Methylamine Technology

Davy Process Technology’s Methylamines technology originates

in the 1960s with the Leonard Process Company of USA. We

acquired the Amine technology rights in 2000 from Acid Amine

Technologies.

We have used our considerable expertise in developing new

technologies towards the enhancement of this mature technology

with particular emphasis on improved safety, reduction of fugitive

emissions, reduction of effl uents and improved product quality

coupled with more cost effective design and reduced operating

cost (feed and energy).

Our position as the world’s leading licensor of methylamines

technology has been demonstrated by the successful commercial

operation of the latest world scale plant, demonstrating

exceptional product quality for Methylamines.

Background

MA Product Flexibility

Methylamines are primarily used as intermediates in the production of pesticides, solvents, surfactants, and rubber processing chemicals.

Methylamines are the major feedstock for the production of alkyl alkanolamines. They are also used in pharmaceuticals, explosives,

agricultural and chemical markets, and water-treatment areas.

Methyl Amines (MA) Process

Monomethylamine (MMA) Uses

Mono methylamine is a feedstock for N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP) as well as for

carbamate insecticides and surfactants. MMA is also used in the manufacture of

Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) for gas treating and for making Dimethylurea which is

used for making synthetic caffeine.

Dimethylamine (DMA) Uses

Dimethylamine is mostly used for manufacturing

Dimethylformamide (DMF) and Dimethylacetamide (DMAC)

as well as detergents such as fatty amines and Lauryl

Dimethylamine.

Trimethylamine (TMA) Uses

The major use of Trimethylamine is in the manufacture of the

animal feed supplement, Choline Chloride.

Our Amine Technology Portfolio includes:

Methyl Amines (MA) Monomethylamine (MMA)

Dimethylamine (DMA)

Trimethylamine (TMA)

Dimethylformamide (DMF) from DMA

Choline Chloride (ChCl) from TMA

N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) from MMA

We are confi dent that we can provide a professional tailor-

made Basic Engineering Package to enable a client to make a

smooth transition to Detail Engineering.

MA Process Schematic

2CH3NH

2

2MMA

2(CH3)

2NH

2DMA

(CH3)

3N + NH

3

TMA + Ammonia

(CH3)

2NH + NH

3

DMA

CH3NH

2 + (CH

3)

3N

MMA + TMA

CH3NH

2 + (CH

3)

2NH

MMA + DMA

Crude MA product is purified by firstly separation and recycle to

synthesis of excess ammonia. Extractive distillation using recycled

water produces pure anhydrous TMA, followed by water separation to

produce a water free MMA/DMA mix, which is then separated into pure

anhydrous MMA and DMA.

Methanol recovery is used to improve process efficiency and extend

catalyst life by allowing greater methanol slip from the synthesis

section.

Anhydrous MMA, DMA and TMA can be diluted with water to produce

aqueous product solutions.

Our Methylamine plants are of world scale capacity varying in size

from 8,800 to 50,000 tonnes per year of mixed methylamines.

MA Commercial Status

Davy Process Technology’s Methylamine Technology builds on an

established process that has been commercially operated for over

50 years and offers the following features:

Most extensively licensed process in the world.

Proven and reliable design produces class leader

product qualities.

Large capacities available in a single train.

Highly flexible technology allows plant to be designed to give

optimal product slates with the ability to be adjusted online to match

future requirements.

Highly efficient, high activity and low by-product catalyst.

Optimised heat integration for improved efficiency and reduced operating costs.

Low environmental impact including numerous features to prevent atmospheric emissions.

MA Process Benefits

Methylamines (MA) are produced by reacting ammonia with methanol at an elevated temperature in the presence of

a catalyst. Most of the exothermic reaction heat is used in the feed heat recovery system. A mixture of three amines is formed,

Monomethylamine (MMA), Dimethylamine (DMA) and Trimethylamine (TMA). They are separated and purified by distillation.

By adjustment of the reactor feed ratio (methanol to ammonia) and recycling excess amines, the desired final product slate of

Mono:Di:Tri methylamines can be achieved.

By-product formation and degradation of the products to light ends is

minimised by use of high quality raw material feedstock

and state-of-the-art catalyst.

A simplified set of the equilibrium chemical reactions for the formation of

mono, di and trimethylamine are shown right.

The reverse reactions of amines to form other amines occurs by a set of

Disproportionation or Transmethylation reactions as shown below:

Waste Water

SYNTHESIS DISTILLATION PRODUCT STORAGE

RecycleLights Purge

Ammonia

MethanolAqueous

AnhydrousDimethylamine

(DMA)

Trimethylamine

(TMA)

Monomethylamine

(MMA)A schematic flowsheet of our

Methylamine process.

CH3OH + NH

3

Methanol + Ammonia

CH3OH + CH

3NH

2

Methanol + MMA

CH3OH + (CH

3)

2TNH

Methanol + DMA

CH3NH

2 + H

2O

MMA + Water

(CH3)

2NH + H

2O

DMA

(CH3)

3N + H

2O

TMA

For further details please contact:

Davy Process Technology10 Eastbourne TerraceLondon W2 6LG UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7957 4120Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 3535Mail: DPT@davyprotech.com Web: www.davyprotech.com

Davy Process Technology is a Johnson Matthey company.