Antifoam performance in MDEA systems: Implications for cost-efficient solutions

6/30/2026

A. AL-QAHTANIandM. R. TARIQ, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Foaming remains a persistent operational challenge in amine-based gas treating units, particularly those utilizing methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) for acid gas removal. Foam formation—often triggered by surfactants, heavy hydrocarbons or degradation products—can lead to column flooding, reduced tray efficiency and compromised process performance. These issues can significantly affect the efficiency of gas sweetening units, potentially increasing downtime and operational costs. To address this, antifoaming agents are commonly employed to destabilize foam films and prevent excessive foam buildup. However, traditional methods for