Oxygen and temperature effect on formation of degradation compounds from MEA

Liquid phase degradation of MEA and the formation of 8 degradation compounds were studied at 4 different oxygen concentrations and three different temperatures. Liquid phase total nitrogen was determined and compared with quantified remaining MEA and degradation compounds. The first order rate constant for MEA degradation was determined and found to increase with both oxygen concentration and temperature. Temperature and oxygen dependence of the degradation compounds were complex. In particular the behaviour at 6% oxygen level was interesting. The end sample liquid phase nitrogen balance is almost closed at 6% O₂. The nitrogen accounted for decreases with increasing temperature.