Case Study on Foam Control in Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment Systems

Overview:

To address issues such as excessive and long-lasting foam in aeration tanks, as well as recurring foam caused by fluctuating water quality during petrochemical wastewater treatment, Prio conducted an analysis of foam formation mechanisms, selected appropriate defoaming agents, and optimized dosing strategies, thereby achieving rapid defoaming and sustained foam suppression, and improving the operating environment of the wastewater treatment system.

Case Category:

Petrochemical industry

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Case Introduction

During operation, the wastewater treatment system of a petrochemical enterprise has been experiencing persistent foaming, particularly in the aeration tank, the biochemical treatment section, and certain return‑flow areas. Large quantities of foam accumulate on the water surface, adversely affecting the site environment and equipment monitoring, while also increasing the complexity of operational management.
　　Based on on-site analysis, foam formation is primarily attributed to the combined effects of complex organic compounds and surfactants in petrochemical wastewater, as well as gases generated during biochemical treatment. When influent water quality fluctuates or aeration intensity varies, the foaming issue tends to worsen further.
　　In response to the on-site operating conditions, Prio’s technical team first conducted a comprehensive analysis of the wastewater characteristics, foam type, aeration conditions, and treatment process. Based on a clear understanding of the causes of foam formation, they selected an appropriate defoaming agent suitable for petrochemical wastewater treatment systems.
　　Based on the water quality characteristics of each treatment stage, the type, dosing location, and dosing method of the defoamer are optimized, and field trials are conducted to comprehensively evaluate its defoaming rate, foam‑suppression durability, and compatibility with subsequent biochemical treatment processes.
　　During actual operation, the dosing strategy is dynamically adjusted based on foam generation and changes in water quality to avoid simply increasing chemical dosage. At the same time, synergistic optimization is achieved by integrating operational parameters such as aeration rate, sludge characteristics, and influent loading, thereby reducing the risk of foam formation at its source.
　　Following continuous optimization, foam in the wastewater treatment system has been effectively controlled, with a noticeable reduction in surface foam and an improved on-site operating environment. At the same time, the impact of foam on equipment inspections and routine operational management has been minimized.

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Company Address No. 3716 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, Unit 1801, China Construction Jinxiu Plaza.

Production base Juye Chemical Industry Park, Heze City, Shandong Province.

Nanjing Branch Company Room B2304, Nanjing University of Technology (Dingjiaqiao Campus), No. 5 Xinmofanma Road, Gulou District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province.

Phone ： +86-531-88986356

Phone ：+86-15562623709
Email ： sdprio@sdprio.com