METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF ETHANOLAMINES Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: industrial organic synthesis. SUBSTANCE: ethanolamines are prepared by interaction of ethylene oxide with stoichiometric excess of anhydrous ammonia. When ammonia/ethylene oxide/monoethanolamine ratio is reached (20-30):1:1.5, major amount of ammonia is distilled off reaction mixture and the rest of ammonia is consecutively removed by vaporization at 140-165 C and pressure 14-16 atm, desorption at 160-165 C and pressure 2-4 atm, and, finally, absorption by monoethanolamine, resulting absorbate being then recycled into synthesis stage. Mono-, di-, and triethanolamine are recovered by known techniques. In addition, process flowsheet involving removal of ammonia at pressure 2-4 atm and its absorption with monoethanolamine enable recycle of ammonia in liquid phase requiring no compression equipment or special cooling agents and reduce3 ammonia content in final mixture not exceeding 0.1%. EFFECT: simplified process and reduced production cost. 2 cl, 1 dwg, 1 tbl, 12 ex