Objective The aim is to study the foaming characteristics and the value of the foaming factor (K) of the sulfone amine desulfurization solution system.

Method Firstly, in accordance with SY/T 6538—2016 Formulated selective desulfurization solvent, foaming experiments of sulfone amine solvents were conducted. The Key parameters such as foaming height and defoaming time were analyzed. The foaming characteristics of the sulfone amine solution system were semi-quantitatively described using relative foam density (Φ). The effects of liquid layer height, gas velocity, and temperature on foaming were investigated. Secondly, the K value was inferred by comparing the foaming condition of the sulfone amine solution system with the solution systems of known foaming factors.

Result Firstly, increasing the liquid layer height significantly affected the foaming ratio of the sulfone amine lean solution. When the initial liquid layer height was increased from 30 mm to 100 mm, the foaming ratio decreased from 360% to 251%, but the half-life reached approximately 50% of the complete defoaming time. Secondly, the foaming height decreased with the increase of the gas velocity. The higher the gas velocity, the slower the defoaming rate and the better the foam stability. Thirdly, the defoaming rate increased with the rising of the temperature. Fourthly, the K value of fresh sulfone amine solution was close to that of MDEA aqueous solution, but the K value of the sulfone amine solution in the experimental device was speculated to be 0.55-0.64, and the foaming trend was obviously improved.

Conclusion These experimental results can provide a reference for the design of natural gas purification plants based on sulfone amine solution system.