Ethanolamine-MEA

what is MEA?

Ethanolamine, also commonly referred to as mono ethanolamine (MEA), is a naturally occurring organic chemical compound found in some plants and animals and is also produced synthetically. It is a colorless, viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. The molecule itself is bifunctional, containing both a primary amine group (which can react with acids) and a primary alcohol group (which can react with other alcohols and acids). This unique combination of functional groups makes ethanolamine a versatile molecule with a wide range of applications.

physical and chemical properties of MEA

Physical State:

• Colorless Liquid at Room Temperature: MEA appears as a clear, colorless liquid under normal conditions.
• Temperature Dependence: Unlike water, MEA can solidify at colder temperatures. Its freezing point is around -13°C, so it may require specific handling considerations in colder environments.
• Viscosity: MEA has a higher viscosity compared to water. This means it flows more slowly and has a slightly thicker consistency.

Chemical Properties:

• Molecular Structure and Formula: The chemical formula for MEA is C2H7NO, representing a molecule with one primary amine group (NH2) and one primary alcohol group (OH) attached to a two-carbon chain. This bifunctional structure grants MEA interesting chemical properties.
• Mildly Alkaline: The presence of the amine group gives MEA a slightly alkaline character. This means it can react with acids to form salts, similar to weak bases.
• Amphoteric Nature: Another consequence of its structure is MEA’s amphoteric nature. Depending on the surrounding environment (acidic or basic), MEA can act as either an acid or a base. This amphoteric behavior allows it to participate in various chemical reactions.
• Odor: MEA has a mild ammonia-like odor, which can be noticeable at higher concentrations.
• Solubility: MEA is highly water-soluble, meaning it mixes readily with water in any proportion. This property makes it easy to handle and use in aqueous solutions. Additionally, MEA exhibits some solubility in organic solvents like alcohols and ethers, offering some versatility in its applications.
• Hygroscopic: MEA is hygroscopic, meaning it has an affinity for attracting moisture from the surrounding air. This can be a beneficial property in some applications but may necessitate controlled storage conditions to prevent the absorption of excess moisture.

Various grades of MEA

Technical Grade MEA:

This reigns supreme in terms of commercial usage due to its cost-effectiveness. Typically, it contains around 85-90% mono ethanolamine by weight. The remaining percentage is a mix of water and minor impurities like diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These impurities don’t significantly hinder its performance in industrial applications like gas treatment and scrubbing, making it the go-to choice for these processes.

Reagent Grade MEA:

If your application demands high purity, then reagent grade MEA is the way to go. Compared to technical grade, it boasts a significantly higher mono ethanolamine content, reaching around 99% or even exceeding that level. This exceptional purity is achieved by minimizing the presence of impurities like DEA and TEA. Due to the meticulous purification process, reagent grade MEA comes at a higher cost, but it’s well-suited for applications where even small amounts of impurities can significantly impact the outcome. This makes it a preferred choice in laboratories, for the production of pharmaceuticals, and in cosmetic formulations.

Application and uses 

Mono ethanolamine (MEA) thrives in various industries due to its unique chemical properties, particularly its amphoteric nature (acting as an acid or base depending on the environment) and its affinity for absorbing certain gases. Here’s a deeper dive into its key applications and some lesser-known uses:

Core Applications:

• Gas Sweetening (Acid Gas Removal): MEA excels in natural gas processing, a process known as amine scrubbing. It selectively absorbs acidic gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the raw gas stream. This purification step is essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and transportability of natural gas for various industrial applications and household uses. After capturing these acidic gases, MEA can be regenerated through a heating process, allowing for its reuse in the system.
• Detergents and Soaps: MEA’s effectiveness as an emulsifier makes it a valuable ingredient in detergents and soaps. Its ability to suspend oils and dirt particles in water enhances the cleaning power of these products by creating a stable mixture that can be rinsed away easily.
• Textile Processing: In the textile industry, MEA plays a role in achieving more even and colorfast dyeing of fabrics. It improves the interaction between the dye molecules and the fabric fibers, resulting in richer, more durable colors that resist fading during washing.

