
Analyzing the Data 155
occurring? At this point the natural tendency of the team was to again identify foam-
ing as the Mode. Remember, modes must be facts. Being unbiased facilitators and
not experts in the technical process, we explained that the Amine Scrubbing Unit
was a closed vessel. In other words, we could not see inside the vessel to conrm the
presence of foam. So we asked, “How do you know you have foam if you cannot see
it?” This question seemed to stie the team for a while as they pondered the answer.
Many minutes later (nearly an hour), one of the operators replied that they know they
have foaming when they receive a high-pressure ...