MEDA is used in a wide range of gas treatment applications. In the petroleum industry, it is used as an absorbent for acid gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Compared to conventional desulphurization agents - MEDA has good adsorption properties for H2S.

However, in the process of desulphurization with MEDA solution, when the gas is absorbed, it may react chemically with methyl diethanolamine, forming bubbles and leading to foaming phenomena, which in severe cases can cause massive loss of amine solution due to fog-end entrainment, greatly reducing the purification effect and even making the unit unable to produce normally. Therefore, it is necessary to purify and treat the methyl diethanolamine properly in order to remove impurities that may cause foaming.

In order to reduce the problem of foaming, the used MDA is treated through a bed of activated carbon, which allows for purification and regeneration.

The absorption mechanism of activated carbon is the adsorption of organic matter in solution through the pore structure on the surface and chemisorption. When treating methylenedioethanolamine through an activated carbon bed, the pore structure of the activated carbon is able to adsorb and remove impurities and contaminants from it, restoring the methylenedioethanolamine to a high purity.

1. Appropriate activated carbon selection: Select an activated carbon material with appropriate adsorption characteristics depending on the type and concentration of contaminants in the MDA.
2. Adjustment of the treatment conditions: adjustment of parameters such as flow rate, temperature, and contact time to obtain the best adsorption effect.
3. Activated carbon regeneration: As the adsorption capacity of activated carbon decreases, the activated carbon needs to be regenerated or replaced.

By using activated carbon for the purification of MDA, impurities and contaminants can be effectively removed from it, restoring MDA to a high level of purity for re-use in areas where it is needed.