Defoaming Solution for Wet Process Desulfurization

In the wet desulfurization stage of coke oven gas (COG) hydrogen production, impurities such as tar, phenols, and organic sulfur in the gas can cause foaming in the desulfurization solution. This leads to instrument malfunctions like distorted level gauge readings and fluctuating flow meter data. Foam coverage on sensor probes generates false level signals, while sulfur particles carried in the foam clog pressure guide tubes, exacerbating DCS data drift. One coking plant with an annual output of 60 million m³ of hydrogen experienced continuous false alarms from desulfurization tower level gauges due to foam, triggering 3 unplanned shutdowns/month, each causing over ¥500,000 in losses.

Solution: Targeted Chemical Defoaming

By dosing Chemi Tech KM-Gas820 series defoamer (0.01%-0.03% concentration) into the desulfurization solution circulation tank:

Rapid Bubble Breaking: Silicone-polyether composite molecules penetrate foam films, reducing foam height by 90% within 5 minutes

Long-Lasting Suppression: Resists alkaline environments (pH 8-10), effective for ≥72 hours

System Compatibility: No impact on desulfurization efficiency or byproduct reactions

Case Study

After implementation at a Shanxi hydrogen plant:

Level gauge fluctuations decreased from 22 times/day to 1 time/day

Sulfur foam carryover in regeneration tanks reduced by 40%, increasing sulfur recovery

18 unplanned shutdowns avoided annually, saving ¥9 million in direct costs.

For optimal results, combine defoaming with process optimizations: control desulfurization solution temperature ≤45°C and install mechanical filters (≤10μm precision). Chemi Tech offers integrated solutions with online foam monitoring systems + smart dosing devices for dynamic foam control.