Applications of Ethanolamine in Industrial Manufacturing

As a leading manufacturer of ethanolamine, we deliver products directly into complex industrial operations, enabling downstream producers to meet strict sector requirements for performance, quality, and regulatory compliance. Below, we outline how ethanolamine integrates into four principal application scenarios, spanning widely recognized sectors where this material serves as a core formulation component.

1. Gas Sweetening for Natural Gas Processing

Natural gas processors rely on ethanolamine as a key absorbent agent for removing acidic contaminants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from raw gas streams. Precise dose control not only ensures achievement of environmental discharge standards but also optimizes sorption efficiency and solvent regeneration cycles within large-scale amine treatment units.

Industry compliance standards

• U.S. EPA Clean Air Act (CAA) – Sulfur Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide Emission Limits
• API Standard 941 – Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants
• ISO 13623:2017 – Petroleum and natural gas industries – Pipeline transportation systems
• EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) for gas treatment

Typical usage ratio

• 15–30% w/w aqueous solution for selective acid gas removal; actual concentration adjusted according to feed gas composition and regeneration cycle requirements

Downstream process integration

• Continuous circulation in amine contactor towers, followed by regeneration of spent solvent via reboiler and recycle

Final product types

• Treated sales gas (pipeline natural gas)
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) feedstocks
• Recovered sulfur products from acid gas treatment

2. Surfactant Intermediate Production for Detergents

Formulators of industrial and household detergents use ethanolamine as a fundamental building block to synthesize anionic and non-ionic surfactants, enabling critical cleaning, emulsification, and foaming functionalities. Its reactive amine and hydroxyl groups participate in targeted neutralization and condensation reactions, directly shaping surfactant molecular structures for reliable formulation performance under diverse washing conditions.

Industry compliance standards

• EU REACH Regulation for chemical safety
• U.S. EPA Safer Choice Standard for Safer Chemicals in cleaning products
• GB/T 26396 – Surfactant – General technical requirements (China)
• IEC 60456 – Measurement of cleaning performance for household detergents

Typical usage ratio

• 2–8% by weight in surfactant synthesis reaction mass; specific concentration set by target surfactant’s hydrophilic/lipophilic balance and downstream blending schema

Downstream process integration

• Charged in initial reaction vessels for sulfonation or ethoxylation following strict stoichiometry, then downstream blending and formulation adjustments

Final product types

• Liquid laundry detergents
• Automatic dishwashing liquids and powders
• Industrial degreasers and hard surface cleaners

3. Herbicide and Agrochemical Formulations

Agrichemical manufacturers incorporate ethanolamine when neutralizing specific acid-based herbicides such as glyphosate, producing stable amine salt forms that ensure high water solubility and improved foliar uptake. Ingredient selection and additive ratios directly affect product shelf life, effectiveness under varying pH conditions, and compatibility with tank-mix partners in real-world field application.

Industry compliance standards

• FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS)
• U.S. EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 180 – Tolerances and Exemptions for Pesticide Chemical Residues
• EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 – Placing of Plant Protection Products on the Market
• ISO 1750 – International names for pesticide active ingredients

Typical usage ratio

• 1–3 mol equivalents per acid equivalent of glyphosate or MCPA active ingredient, corresponding to 10–20% w/w in concentrated herbicide formulations, depending on required solubility and salt stability

Downstream process integration

• Direct neutralization and salt formation stage, followed by microfiltration and formulation into bulk liquid or granular delivery systems

Final product types

• Glyphosate ethanolamine salt herbicide concentrate
• Selective broadleaf weed control agents
• Tank-mix compatible liquid herbicide formulations

4. Cement Grinding Aid Production

In cement production lines, ethanolamine functions as an additive in grinding aid formulations. By modifying particle surface charges and minimizing agglomeration, it enhances grinding efficiency during clinker milling. Effective application depends on precise control of additive feed points, in-line mixing protocols, and downstream storage conditions to maintain product quality and prevent process buildup.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 197-1:2011 – Cement – Composition, specifications and conformity criteria
• ASTM C465 – Standard Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements
• ISO 9001:2015 QMS for cement additive manufacturing control
• Chinese GB 8076 – Additives for concrete

Typical usage ratio

• 0.02–0.1% by weight of cement clinker; dosage adjusted based on cement fineness target and ambient humidity at milling stage

Downstream process integration

• Continuous dosing via calibrated metering pumps into conveyor belts or mill feed hoppers at the raw grinding stage

Final product types

• Portland cement
• Composite cements with mineral additives
• Ready-mix or bagged cement for construction sector

5. Ethanolamine-Based Corrosion Inhibitors in Industrial Water Treatment

Operators of power plants, district heating systems, and closed-loop industrial coolers employ ethanolamine-based blends as part of multi-component corrosion inhibitor packages. Its buffering capacity and ability to form protective films with metal ions protect system infrastructures from scaling, pitting, and acid gas attack. Strict additive traceability and monitoring assure ongoing system integrity and environmental permit compliance.

Industry compliance standards

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code – Section VI (Recommended Practices for the Care of Power Boilers)
• ASTM D3945 – Measurement of corrosion in aqueous systems
• EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) for water treatment applications
• Chinese GB/T 50050 – Water treatment for industrial circulation cooling systems

Typical usage ratio

• 5–50 ppm in closed loop or boiler water; actual dosing set based on water chemistry, system volume, and continuous monitoring of residual concentration

Downstream process integration

• Continuous or batch injection into make-up water at feedwater tank or pump intake; real-time adjustment via online monitoring sensors

Final product types

• Power plant boiler water treatment packages
• Corrosion inhibitor concentrates for HVAC and process cooling lines
• District heating circuit anti-corrosion blends