[PSUBS-MAILIST] Re: Monoethanolamine (scrubber)

[Nathanael Henderson <jude@pconline.com>]

On Thu, 8 Mar 2001, Eliezer Rodriguez wrote:

> I was investigating about the different co2 absorbers available, when my 
> cousin who used to be in the navy told me that on submarines, CO2 is removed 
> with a chemical scrubber, called monoethanolamine(MEA). MEA is supplied in 
> liquid form, although it may be a solid dissolved in water. When cold, MEA 
> takes in CO2, when heated, MEA gives up the CO2. Once used the CO2 is pumped 
> overboard. Does anyone has heard about this process?

     Interesting....   Quick check with a lab company gives a price of
$370 for 18 liters, quite a bit more per liter for smaller ammounts.  The
catalog says 'restricted'...I assume that means it's considered hazardous
materials for shipping, etc. This could be a very interesting item for
long-term submersion vessels (or even just to save a little bit of money
on consumeables for heavily used subs.)    The catch is the stuff looks
like it's a little unpleasent to work with...MSDS describes it as having
an ammonia like smell, and being a strong corrosive.   A liquid scrubber
system would be more difficult to build and maintain as well, but the idea
of a scrubber you can just throw in the oven to regenerate has it's
appeal.  :-)



'Than  (Advocate of bad ideas.)
Surf the probability curve.