Beyond the Basics:

• Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: While some forms of MEA can irritate the skin, specific types are chosen for use in certain pharmaceuticals and personal care products due to their beneficial properties. In pharmaceuticals, MEA can be involved in the production of antibiotics and sunscreens. In cosmetics, it may be used to adjust the pH level of formulations and act as a stabilizer, ensuring product consistency and effectiveness. However, it’s crucial to choose products that utilize less irritating forms of MEA to minimize the risk of skin reactions.
• Cement Production: The grinding process for cement production can benefit from MEA’s presence. Acting as a grinding aid, it improves the efficiency of the process by reducing the energy required to achieve the desired particle size for the cement.
• Agricultural Chemicals: Certain formulations in agricultural chemicals may utilize MEA for various purposes. The specific applications can vary depending on the desired outcome of the product.
• Photographic Emulsions: MEA can contribute to the creation of photographic emulsions, which are light-sensitive coatings used in traditional film photography. Its specific function within these emulsions may involve influencing the interaction of light with the silver halide crystals that capture the image.
• Metalworking and Oil Well Products: MEA’s ability to form protective layers on metal surfaces makes it a useful component in corrosion inhibitors used in metalworking and oil well applications. By creating a barrier between the metal and corrosive substances, it helps to prevent rust and degradation, extending the lifespan of equipment and infrastructure.

PRODUCTION PROCESS of MEA

Mono ethanolamine (MEA) is produced from ammonia and ethylene oxide in a controlled reaction. This reaction also generates diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) as byproducts. The ratio of these products can be controlled.

Two main production methods exist:

• Non-catalytic with water: relies on high pressure and water to promote the reaction.
• Catalytic: uses catalysts to accelerate the reaction at milder conditions.

The general process involves:

1. Reactant preparation
2. Reaction
3. Product separation (including distillation)
4. Concentration and purification (if needed)
5. Storage and packagingSpecific details may vary depending on the manufacturer. Research aims to improve efficiency, reduce byproducts, and minimize environmental impact.

The difference between MEA AND MEG

MEA and MEG are both industrial chemicals, but with key differences. MEA (Mono ethanolamine) is more complex, has higher viscosity, and excels in gas treatment and cleaning. MEG (Mono ethylene Glycol) is simpler, thinner, and commonly used in antifreeze and coolants.

Feature	MEA (Mono ethanolamine)	MEG (Mono ethylene Glycol)
Chemical Structure	C2H7NO (amine and alcohol groups)	C2H6O2 (diol)
Viscosity	Higher	Lower (more water-like)
Water Solubility	High	High
Organic Solvent Solubility	Some	Lower
Hygroscopicity	High	Lower
Boiling Point	Lower	Higher
Key Applications	Gas treatment, detergents, soaps, textiles	Antifreeze, coolant, heat transfer, dehydration

Packing

• Primary Containment: Stainless steel or compatible HDPE containers.
• Secondary Containment: Carboys/drums in outer packaging, IBC totes with bunds (for larger volumes).
• Additional Considerations: Venting for pressure control, proper labeling (GHS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS) availability.
• Regulations: Follow national/international regulations (UN Model Regulations, DOT, IATA).
• Best Practices: Choose the right size container, ensure proper sealing, store in a cool, dry, ventilated area.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Content	Unit	Anhydrous	40% solution	45% solution	50% solution
Mma	%	99.50 min.	40.00 min.	45.00 min.	50.00 min.
Water	%	00.20 max.	60.00 max.	55.00 max.	50.00 max.
Ammonia	%	00.05 max.	00.03 max.	0.03 max.	0.03 max.
Other amines / noi	%	00.30 max.	00.20 max.	00.20 max.	00.20 max.