Monoethanol Amine

What is MEA ?

MEA stands for Monoethanolamine. It is a colorless, viscous liquid organic compound that belongs to the class of ethanolamines. MEA is widely used in various industries for its versatile properties, including its ability to act as both an amine and an alcohol. Here are some key aspects of MEA:

Chemical Structure: MEA has the chemical formula C2H7NO and is composed of one ethanol group (CH3CH2OH) and one amine group (NH2).

Applications:

Chemical Industry: MEA is used as a building block for the production of various chemicals, such as detergents, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors.

Gas Treatment: MEA is commonly used in gas treatment processes to remove acidic gases (such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide) from natural gas and other hydrocarbon streams. This process is known as gas sweetening or gas scrubbing.

Personal Care Products: MEA is found in some cosmetic and personal care products due to its ability to adjust pH levels and act as a surfactant.

Pharmaceuticals: MEA can be used in the production of certain medications and pharmaceutical products.

pH Regulation: MEA is often used as a neutralizer or pH regulator in various applications due to its amine properties. It can help adjust and stabilize the pH of solutions.

Solvent Properties: MEA has solvent properties, and it can be used to dissolve various substances in both industrial and laboratory settings.

Absorption Properties: In gas treatment processes, MEA is known for its ability to absorb acidic gases, making it valuable in industries like natural gas and oil refining.

Hygroscopic Nature: MEA is hygroscopic, meaning it has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air.

Safety Considerations: While MEA has various industrial uses, it's important to handle it with care due to its potential health and safety risks. Proper safety measures and guidelines should be followed when working with MEA.

Quality of MEA

The quality of Monoethanolamine (MEA) is determined by several factors that ensure its suitability for specific applications. Here are some key quality considerations for MEA:

Purity: High-purity MEA is essential to achieve desired results in various applications. The level of impurities, such as water, byproducts, and other contaminants, should be minimized to ensure consistent performance.

Concentration: The concentration of MEA in a solution or product is crucial for achieving the intended results. Different applications may require specific concentrations of MEA, and the product's label should clearly indicate its concentration.

Color and Appearance: MEA is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Any deviation from the expected color or the presence of particles may indicate impurities or degradation.

Odor: Pure MEA is odorless. An unusual or strong odor could be indicative of impurities or contamination.

pH Level: MEA is an amine with basic properties, so its pH level should be within a certain range depending on the application. For instance, in gas sweetening applications, MEA solutions are commonly used to absorb acidic gases, and maintaining the appropriate pH is critical for the absorption process.

Acid and Alkalinity Values: MEA's ability to neutralize acids and regulate pH levels is important in various applications. The acid and alkalinity values of MEA solutions should be consistent and within the specified range.

Impurity Levels: Depending on the application, the levels of impurities such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and other amines should be controlled to ensure the desired performance of the MEA.

Solubility: MEA's solubility in water and other solvents is relevant to its intended use. It should readily dissolve in the required solvents and maintain its stability.

Storage and Stability: High-quality MEA should remain stable during storage, with minimal degradation or formation of byproducts over time. Storage conditions, such as temperature and exposure to air, can affect MEA's stability.

Safety Data: Safety data sheets (SDS) should provide information on potential hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency procedures when working with MEA.

Usages of  MEA 

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a versatile chemical compound with various applications across different industries. Some of the common usages of MEA include:

Gas Sweetening: MEA is widely used in the oil and gas industry for removing acidic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2), from natural gas and refinery process streams. MEA solutions act as absorbents to selectively capture these acidic gases, resulting in "sweetening" the gas.

Personal Care and Cosmetics: MEA is used in personal care and cosmetic products as an emulsifying agent, pH adjuster, and neutralizer. It can help create stable emulsions in creams, lotions, and shampoos, while also contributing to the desired texture and appearance of the product.

Pharmaceuticals: MEA is employed in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, analgesics, and antihistamines. It can be used as a pH regulator in the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds.

Textile Industry: MEA is used as a catalyst in the production of textile fibers, including nylon. It aids in controlling the molecular weight of the polymer during the polymerization process.

Detergents and Cleaners: MEA is used as a surfactant and pH adjuster in detergents and cleaning products. It can enhance the cleaning efficiency of products by promoting the removal of dirt and stains.

Corrosion Inhibition: MEA is utilized as a corrosion inhibitor in various applications to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and rust.

Polyurethane Production: MEA is an essential component in the production of polyurethane foams, which are used in furniture, insulation, automotive parts, and more.

Rubber Industry: MEA can be used in the rubber industry as an activator or vulcanization aid.

Water Treatment: MEA can be used for pH adjustment in water treatment processes to control the acidity or alkalinity of water.

Photography: MEA has been used in photography as a stabilizer in color developing solutions.

Chemical Intermediates: MEA is utilized as a precursor for the production of other chemicals, including ethyleneamines, which have a variety of applications in chemical synthesis and other industries.

Packing of MEA

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is typically available in liquid form and is commonly packaged in various types of containers suitable for liquid chemicals. The packaging options for MEA can include:

Drums: MEA is often packaged in standard metal drums, such as 200-liter (55-gallon) steel drums. These drums are designed to hold liquid chemicals safely during storage and transportation.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): IBCs are large containers with capacities ranging from 500 to 1,000 liters. They are often used for bulk storage and transportation of liquids, including MEA.

ISO Tanks: For larger quantities, MEA can be transported in ISO tanks, which are specialized containers designed for the transport of liquids in bulk.

Tank Trucks: Liquid MEA can also be transported in tank trucks designed for chemical transportation. These trucks have tanks built to hold and transport liquid chemicals safely.

Totes and Containers: In addition to standard drums and IBCs, there are various types of totes and containers available for MEA packaging, especially for smaller quantities.

Delivery time and Readiness of MEA 

The delivery time and readiness of Monoethanolamine (MEA) can vary depending on several factors, including the supplier, location, quantity, and any specific requirements you may have. Typically, the delivery time for MEA can be influenced by factors such as production schedules, transportation logistics, and customs procedures.

To obtain accurate information about the delivery time and readiness of MEA, it's recommended to directly contact the supplier or manufacturer you are considering purchasing from. They can provide you with specific details about their production timelines, available quantities, and estimated delivery schedules based on your location and order requirements. It's important to communicate your needs clearly to the supplier so they can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Analysis Table of MEA

SP.GR
specific gravity at(20/20) ℃