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Monoethanolamine (MEA) Chemical Compatibility

Storing Monoethanolamine? Start Here

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a versatile chemical used primarily in gas treatment processes to remove CO₂ and H₂S. It's also found in concrete admixtures, detergents, and cosmetics. If you're considering storing MEA, choosing the right tank is crucial to avoid costly replacements and ensure long-term reliability. MEA is typically used in concentrations ranging from 20% to 50% for gas treatment, with neat industrial-grade at 85% or higher for other applications.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

For storing MEA, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) tanks are suitable for solutions up to 50% concentration. However, for neat MEA or higher concentrations, 316L stainless steel or a fluoropolymer-lined tank is recommended to prevent corrosion and ensure safety.

Key Issue: Material Compatibility

MEA can be corrosive, especially to aluminum and copper alloys, which should be strictly avoided. For any MEA handling system, including tanks and piping, use 316L stainless steel or fluoropolymer linings to prevent material degradation and ensure safe storage.

The safety that actually matters

  • Avoid using aluminum or copper alloys at any concentration.
  • Ensure tanks are made from compatible materials like 316L stainless steel or XLPE for lower concentrations.
  • Regularly inspect tanks for signs of corrosion or wear.

Common questions

Can I use a regular steel tank for MEA?
Only for lean-amine service. Rich-amine service requires 316L stainless steel or a lined tank to avoid stress corrosion cracking.
What happens if MEA freezes?
MEA solidifies below 51°F. Ensure storage conditions prevent freezing to maintain liquid form.
Do I need special gaskets for storing MEA?
Yes, match gaskets to the manufacturer's chemical compatibility chart to ensure safety and longevity.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) Chemical Compatibility storage tanks from OneSource

For monoethanolamine (mea) chemical compatibility storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:

Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.

Flammable solvent? Think recovery, containment, and grounding.

Flammable and volatile solvents add recovery, vapor, and ignition-control questions on top of material choice. Guides from our fabrication team:

Explore: Solvent Recovery  ·  Double Wall Tanks  ·  Chemical Compatibility

Sources & References

All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.

  1. PubChem Compound Database — entry for Monoethanolamine (CID 700, CAS 141-43-5). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
  2. Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
  3. Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
  4. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
  5. UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
  6. ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
  7. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Monoethanolamine. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

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