A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is educted
into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. The gas is
educted into the column independently of the input flow of solvent into the solvent
using a pumparound arrangement with the solvent. Foam generation continues so as
to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam
is allowed to drain back down into the column. The foam passes through concentrators
which increase the residency time of the foam in the column to further dry the
foam and to create larger bubbles. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and
into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants.
The gas is recirculated for injection into the column even after foaming has stopped.
The foaming contaminants are concentrated at the surface level of the solvent in
the column. These contaminants are removed from the column. A liquid separator
separates immiscible liquids, such as oil, from the solvent.