MDEA Foaming
MDEA Foaming
(OP)
Dear all,
Much has been said in this forum on the subject and much has been discussed also at NPRA conventions.
It has also been said by some that amine foaming tendencies in refineries are more in the cracking service (coker/FCC) section than the non cracking service (gas plant ex CDU). I see that in my plant too. Is there an explanation to this (such as cracked hydrocarbon promotes to the stability of the foam) or (more contaminants or sufactants in the bottom of the barrel)?
Thanks in advance.
Much has been said in this forum on the subject and much has been discussed also at NPRA conventions.
It has also been said by some that amine foaming tendencies in refineries are more in the cracking service (coker/FCC) section than the non cracking service (gas plant ex CDU). I see that in my plant too. Is there an explanation to this (such as cracked hydrocarbon promotes to the stability of the foam) or (more contaminants or sufactants in the bottom of the barrel)?
Thanks in advance.





RE: MDEA Foaming
Organics appear to increase the foaming tendency, thus reduce the amine content in the contact solution to a reasonable level to keep the organics concentration down.
Visit thread798-95532.
RE: MDEA Foaming
RE: MDEA Foaming
Also, I experienced serious foaming upsets when processing heavy feedstock in HDS unit (VGO HDS), which causes extensive foaming in the high pressure amine absorber.
It helps to have an anti-foaming agent injection point at the pump suction, so that you can treat the amine quickly, once you notice the formation of foam. This agent should not be injected continuously.