Technology

Improved process for making Ethanolamines by the Reaction of Ethylene Oxide and Ammonia wherein at least a part of the excess Ammonia from the Reaction is flashed and condensed, while the remaining excess Ammonia is absorbed in Water or liquified by Compression and/or Refrigeration prior to being recycled to the Reactor. This improvement allows the size of the Ammonia Absorber and Stripper to become essentially independent of the NH₃/EO ratio as well as reduces the size of Compressors or Refrigeration Units needed or eliminates them entirely.