MDEA meaning in oil and gas

Methyldiethanolamine

MDEA is a clear hygroscopic liquid with an ammoniacal odour. It belongs to a class of organic compounds known as alkanolamines (compounds carrying hydroxy and amino functional groups on an alkane backbone). Alkanolamines absorb acidic gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) at low temperatures and high pressures and releases the gases at high temperatures and low pressures. MDEA therefore finds widespread use as an absorbent in removing CO2 and H2S from gas streams.