What Is DEHA?
N,N‑Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) is a highly effective oxygen‑scavenging agent used to protect metal surfaces in steam‑generating systems. Because DEHA is volatile, it travels with steam and provides protection throughout the entire condensate return network, not just in the boiler itself. This makes it especially valuable in medium‑ and high‑pressure boilers, where corrosion control is critical.
DEHA reacts with dissolved oxygen, helping to prevent oxidation and the formation of corrosion‑inducing pits. As it breaks down, DEHA forms neutralizing amines, which help maintain a stable pH in the condensate system. Its low toxicity and ability to passivate metal surfaces have made it a preferred alternative to older oxygen scavengers.
Why Test for DEHA?
Maintaining the correct DEHA concentration is essential for ensuring that boiler systems remain protected and operate efficiently.
- Corrosion Prevention: Adequate DEHA ensures that dissolved oxygen is fully scavenged before it can damage metal surfaces.
- Chemical Optimization: Overfeeding wastes treatment chemicals, while underfeeding leaves equipment vulnerable. Routine testing helps operators fine‑tune dosing.
- System Efficiency: Stable DEHA levels support consistent steam production and reduce maintenance downtime.
- Lay‑Up Protection: DEHA is frequently used during wet lay‑up to control oxygen and maintain system integrity.
Regular monitoring ensures that DEHA is performing as intended and that the boiler system is running at peak performance.
Our DEHA Test Kits
CHEMetrics offers multiple DEHA test kits designed to meet the needs of both field technicians and laboratory analysts. Each kit uses a chemistry tailored to a specific concentration range and application.
CHEMets® Visual DEHA Test Kits
These kits use PDTS chemistry, producing a distinct color change that can be matched to a comparator.
- Measures 0–400 ppb and 400–3000 ppb
- Ideal for routine monitoring of feedwater and condensate systems
- Fast, simple, and easy to interpret
Titrets® High‑Range DEHA Test Kit (K‑3925)
For applications requiring higher‑range measurement, such as boiler lay‑up, CHEMetrics offers a titration‑based kit using:
- Ceric sulfate titrant
- Ferroin indicator
- Measurement range: 25–250 ppm
This method provides a clear endpoint and is well‑suited for high‑concentration DEHA applications.
Vacu‑vials® Instrumental DEHA Test Kit (K‑3903)
For users who prefer digital readings, the Vacu‑vials® kit offers:
- PDTS chemistry
- Measurement range: 0–2.00 ppm
- Compatibility with CHEMetrics direct‑readout photometers or any spectrophotometer that accepts a 13‑mm round cell
Instrumental analysis provides enhanced precision and supports electronic data logging for quality assurance programs.
Browse Our Kits
All CHEMetrics DEHA test kits, along with a full range of boiler‑water treatment supplies, are available through the AquaPhoenix Scientific eStore.