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.

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Mono Ethanol Amine (MEA) chemical
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

Natural-gas / syngas scrubbing

Process Role:
Rapid CO₂/H₂S absorption
Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters:
Solvent strength, treated-gas target, regeneration duty

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.

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

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