Diethanolamine


What is DEA ?

DEA stands for Diethanolamine, which is a clear, viscous liquid organic compound. It is a member of the ethanolamine family of compounds and is commonly used in various industrial applications. DEA has both amine and alcohol functional groups, making it versatile for different chemical reactions and processes.

Some of the common uses of DEA include:

Surfactant and Emulsifier: DEA is used in the production of detergents, personal care products (shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics), and industrial cleaning agents. Its surfactant properties help in forming stable emulsions and foams.

Corrosion Inhibitor: DEA is added to metalworking fluids and lubricants to prevent corrosion of metals.

Gas Treating: In the oil and gas industry, DEA is used as an absorbent to remove acidic components (such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide) from natural gas and other hydrocarbon streams.

Textile and Leather Processing: DEA is employed as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in dyeing and printing processes in the textile and leather industries.

Rubber Industry: DEA is used as a co-monomer in the production of certain rubber products.

Agricultural Chemicals: DEA is used in the formulation of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Pharmaceuticals: DEA is occasionally used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.

Quality of DEA

The quality of Diethanolamine (DEA) is determined by various factors that ensure its suitability for specific industrial applications. The quality parameters of DEA typically include:

Purity: The purity of DEA is a crucial factor. Higher purity levels indicate that the compound is free from impurities that might affect its performance in various applications.

Appearance: DEA is usually a clear, viscous liquid. Any deviation in its appearance, such as color or cloudiness, can indicate impurities or degradation.

pH: DEA has a relatively neutral pH, and its pH level should fall within a specific range to maintain its effectiveness in different processes.

Water Content: Excess water can affect the solubility and performance of DEA. A lower water content is generally desirable.

Total Amine Content: DEA is a type of ethanolamine, and its amine content is a critical quality factor. Lower amine content indicates higher purity.

Boiling Point: DEA's boiling point is an important characteristic that affects its handling and processing temperatures.

Viscosity: DEA's viscosity can impact its performance in various applications, especially in formulations where flow and mixing are important.

Color: DEA is usually colorless. Any coloration can indicate impurities or degradation.

Acidity: The acidity of DEA can affect its reactivity and compatibility with other chemicals.

Residue on Evaporation: This parameter measures the amount of residue left behind after a sample of DEA is evaporated. Lower residue indicates higher purity.

The specific quality requirements for DEA can vary based on the industry and application. Manufacturers often provide detailed specifications for their DEA products, which include acceptable ranges for the parameters mentioned above. It's important for users to ensure that the purchased DEA meets these specifications to achieve the desired results in their processes.

Usages of  DEA 

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a versatile chemical compound with a range of applications in various industries. Some of the common usages of DEA include:

Personal Care Products: DEA is used in the formulation of personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and body washes. It serves as a foaming agent and emulsifier, helping to create a stable and creamy texture in these products.

Detergents and Cleaning Products: DEA is used in the manufacturing of household and industrial detergents and cleaning products. It helps to improve the solubility of certain ingredients and contributes to the overall cleaning efficiency.

Textile Industry: DEA is used as a pH adjuster and as an emulsifier in dyeing and printing processes in the textile industry.

Agrochemicals: DEA is used in the formulation of certain pesticides and herbicides. It can enhance the effectiveness of active ingredients and improve their distribution on plants.

Gas Purification: DEA is used in gas purification processes to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas and other gases.

Metalworking Fluids: DEA is used in metalworking fluids to prevent corrosion and improve the stability of formulations.

Rubber Industry: DEA is used as a pH adjuster and stabilizer in latex and rubber production.

Petroleum Industry: DEA is used in the petroleum industry for various purposes, including in the formulation of drilling muds and as a corrosion inhibitor.

Pharmaceuticals: DEA is used in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and medicines.

Other Industrial Applications: DEA is also used in the manufacture of various chemicals, including surfactants, lubricants, and plasticizers.

Packing of DEA

Diethanolamine (DEA) is typically packed and supplied in various packaging options to meet the needs of different industries and applications. The packaging can vary based on factors such as the quantity required, the mode of transportation, and the specific requirements of the customer. Common packaging options for DEA include:

Drums: DEA can be packed in standard metal drums with capacities ranging from 25 kg to 200 kg. Drums are commonly used for smaller quantities and are suitable for both local and international transportation.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): IBCs, also known as totes or bulk containers, are larger containers with capacities ranging from 500 kg to 1000 kg. They are used for handling larger quantities of DEA and are often chosen for efficiency in storage and transportation.

ISO Tanks: For even larger quantities, DEA can be transported and stored in ISO tanks. ISO tanks are large, specialized containers that can hold significant volumes of liquids and are commonly used for international shipments.

Flexitanks: Flexitanks are flexible, single-use containers that can be placed inside standard shipping containers. They are suitable for bulk transport of liquids like DEA and offer a cost-effective solution for long-distance shipping.

Customized Packaging: Depending on customer requirements, DEA can be packaged in custom sizes and types of containers to ensure compatibility with storage and handling facilities.

Delivery time and Readiness of DEA 

The delivery time and readiness of DEA (Diethanolamine) can vary depending on several factors, including the supplier's location, the quantity ordered, production schedules, and transportation logistics. Typically, the delivery time can be estimated as follows:

Production Time: This refers to the time required for the manufacturing process of DEA. It can vary based on the production capacity of the supplier, the availability of raw materials, and other production-related factors.

Processing and Quality Control: After production, there might be additional processing steps and quality control checks to ensure that the DEA meets the specified purity and quality standards.

Packaging and Documentation: Once the DEA is manufactured and quality-checked, it will be packed in the chosen packaging (such as drums, IBCs, or ISO tanks) and relevant documentation will be prepared, including shipping and safety documents.

Shipping and Transportation: The transportation mode (land, sea, air) and distance to the delivery location will impact the time it takes for the DEA to reach its destination. International shipments might involve longer transit times.

Customs Clearance: If the DEA is being transported across borders, customs clearance procedures need to be considered, which can add some additional time to the delivery process.

Delivery to Destination: Once the shipment reaches its destination port or location, it needs to be cleared by customs, unloaded, and transported to the final destination.

Analysis Table of DEA

Properties Spec,Value Unit Test Method
Purity 98.5 MIN WT% MA-503
Color 15 MAX Pt-Co ASTM 1209
Water 0.15 MAX WT% ASTM 1364
MEA 0.6 Max WT% MA- 503
TEA 0.8 MAX WT% MA- 503
Specific Gravity at (20/20) ℃ 1.09-1094   ASTM D 891
Equivalent M.W 104 - 106 WT% MA-238