Question
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We are experiencing severe foaming problem in HP amine absorber in OHCU. Please specify reason and remedy.
Oct-2021
Answers
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Nathan Hatcher, Optimized Gas Treating, Inc., nate.hatcher@ogtrt.com
Many "foaming" problems are really vapor flooding problems that are misdiagnosed. Proper diagnosis for a root cause solution requires a process simulation to rule out flooding and sampling of the feeds/products and preferably the foam if some can be collected.
Amine foaming is caused when hydrocarbon accumulates to saturation levels within the column leading to a second liquid phase being formed. The lower surface tension in the organic hydrocarbon phase that results requires less energy for bubbles to form and slows drainage of liquid from the foam lattice.
Oct-2021
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