A recent study led by E.L.S. Ng from the Centre of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCCUS) at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS has revealed promising advancements in the management of foam formation during the CO2 removal process from natural gas. This process, essential for the oil and gas industry, often encounters challenges due to the degradation of amine solutions, which can lead to foam that hampers performance and efficiency.
The research, published in “Results in Engineering,” focused on the antifoaming properties of a novel combination of Polymethylhydrogensiloxane (PMHS) and Hexafluorobutyl Acrylate (HFBA) when used in methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine (PZ) solutions that had been degraded by various contaminants. The findings indicate that this new mixture significantly outperformed traditional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) antifoams, particularly in the presence of heptanoic acid, achieving a foam reduction of 61.91% compared to 42.39% with PDMS.
The superior performance of the PMHS + HFBA combination can be attributed to its higher spreading coefficient, which allows it to break down foam more effectively. This is particularly crucial for the oil and gas sector, where maintaining optimal absorption conditions is vital for meeting market specifications and ensuring efficient operations.
Ng emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “This study will demonstrate the importance of the continuous improvement of the use antifoams in reducing foam formation for absorption systems.” The implications of this research extend beyond just laboratory results; they present a clear commercial opportunity for energy companies looking to enhance their CO2 removal processes and improve overall efficiency.
As industries increasingly focus on carbon capture technologies, the insights from this study could lead to more effective solutions that not only improve operational performance but also contribute to sustainability goals. By reducing foam formation in absorption systems, companies can potentially lower costs and enhance the reliability of their processes, paving the way for greener practices in the energy sector.
