Monoethanolamine (MEA)

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Specification

Description

applications

Safety tips

Specification

HS Code 29221110
Appearance	Colorless, Viscous Liquid
Color	Colorless and transparent
Odor	Mild ammonia odor
Purity (MA-503 GC)	Min 99% wt.
Specific Gravity (ASTM D-891)	1.017-1.019
Equivalent Mol. Weight (MA-503)	61-62.5
Color Pt-Co (Steel drum) (ASTM D-1209)	Max 30
Color Pt-Co (HDPE drum/ ISO tank) (ASTM D-1209)	Max 10
Water Content (ASTM D - 1364)	Max 0.2% wt
Solubility	Soluble in water. It dissolves in methyl alcohol, glycerin and acetone.

Description

MEA (Monoethanolamine), with the chemical formula HOCH₂CH₂NH₂ or C₂H₇NO, is a simple organic ethanolamines family (amino alcohols) with one primary amine and one alcohol group. MEA is therefore able to react with its both functional groups. MEA is an excellent intermediary alkyl amine for reacting with acids in order to produce salts and soaps. More complex family members of ethanolamines are DEA and TEA. MEA is produced from the reaction between ammonia and ethylene oxide.

MEA is a colorless liquid which has a low volatility at room temperature. The freezing point of MEA can be reduced by dilution with water. It presents an ammoniac odor. Mono Ethanol Amine absorbs water molecules and carbon dioxide from the air and is miscible with water and alcohols in any proportion.

Nowadays, the demand for MEA is increasing as many industries such as wood preservation, agriculture industry and oil and gas industries are using MEA in their products and processes.

Advantages

Some advantages of MEA are summarized below:

Having favorable physical and chemical properties
Biodegradable
Negligible toxic properties for aquatic organisms
High reaction rate with carbon dioxide
High heat absorption

Disadvantages

It is recommended to be extremely careful when working with MEA, as it is hazardous to humans and the environment. MEA can lead to hazardous effects such as eyes and mouth injury. Please refer to TEAM MSDS for further details on MEA hazards.

Packaging

Due to the fact that this compound is liquid at normal temperature and has corrosive properties, MEA chemical compound is supplied in 230 kg PE drums and/or in IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) in order to prevent corrosion challenges. Tanks and barrels for storage of this material can be selected from corrosion-resistant materials if required.

Market Overview

Referenced to ‘’coherentmarketinsights.com’’ website, the estimation of worldwide market of MEA is anticipated to witness potential picks up within the future and enroll critical CAGR of 5.2% over the period of (2019 – 2027). Worldwide utilization of ethanolamines will proceed to develop at a normal yearly rate of 2.4% in 2021–2026, which is driven by the creating markets in Asia, particularly China. Based on location, MEA market is portioned into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Center East. The market in Europe is anticipated to witness noteworthy development, owing to growing personal care industry within the locale. In addition, Europe is anticipated towitness impressive development credited to expanding request from development and pharmaceutical applications.

Purchasing From TEAM

TEAM as an Iranian supplier of Monoethanolamine has been actively supplying this product to numerous industries and has competitive pricing. Our MEA has been supplied to neighboring countries; references are available upon request. We have a standard quality control system in place and can arrange for international inspection with the help of inspection companies such as SGS.

Pricing

The price of Monoethanolamine (MEA) may vary depending on its purity and delivery method. Please contact TEAM sales department through our contact numbers, in order to register a purchase order or pre-purchase consultation.

Applications

MEA (Monoethanolamine) is mainly used in processing natural gas (H2S, CO2), producing detergents, surfactants, soaps, corrosion inhibitors, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wood chemicals and agrochemicals, and personal care products. One of by-products of MEA is Triazine which is used to remove H₂S gas in drilling operation. in .MEA is also used in the production of Ethylene Amines. MEA is also used as a raw material for metal cleaning agents and corrosion inhibitors. MEA is widely used in various industries for different applications due to its specific properties. A brief of its applications is provided for a glance:

Scrubbing acidic gases (H2S, CO2)

MEA is a perfect gas scrubber much is used widely in coal, oil and natural gas industries in order to emit carbon dioxide (CO₂). To be more specific, the mechanism of emitting carbon dioxide with MEA, is washing the chemical with amine compounds, and MEA is an excellent aqueous medium to be used as the mentioned amine. The byproduct of reactions between MEA and CO₂ and H₂S gasses are minor salts.

Pharmaceuticals

MEA is widely used in pharmaceutical products in order to create a buffer medium. A buffer medium is a media which is highly resistant to pH-changes. Another usage of MEA in pharmaceutical industry is for the preparation of emulsions. In addition, MEA is a raw material in symptomatic hemorrhoids drugs.

Textile auxiliaries

MEA is are widely utilized in the textile industry. Having one primary amine and one alcohol group, MEA can be used as an intermediate material in the preparation processes of fibers and softeners. Most Textile lubricants are including ethanolamine salts as a main material. MEA has a higher water absorption that makes it ideal for the production of printing pastes.

Cosmetics

The medicinal grade of MEA is used to adjust the pH ranges in cosmetic products. The usage of MEA as an emulsifier is reducing the surface tension between water-soluble molecules and oil-soluble molecules. The alkaline properties of MEA, have made it used to control pH properties and preserve some active agents in the products. Fortunately, the usage of MEA in cosmetic products are legal, and its usage for sun protection products are legal. Nowadays, many products such as shampoos, hair conditioners and bath bubbles have MEA in their formulations.

Power plants

Monoethanolamine is utilized to alkalinize water within the steam cycle of control plants such as nuclear control plants with pressurized water reactor.

Production of detergents and soaps (as surfactant)

Having one primary amine and one alcohol group, MEA is able to react with its both functional groups. consequently, MEA is an excellent intermediary alkyl amines for reacting with acids in order to produce salts, detergents and soaps with great cleaning power. Moreover, the alkaline properties of MEA, have made it used to neutralize fatty acids and control pH properties.

Carbon capture and storage

MEA is also used for post-combustion carbon capture by chemical absorption mechanism in order to improve process performance. This application is estimated to be increase drastically worldwide.

Production Method

MEA is produced by the reactions between ethylene oxide (EO) and ammonia in aqueous solution in a high temperature condition. DEA and TEA are other products of the mentioned reaction. Based on reports, this method for producing ethanolamines were firstly done in 1897 by a famous chemist named Ludwig Knorr.

Safety tips

Storage Condition

It is highly recommended to store MEA in dry, and cool environments, and far away from flammable materials. In addition, as light can decompose some compositions of MEA, it should be kept away from sunlight. It should be noted that MEA causes corrosion in metals such as iron, and zinc and can be oxidized by air.

Related product

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