TEG Foaming

TEG foaming results in the upset of the TEG dehydration process. Indicators of TEG foaming include fluctuating differential pressure across the TEG contactor or TEG stripping column. As well, foaming causes TEG to carry over to the next downstream vessel:

• foaming in the TEG contactor can be detected as a rising level in the downstream dry sweet gas scrubber
• foaming in the TEG stripping column can be detected as a rising level in the downstream TEG drain tank

During TEG foaming incidents, the following areas should be investigated:

• dissolved hydrocarbons in the TEG at the contactor:

-lube oil leaking into the TEG at the TEG pumps?

-excessively cool lean TEG condensing hydrocarbons in the incoming gas?

-overdue skimoff of accumulated hydrocarbon liquids required at TEG flash drum?

• incorrect antifoam chemical usage:

-excessive injection of antifoam agent?

-unsuitable type of antifoam agent injected?

• dissolved impurities or suspended solids in TEG:

-particle filtration breakdown?

-contamination of makeup TEG?