Natural-gas / syngas scrubbing
Process Role: Rapid CO₂/H₂S absorption Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Solvent strength, treated-gas target, regeneration duty
TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT INTELLIGENCE
Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Primary Alkanolamine Supply for Acid-Gas Removal, Neutralisation and Chemical Manufacturing
Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a primary alkanolamine used in acid-gas scrubbing and as a reactive intermediate in detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers and specialty chemicals. It offers fast CO₂ absorption kinetics but generally higher regeneration duty and greater degradation/corrosion management demands than MDEA in gas-treating service.
For GCC and MENA buyers, technical suitability should be confirmed before shipment. OGSCM can coordinate specification review, manufacturer documentation, packaging format, batch traceability, dangerous-goods requirements where applicable, cross-border logistics and receiving-site constraints. Product claims such as food grade, pharmaceutical grade, oilfield grade, REACH/FCC/USP compliance or OEM approval should only be used when documented for the actual offered grade.
High Adsorption Performance
Consistent Quality
Reliable Supply
Global & Regional Logistics
Trusted by industries across GCC & MENA
Mining
Water Treatment
Oil & Gas
Chemical
Power
Manufacturing
Chemistry, Manufacturing Route & Material Behaviour
MEA contains both a primary amine and hydroxyl group. In gas treating it reacts rapidly with CO₂ through carbamate chemistry and also absorbs H₂S. The fast reaction rate can support deep acid-gas removal, but stronger chemical binding increases reboiler duty during regeneration. MEA is also more susceptible than MDEA to oxidative/thermal degradation in severe service, and degradation products/heat-stable salts can drive corrosion and foaming.
Process-Engineering & Grade-Selection Considerations
- The freezing point near 10°C matters in cold logistics: drums, lines or pumps may require temperature management to maintain fluidity.
- Fresh MEA quality should be protected from atmospheric moisture and CO₂ uptake; keep containers tightly closed.
- Gas-treating solvent concentration and lean/rich loading are process-design variables, not product specifications.
- Corrosion control requires attention to temperature, acid-gas loading, oxygen ingress, heat-stable salts and degradation products.
- MEA is corrosive and transported as a Class 8 dangerous good; packaging and carrier selection must reflect UN 2491 requirements.
◎ Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | C₂H₇NO |
| CAS | 141-43-5 |
| Molar mass | 61.08 g/mol |
| Amine type | Primary alkanolamine |
| Boiling point | ≈170–171°C |
| Freezing point | ≈10°C |
| Density | ≈1.01 g/cm³ at 20–25°C |
| Water solubility | Completely miscible |
| Flash point | ≈85–96°C depending on method/source |
| Transport | UN 2491; Class 8; Packing Group III |
Values shown are reference/typical values, not a sales specification. Final acceptance must be based on the offered manufacturer grade, test method, COA and buyer specification.
Applications
Refinery gas treating
Process Role: Acid gas removal Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Corrosion/degradation management
Detergent/surfactant manufacture
Process Role: Neutralisation and intermediate chemistry Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Purity, colour, water
Emulsifiers / formulations
Process Role: Reactive intermediate and pH control Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Colour, impurities, compatibility
Chemical synthesis
Process Role: Ethanolamine derivative manufacture Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Assay and related amines
Storage, Handling, Materials Compatibility & HSE
Store in tightly closed compatible equipment protected from moisture, atmospheric CO₂ and contamination. Plan for freeze protection where ambient temperatures approach 10°C. Use corrosion-resistant transfer materials consistent with supplier guidance and provide ventilation, eyewash/shower and corrosive-chemical PPE. Transport under the applicable UN 2491 requirements.
HSE control principle
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
HSE control principle
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
RFQ Specification Checklist
- Required purity/grade
- Maximum water and related amines
- Colour specification
- Gas-treating or chemical-manufacturing end use
- Cold-weather delivery/storage constraints
- Packaging: drum, IBC or bulk
- UN 2491 transport documentation plus COA/SDS
Quality Control, COA Parameters & Test Methods
A technically meaningful RFQ should define the key quality parameters that influence MEA performance in the intended process. Typical COA requirements include MEA assay, water content, colour, density, related amines (DEA/TEA), iron/metals, and amine value, measured using suitable methods such as GC, titration, Karl Fischer analysis, APHA/Pt-Co colour measurement, ASTM D4052, supplier methods, and ICP where required.
These parameters are used to verify primary purity, product strength, quality stability, reaction/process control, contamination levels, corrosion risk, and functional assay performance. Final testing requirements should be aligned with the producer specification, customer requirements, and intended application.
Why Choose OGSCM?
Application-Driven Solutions
We match the right grade to your process needs.
Reliable Supply Chain
On-time delivery with strong regional & global logistics.
Quality You Can Trust
Strict quality control and batch consistency.
Expert Support
Technical & commercial support throughout your procurement journey.
Regional Presence
Serving industries across GCC and MENA with local expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
MEA reacts much faster with CO₂ but usually requires more regeneration energy. MDEA is slower for CO₂ and can be used for selective H₂S removal.
Its freezing point is around 10°C, so cold climates can cause crystallisation/solidification and transfer problems.
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