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Diethanolamine (DEA) Chemical Compatibility

Storing Diethanolamine? Start Here

Diethanolamine, or DEA, is a versatile chemical used primarily in gas treatment to remove impurities like CO₂ and H₂S. It's also found in corrosion inhibitors and textile finishing. However, storing DEA has its challenges. The neat 85%+ form crystallizes at temperatures below 82°F, so it requires special storage conditions. If you're handling DEA, make sure you know the best practices for storage and safety.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

For dilute DEA solutions (up to 30%), a polyethylene or XLPE tank works fine at ambient temperatures. However, for neat 85%+ DEA, polyethylene isn't suitable because it requires heated storage to prevent crystallization. For these conditions, 316L stainless steel with heating capabilities is recommended.

Key Issue: Temperature Sensitivity

Neat 85%+ DEA crystallizes below 82°F, which means it needs to be stored in a heated environment. This is crucial to prevent the product from solidifying, which can complicate handling and processing.

The safety that actually matters

  • Avoid using aluminum or copper equipment, as DEA's alkaline nature can cause corrosion.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to minimize exposure to fumes.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent skin and eye contact.

Common questions

Can DEA be stored in a regular poly tank?
Only dilute solutions can be stored in poly tanks; neat DEA requires heated stainless steel tanks.
What happens if DEA crystallizes?
Crystallization can block pipes and valves, complicating handling and processing.
Is DEA safe for use in cosmetics?
DEA was used in cosmetics but has declined due to health concerns related to nitrosamines.

Diethanolamine (DEA) Chemical Compatibility storage tanks from OneSource

For diethanolamine (dea) chemical compatibility storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:

Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.

Flammable solvent? Think recovery, containment, and grounding.

Flammable and volatile solvents add recovery, vapor, and ignition-control questions on top of material choice. Guides from our fabrication team:

Explore: Solvent Recovery  ·  Double Wall Tanks  ·  Chemical Compatibility

Sources & References

All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.

  1. PubChem Compound Database — entry for Diethanolamine (CID 8113, CAS 111-42-2). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
  2. Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
  3. Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
  4. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
  5. UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
  6. ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
  7. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Diethanolamine. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

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