| Abstract: | The problem of diethanolamine (DEA) degradation in gas-treating processes was quantified through a detailed kinetic study. This reaction was found to be catalyzed by CO2, and degradation occurs in a successive manner to 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidone-2, to N,N,N′-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine and then to N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine. A reaction mechanism consistent with these observations was proposed and tested through kinetic analyses. A satisfactory kinetic model which can be of practical use was derived. |
