Can filters and activated carbon eliminate my amine foaming problems?
Answer – No, but they help so keep them on-line and maintained! Mechanical filters remove suspended solids that stabilize froth that would normally not cause foaming symptoms, and dramatically amplify erosion corrosion in process piping and equipment. Activated carbon, if properly maintained, can adsorb most of the dissolved surfactants that ultimately cause amine foaming. Some of the properties of activated carbon make it unreliable in amine processes. A good review of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as engineering data, is given in our publication Activated Carbon in Amines .
