Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are subject tofreezing, especially during the wintermonths. To help with this issue, thefollowing information is provided.

As can be seen from the above data,these products will freeze most of theyear when in ambient temperatures.That is why low freeze grades are animportant commercial offering.Realizing that not all users can takeadvantage of the low freeze gradeproducts, the pure compounds are anecessary option.

ThawingHeat is all that is required to thaw adrum of frozen ethanolamine. Theeasiest solution is to put the drum ina heated location, i.e., a warm roomor warm area of a warehouse. If thisis not an option, the next best form ofheat is low pressure steam (10 lbs.).Drums of ethanolamines may beplaced on a wooden pallet and asteam hose placed under drumsbetween the boards of the pallet. If itis available, a tarp can be placed overthe drums to help hold the heat. Thewarm steam rising around the drums will warm the product and thaw it. It is

important to remember that exces-sive heat can damage the product.Excessive heat would be keeping theproduct hotter (30–50 degrees) thanthe upper temperature guideline foran extended time. Another example iselectrical heat tape on the surface ofthe drum that would lead to high skintemperatures, or hot spots, and “burn”the product.

Both empirical and controlled test datahave shown that the ethanolaminesare not degraded by freeze/thawcycles. Once the product is liquid andflowable, it can be used. There havebeen reports of product in the bottomof a previously frozen drum not havingthe same consistency as product inthe upper part of the drum. This maybe due to the product at the bottomnot being as warm as in the upperportion of the drum and being morelike a slush. If the product is at auniform temperature, it will have auniform appearance.

TransportingProduct shipped by bulk tank truck orrail car that becomes frozen or tooviscous to pump should be heatedusing steam coils. A common practiceshould be to ship the above listedproducts in heated trailers exceptduring the hottest months of the year.Maintaining heat during transport willbe more time efficient than having tothaw or heat product once it arrives atthe customer location.

Depending on the type of insulation ina tank trailer, the heat loss may be asmuch as 1°F/hr (combined foam andglass wool insulation). For this reason,using trailers with heating capabilitiesis a necessity in the winter.

Product Freezing Temp.† Storage Minimum Storage Maximum

Diethanolamine (DEA) 28°C/82.4°F 38°C/100°F 49°C/120°F

Triethanolamine (TEA) 21°C/69.8°F 35°C/95°F 46°C/115°F

EthanolaminesHandling Frozen Ethanolamines

Product Information

†Ethanolamines may supercool. Exact freezing point is not always predictable.

For more information on INEOSethanolamines, call 1-866-865-4767(toll free in the U.S. & Canada).