Optimization Of Antifoaming Agent Usage On Co2 Removal Unit Performance To Increase Product Co2 Purity

Abstract

CO2 Removal units in the chemical fertilizer industry often experience foaming in the MDEA absorption-desorption process which reduces CO2 absorption efficiency. This study aims to optimize the concentration of PDMS-based antifoaming to minimize CO2 slip and maximize product CO2 purity through SCAFC identification. The experimental method was carried out on an industrial CO2 Removal unit with a population of four main equipment (Absorber, Stripper, HPFD, LPFD) and samples of varying antifoaming concentrations of 100-200 mL per 100 L of solvent. Measurement instruments include Collapse Time (CT) tester, CO2 analyzer, and laboratory tests, analyzed with a comparative multi-location injection approach. The results show the optimal SCAFC at 150 mL with the fastest CT of 12 seconds (Stripper/Absorber), minimum CO2 slip of 0.001%, and product CO2 purity of 99.45-99.50%. The conclusion of the study recommends 150 mL injection on low-pressure-high-temperature equipment for optimal operation of the fertilizer industry.