Oil, Gas & Mining / Solution Family

Gas Treating Amines (MEA/DEA/MDEA)

Alkanolamines for acid gas removal u2014 MEA, DEA, and MDEA, plus piperazine as an MDEA activator u2014 for natural gas sweetening and COu2082 capture service.

Overview

Gas treating amines are alkanolamines that chemically absorb acid gases u2014 hydrogennsulfide and carbon dioxide u2014 from a gas stream, then release them when the rich solvent isnregenerated with heat. They split into two working classes: fast-reacting primary andnsecondary amines (MEA, DEA) that pull both Hu2082S and COu2082 hard, and tertiary MDEA, which favorsnHu2082S and lets some COu2082 slip. Pick the class by what the gas specification requires, not by habit.

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Monoethanolamine runs at lower concentrations, near 15-20 wt%, and carries high acid-gasncapacity with fast kinetics, which suits bulk COu2082 and Hu2082S removal. The cost is honest: MEAnneeds more regeneration energy and degrades faster than the tertiary amines, so reclaiming andncorrosion control matter. Diethanolamine sits between MEA and MDEA on reactivity and is commonnin refinery service. Specify MEA or DEA where you must strip COu2082 to a tight limit.

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Methyldiethanolamine is the selective choice. It absorbs Hu2082S quickly but COu2082 slowly, runs atn40-50 wt%, and regenerates with less heat than MEA. When a unit needs both selectivity and fasternCOu2082 pickup, formulators add piperazine as an activator, which speeds COu2082 absorption without losingnthe energy advantage. Dose piperazine to the COu2082 duty, not the Hu2082S duty.

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Where it's used
  • Natural gas sweetening u2014 Hu2082S and COu2082 removal to pipeline sales-gas specification
  • Refinery and syngas acid gas removal units
  • Selective Hu2082S removal where COu2082 slip is acceptable (tail-gas, Claus feed enrichment)
  • Post-combustion COu2082 capture solvent systems
  • Make-up dosing and reclaiming of existing amine treating units
Frequently asked questions
What gas treating amines does RawSource supply?
RawSource sources the alkanolamines used for acid gas removal: monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) for high-capacity Hu2082S and COu2082 removal, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) for selective Hu2082S removal, and piperazine as an MDEA activator. Each is supplied with CAS, role, and bulk packaging options.
What is the difference between MEA, DEA, and MDEA?
MEA is a primary amine with fast kinetics and high acid-gas capacity, but it needs more regeneration energy and degrades faster. DEA is a secondary amine of intermediate reactivity used widely in refineries. MDEA is a tertiary amine that absorbs Hu2082S quickly and COu2082 slowly, which makes it the selective choice and lowers regeneration energy.
Why add piperazine to an MDEA solvent?
MDEA absorbs COu2082 slowly. Piperazine acts as an activator that speeds COu2082 absorption while keeping MDEA's lower regeneration-energy advantage, so the blend can hit both Hu2082S and COu2082 targets. Dose piperazine to the COu2082 duty of the unit.
Does RawSource supply gas treating amines in bulk?
Yes. MEA, DEA, MDEA, and piperazine are sourced at bulk scale u2014 drum, tote, ISO tank, and bulk options u2014 with SDS, TDS, and COA documentation. Submit a spec or volume for a bulk RFQ.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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