DEA - Diethanolamine — Frequently Asked Questions

It has lower vapour pressure so solvent losses are smaller, it resists degradation by carbonyl sulphide and carbon disulphide better, and it needs somewhat less regeneration energy. Against that it is a weaker base and absorbs more slowly, so it needs more contact stages or a larger column. The choice depends on the gas composition and the plant economics.

Because secondary amines can react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines, in this case N-nitrosodiethanolamine, which is of toxicological concern. DEA and its derivatives such as cocamide DEA are consequently restricted in cosmetics in the EU and several other markets. The concern relates to skin contact and does not apply to industrial gas treating.

Either, depending on temperature. Its melting point is around 28 degrees Celsius, so it is a viscous liquid in a warm store and a low-melting solid in a cool one. Bulk handling usually involves heated storage and lines to keep it pumpable, which should be factored into any installation using it.

Gas sweetening and acid gas removal, surfactant and emulsifier manufacture for industrial and household cleaning, metalworking fluids, cement grinding aids and corrosion inhibitors. These remain substantial markets where the cosmetic restrictions do not apply, though permitted-use status should still be confirmed for the specific application.