Ethanolamine comprises three main compounds: Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), and Triethanolamine (TEA), offering a wide range of application opportunities. Triethanolamine is available in two forms: 99% pure TEA and industrial-grade TEA (containing 15% Diethanolamine). Ethanolamines combine the properties of amines and alcohols, showcasing their capabilities in reactions. Amines possess slight alkaline properties and react with acids to form salts or soaps. The chemical structure of ethanolamines is as follows:
MEA —-> H2NCH2CH2OH
DEA —-> HN(CH2CH2OH)2
TEA —-> N(CH2CH2OH)3
Ethanolamines have various applications in different sectors, including gas sweetening processes, as surfactants and emulsifiers in the formulation of specific cleaners and detergents, for the formation of amine salts and pH control, and in many other cases such as in concrete mixtures, flexible foam catalysts (polyurethane), pharmaceuticals, personal care products, chemical industries, agricultural chemicals, photographic emulsions, and many more.
Applications of Ethanolamines:
- It is used as a soap with fatty acids and as an emulsifier in many household and industrial products.
- It serves as a corrosion inhibitor for automotive antifreeze solutions and aircraft engine coolants.
- One of the most common applications of ethanolamines is as a commercial chemical for the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other various gases.
- This compound is also modified to produce other substances such as soaps, detergents, surfactants, and modified corrosion inhibitors.
- It helps neutralize fatty acids present in soaps and cosmetics.
- It acts as an emulsifier in household and commercial products.
- It plays a significant role in the production of many products that we use daily.
Overview of the Global Ethanolamine Market:
The nominal capacity for the production of various types of ethanolamines worldwide is around 2,747,000 tons per year, of which 66% is active capacity and is produced annually at a rate of 1,824,000 tons. The United States alone is the largest producer, exporter, and second-largest consumer of ethanolamines in the world. Europe and East Asia are also major producers and consumers of this substance due to high demand in their respective industries. The largest company producing ethanolamines in the world is DOW, which holds 12% of the global nominal capacity. BASF, INEOS, and Huntsman are the following companies. Interregional trade of ethanolamines with a volume of 506,000 tons per year (equivalent to 28% of consumption) indicates that this substance is highly tradable internationally. However, it is necessary to mention that the total trade between countries is likely to exceed this amount.
The production of final products such as surfactants, ethylene amines, process fluids in oil and gas refining, pesticides, cement additives, and metal plating fluids has accounted for a significant portion of ethanolamine consumption. It is predicted that the demand for this substance will reach 2,070,000 tons per year by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.2%.
