Monoethanolamine, also known as MEA, is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is an organic compound that belongs to the class of ethanolamines. MEA is produced by the reaction of ammonia and ethylene oxide.
MEA is used in a variety of industries, including the production of detergents, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. In the oil and gas industry, it is used as a gas treatment agent to remove acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other gases. MEA is also used as a corrosion inhibitor and as a solvent for fatty acids, waxes, and oils.
Another significant use of MEA is as a scrubbing agent in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. In this application, MEA is used to absorb carbon dioxide from flue gases generated by power plants or other industrial processes, allowing for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere.
