Abstract

Gas processing facilities often encounter the problem of foaming, which results in reduced absorption capacity and mass transfer efficiency of amine solutions. This, in turn, negatively impacts the gassweetening process. To address this challenge, defoamers play a crucial role in gas treatment operations, ensuring that the absorption of acid gases proceeds without interruption. However, determining the most effective antifoam and understanding the gas-sweetening process based on existing literature can be a daunting task. This study delves deeper into the underlying signs and causes of foaming in gas treatment facilities, including recent researches on the impact of defoamers on natural gas plant operations. The research provides valuable insights into various antifoaming agents used in the acid gas sweetening process, including their unique properties, advantages, disadvantages, and application methods. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the available literature, highlighting the latest advancements in this field. The findings of this study demonstrate that the use of one or more defoamers can effectively eliminate foam in gas treatment facilities, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the gassweetening process. The study concludes by suggesting that further research is necessary to develop more effective and efficient defoaming agents that can address the unique challenges faced by gas processing facilities.