Applications of Diglycolamine in Industrial Manufacturing

Diglycolamine serves as a key intermediate and processing additive across several critical industrial production chains. As an experienced manufacturer, we supply this raw material to diverse sectors that require precise formulation and controlled integration to meet stringent compliance and performance demands. Below, we detail major downstream application scenarios supported by our production expertise.

1. Gas Sweetening and Acid Gas Removal

Diglycolamine is widely used in natural gas processing as a solvent for acid gas removal, specifically for the extraction of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from sour natural gas, refinery off-gas, and synthesis gas streams. Refineries and gas processors select this amine due to its strong absorption capacity at lower cycle temperatures, lower vapor pressure, and minimal corrosion impact compared to traditional amines. It enters the amine treating unit after compression and dehydration, contacting sour gas in the absorber tower where it selectively binds with acidic components before regeneration. Plant operators adjust solvent-to-gas ratios and circulation rates based on feed composition and column design to achieve strict product gas purity and meet pipeline specifications.

Industry compliance standards

• API 941 (Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants)
• ASME B31.3 Process Piping
• EN 1160 (Natural Gas—Quality Designation Requirements)
• ISO 13686 (Natural Gas—Quality Specification)

Typical usage ratio

• Absorption solution: 15–35 wt% diglycolamine in water, adjusted for sour gas composition, acid gas loading rates, and absorber operating temperature

Downstream process integration

• Injected into amine contactor/absorber column after upstream gas pretreatment
• Regenerated in the amine reclaimer/stripper via thermal circulation
• Continuous monitoring of solution strength and cycling rates for acid gas breakthrough control

Final product types

• Pipeline-grade sweet natural gas
• Cleaned synthesis gas for ammonia and methanol plants
• Refined flue gas with reduced acid gas emissions
• Sulfur recovery feedstock

2. Herbicide and Agrochemical Intermediate Synthesis

Diglycolamine functions as a neutralizing agent and salt-forming intermediate in the agrochemical industry, particularly for manufacturing water-soluble herbicide formulations such as glyphosate and 2,4-D salts. Producers combine it with phosphonic or aromatic acid-based actives to produce stable diglycolamine salts, which improve leaf absorption, reduce volatility, and enhance tank-mix compatibility in field applications. This raw material is introduced during the neutralization stage, where acid-base reaction parameters are tightly controlled to achieve highly pure and consistent output, ensured through in-process QC and final form testing as per agricultural regulatory requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• EPA 40 CFR Part 180 (Tolerance for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in Food)
• FAO/WHO Specifications for Plant Protection Products
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
• China GB 2763—Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food

Typical usage ratio

• For herbicide salt formation: 0.9–1.1 mol diglycolamine per mole of acid, fine-tuned according to acid strength and targeted isomer ratio

Downstream process integration

• Added during controlled neutralization or salt synthesis step post-active ingredient synthesis
• Formulated into water-based concentrate or powder
• Tested for salt stability, purity, and agrochemical efficacy

Final product types

• Diglycolamine glyphosate salt herbicides
• 2,4-D diglycolamine liquid concentrates
• Agrochemical combination tank-mix products for broadleaf and grass weed control
• Ready-to-use agricultural herbicide formulations

3. Surfactant and Personal Care Raw Material Synthesis

As a hydrophilic amine, diglycolamine is used in manufacturing specialty surfactants and cleansing agents for the personal care and cleaning products sector. It acts as both a neutralizer and hydrotrope during the production of amphoteric surfactants, where it helps control product viscosity, solubility, and pH, as well as enhance foam stability. The material is usually introduced at the pH adjustment stage following the main surfactant synthesis or during final blend-up in process reactors equipped with temperature and mixing controls. Producers typically adjust diglycolamine ratios to balance mildness, stability, and regulatory-compliant final content as per regional guidelines for cosmetic and detergent safety.

