defoamers include high efficiency, thermal stability, resistance to contaminants, and compatibility with different types of drilling fluids.

15. Baker Hughes defoamers

Baker Hughes offers a wide range of highly effective defoamers for drilling fluids:

Aquatrol series: Nonionic defoamers based on polyols. Effective in hard water and resistant to contaminants. For example, Aquatrol I is for freshwater-based fluids.
MI-SWAG: A universal defoamer for inhibited drilling fluids, with excellent compatibility with various reagents.
FORCE plus: A high-performance defoamer for hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids that suppresses persistent foams.
Defox: Effective in systems with high surfactant content and is used in conjunction with other defoamers.
Antifoaming agent A: A universal antifoaming agent for water-based and polymer fluids.
Defoamer for biopolymer fluids: Specifically designed to destroy foam caused by biopolymers.

Key features of Baker Hughes defoamers include their high efficiency, compatibility with various chemical reagents, and the ability to select the optimal product for specific drilling conditions.

16. NOV (National Oilwell Varco) defoamers

National Oilwell Varco (NOV) produces a variety of defoamers under the DEFOAM and MULTI-DEF trademarks:

DEFOAM CL: A liquid nonionic defoamer based on polyols, effective for water-based systems.
DEFOAM Dry: A dry powder nonionic defoamer that is easy to handle and disperses quickly in the fluid.
DEFOAM LT: A liquid silicone defoamer effective across a wide temperature range.
MULTI-DEF II: A universal liquid defoamer for both water-based and oil-based systems.
MULTI-DEF MP: A high-performance defoamer for oil-based drilling fluids.
MULTI-DEF SG: A granulated defoamer for invert emulsion fluids.
DEFOAM NH: An amine defoamer that is effective in hard water.

NOV defoamers provide rapid and effective foam suppression, are compatible with various reagents, and are resistant to contaminants.

17. Tagras defoamers

The Russian company Tagras produces various types of defoamers for drilling fluids:

DP series (DP-1, DP-2M, DP-3S): Designed for inhibited water-based drilling fluids and effective in the presence of hardness salts.
NZhT series (NZhT-1, NZhT-2, NZhT-3S): For hydrocarbon-based fluids, with high thermal resistance.
DPK series: Compositions based on organosilicon compounds with increased thermal stability.
Demulsifier-defoamer DPE-1: Effectively combats both foam and emulsions in drilling fluids.
Universal defoamer UPG: Can be used in a wide range of drilling fluids.

Tagras defoamers are distinguished by their effectiveness in the presence of hardness salts, high thermal stability, and reagent compatibility, providing reliable foam elimination during well drilling.

18. Eurasia defoamers

Eurasia produces a variety of high-performance defoamers:

Defoam EV-U: A universal liquid defoamer for water- and hydrocarbon-based fluids, effective in the presence of hardness salts.
Defoam EV-T: A thermally stable liquid defoamer based on a silicone polymer, functional across a wide temperature range.
Defoam EV-P: A powder nonionic defoamer that disperses easily in the fluid.
Defoam EV-N: Designed for oil-based fluids, effectively combating foam from surfactants and asphaltenes.
Defoam EV-G: A granulated defoamer for invert emulsion drilling fluids.
Defoam EV-A: An amine defoamer, stable in hard water.

Eurasia’s defoamers are known for their high efficiency, reagent compatibility, and resistance to contaminants, helping to solve foaming problems in various drilling conditions.

19. The role of a drilling fluid specialist

What are the responsibilities of a drilling fluid specialist at an oil production company versus a chemical corporation?
What are the typical salaries in Russia, Europe, and the US?

At an Oil Production Company:

Developing drilling fluid formulations and selecting chemical reagents.
Controlling fluid quality and properties during drilling and well workovers.
Analyzing and resolving fluid-related drilling complications.
Optimizing fluid composition for specific geological and technical conditions.
Overseeing fluid preparation, treatment, and regeneration processes.
Implementing new drilling fluid technologies.

At a Chemical Corporation:

Developing new chemical reagents and fluids for drilling.
Testing and launching new products.
Providing technical support to oilfield service companies.
Marketing and selling chemical reagents for drilling fluids.

Salaries:

USA: $7,000 to $20,000 per month.
Russia: 80,000 to 300,000 RUB per month.
Europe: €4,000 to €7,000 per month.

Foam suppressants in drilling fluids. Moscow Pre-Professional Olympiad for Schoolchildren.
1. Vote with your head, not your heart—or you lose. Calculations, risks, and comfortable conditions. Final case selection→
2. Hello, Defoamers: a case study on accessing foreign resources, Moscow libraries, and teamwork→
3. Oil drilling for dummies. Cyberleninka is here to help.
Bloomberg vs. Rosnedra. Calculating the drilling fluid volume for all of Russia→
4. Foam and its formation processes.
Composition of drilling fluid and the causes of foaming→
5. Drilling fluid components→
6. Types of defoamers and their impact on foam formation in drilling fluids.
An analysis of silicone defoamer components→
7. Performance requirements for silicone defoamers in drilling fluids: selecting fillers and emulsifiers→
8. Optimal component ratio and process parameters for the production of a polydimethylsiloxane-based defoamer→
9. Manufacturing process for a polydimethylsiloxane-based antifoam.
Trial formulations for stability testing→
10. Physical and chemical operating conditions for drilling fluids.
Featuring alkyl sulfates and lignosulfonates→
11. Unused material from a case study: a collection of online Info on defoamers→

Other articles about my school projects→
This article in Russian→