Foaming

Triggering factors Stabilising factors

Hydrocarbon Solids Other Hydraulics Free antifoam Presence of F

D E
contamination A contamination B Organics? C Stabilising agent
Operating level D1 Excessive injection
Free cellulose
Turndown D2 Poor antifoam design
B1 C1 or selection Viscosity of Amine
R/grade cond. inside A1 Charcoal particles Treatment product of
absorber cellulose or cartridge filters Gas blown into liq. D3
B2 Poor anti-foam mixing
Corrosion product
(iron sulphide/carbonate C2 Pump mini flow D4
Op. temp (approach)/P Residual wash/steam fluids Filtering/Skimming reqts.
B3
Other degradation product
Phase envelope
C3
Internal leak/ X-contamination
Particles present in
A2 B4 (e.g heat exchanger, lube/hot oil)
Free HC in inlet original Amine
stream C4 Amine strength
In-situ precipitates B5 Hoses
Dew point control C5 Amine oxidation  
Particles c/over from u/s Salt of Glycolic/Acid
Mist, Other? units B6 Amine temperature
Emulsifier from C6
Carry-over Cellulose particle B7 (MX-1931) antifoam
residue
BTX A3 BTX C7
Particles introduce thru
tools (hoses, pumps) B8 C8
Wells (ODZ-13?)
well interventions fluids