Degradation of MMEA at absorber and stripper conditions

This study examines the degradation of N-methylethanolamine (MMEA) under different experimental conditions. Thermal degradation with and without CO2, and oxidative degradation are investigated. Samples of the degraded solution were taken at regular intervals and analyzed. The percentage of amine loss was determined by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) while the degradation compounds were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). MMEA degradation at absorber and stripper conditions is compared with previous work on 2-ethanolamine (MEA). Degradation mechanisms are proposed and discussed in order to understand the differences compared to MEA.