MDEA for H₂S Removal and CO₂ Treating: What to Specify

A gas treating unit may need to remove hydrogen sulfide while retaining some carbon dioxide in the treated gas. Another unit may require substantial removal of both. When buying N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA, CAS 105-59-9), confirm the unit’s approved solvent grade and treating duty before requesting a quotation.

Identify the plant’s removal targets

MDEA is widely used for selective H₂S removal in refinery and natural gas treatment. The required outlet H₂S limit and the permitted CO₂ content help define the treating duty. Ask the process team to confirm those targets and the approved solvent specification for your unit. energy-resources.basf.com

For an existing plant, include the current grade reference in the inquiry. For a new project, use the solvent requirements issued by the process designer.

Check whether an activated formulation is required

Activated MDEA formulations can contain a promoter such as piperazine to improve CO₂ absorption. Research on aqueous MDEA–piperazine systems shows that promoter addition can increase CO₂ removal under the studied conditions. The required formulation remains specific to the process and operating duty. sciencedirect.com

If your unit uses an activated solvent, provide the approved formulation reference. Ask the process team to review any proposed grade change before the purchase is confirmed.

Specify the delivered product separately from the operating solution

State whether you are buying concentrated MDEA, a premixed aqueous solution or a formulated solvent. Give the required concentration on a clear basis, such as weight percent, and identify any specified promoter content separately.

Also state whether the quantity refers to net delivered product or contained MDEA. This allows suppliers to quote the required product and helps receiving teams reconcile the shipment.

Request an MDEA quotation for your treating duty

Send China Amines Co., Limited your approved grade or formulation reference, concentration, required quantity, preferred packaging and destination port. Include the delivery window and batch COA requirements so we can review grade availability and shipment documentation with the quotation.

Inquiries
info@chinaamines.com

Technical references

• BASF Gas Treatment — Formulations and Solvents
• Effects of Piperazine on Carbon Dioxide Removal from Natural Gas Using Aqueous Methyl Diethanol Amine