Foam in Absorption Columns with Structured Packings – Part 2: Inhibition and Destruction

Abstract Foam in absorption and distillation processes is one of the main reasons for malfunctions columns including higher pressure loss, lower throughput, mass transfer rates leading to a reduction separation efficiency. This study evaluates different foam management solutions aiming at foam‐reduced operation with structured packings based on fundamental investigations. Firstly, effect spacers between packing layers presented as passive inhibition method. Secondly, ability acoustic waves low frequencies around 50 s −1 (Hz) destructing existing analyzed discussed. method able reduce loss by –56 % increase corresponding F‐factor +22 DN300 column continuous operation.