Industry compliance standards

• EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
• US FDA 21 CFR 720 (Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program)
• China GB/T 29665—General Rules of Raw Materials for Cosmetics
• ISO 22716 (Cosmetics—Good Manufacturing Practices)

Typical usage ratio

• Surfactant neutralization: 1–5 wt%, controlled according to required pH and target mildness characteristics

Downstream process integration

• Used during post-synthesis pH adjustment or as a direct additive in surfactant blend preparation
• Integrated into batching and inline formulation lines with in-process pH verification
• Tested for residual amine content and product stability before filling and packaging

Final product types

• Shampoo and body wash base surfactants
• Facial cleansers
• Industrial and household cleaning agents
• Liquid dishwashing detergents with mild profile

4. Gas Treating and Processing in Syngas and Ammonia Plants

Industrial gas processors utilize diglycolamine as a primary component in amine-based gas purification systems for synthesis gas (syngas) preparation, where precise acid gas removal is crucial for process catalyst protection and product purity. Incorporation occurs in high-integrity reactor trains after raw gas generation but before catalytic conversion and downstream compression. Operators optimize diglycolamine concentration and contact times to remove sulfur and carbon compounds—parameters tailored according to charge gas flow rate, contaminant levels, and process pressure. The final process ensures efficient downstream ammonia or methanol synthesis while maintaining compliance with national and industry-specific standards for impurity thresholds.

Industry compliance standards

• API Standard 618 (Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services)
• ISO 6974-1 (Natural Gas—Determination of Composition and Associated Uncertainties)
• EN 12186 (Gas Supply Systems—Gas Pressure Regulation Stations)
• IEC 61511 (Functional Safety—Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industry Sector)

Typical usage ratio

• Absorption solution: 20–30 wt% in process water, selected based on contaminant concentration and gas throughput

Downstream process integration

• Dosed in continuous amine circulation unit after syngas generation and coarse removal steps
• Monitored by on-line analyzers for acid gas breakthrough
• Undergoes periodic regeneration and reclaiming within closed-loop solvent systems

Final product types

• Purge gas for ammonia synthesis units
• Cleaned hydrogen-rich gas for methanol plants
• High-purity nitrogen-hydrogen fuel gas
• Feedstock streams for downstream catalytic conversion

5. Metal Surface Treatment and Cleaners

Manufacturers of industrial metal cleaners and surface treatment agents use diglycolamine in detergent blends for removing oils, greases, and acidic contaminants from alloy and steel surfaces prior to plating or coating. It acts both as a neutralizer and as part of buffer systems, providing controlled cleaning action while preventing pitting or surface discoloration. Process engineers add the material during final detergent compounding, carefully balancing with anionic, nonionic surfactants, and builder salts. Concentrations are set to ensure residue-free rinseability and conformance to downstream metal finishing quality standards.

Industry compliance standards

• ASTM D609 (Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products)
• ISO 2315 (Surface Finishing—Cleaners, Technical Requirements)
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) for restricted substances in electronic and electrical components
• REACH Annex XVII for restricted metal surface treatment chemicals

Typical usage ratio

• Concentration in metal cleaner formulations: 2–8 wt%, varied by metal type, contaminant load, and line speed

Downstream process integration

• Added at detergent compounding step post surfactant addition
• Utilized in spray wash and immersion tanks with temperature and pH control
• In-process testing for surface residue and metal loss before surface finishing

Final product types

• Industrial metal cleaning liquids for manufacturing lines
• Surface treatment pre-plating solutions
• Metal degreasing agents for automotive and appliance assembly
• Maintenance cleaning products in metalworking shops

6. Water Treatment and Boiler System Additives

Plant operators in power generation, chemical production, and large-scale heating systems incorporate diglycolamine as an alkalinity buffer, oxygen scavenger, and pH stabilizer in closed-loop water treatment programs. The chemical is typically dosed at controlled points following initial filtration and softening but before the heated sections of the circuit. Careful adjustment ensures corrosion control, sludge reduction, and reliable feedwater quality while maintaining system compliance for both safety and environmental discharge. Dosing equipment and monitoring sensors help maintain chemical feed in ranges validated by daily QC assessments and regulatory audits.

Industry compliance standards

• ASTM D511 (Chloride in Water)
• ISO 5667-10 (Water Quality—Sampling for Industrial Water and Wastewater)
• BS EN 12953-10 (Shell Boilers—Requirements for Boiler Feedwater and Boiler Water Quality)
• US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act for discharge compliance

Typical usage ratio

• Buffering/stabilizing additive: 0.5–3.0 wt% based on boiler pressure, make-up water hardness, and circuit volume

Downstream process integration

• Dosed online post-filter during boiler make-up water preparation
• Monitored in recirculating water and top-up tanks by operators
• Blended with other treatment agents in programmable dosing skids

Final product types

• Boiler water stabilizer packs
• Oxygen scavenger solutions
• Demineralized closed-circuit cooling water chemicals
• Corrosion inhibitors for steam and hot water distribution systems