Methylamine Technology

Background

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 Our Amine Technology Portfolio includes:
with particular emphasis on improved safety, reduction of fugitive Methyl Amines (MA) Monomethylamine (MMA)
emissions, reduction of effluents and improved product quality Dimethylamine (DMA)
coupled with more cost effective design and reduced operating Trimethylamine (TMA)
cost (feed and energy). Dimethylformamide (DMF) from DMA
Our position as the world’s leading licensor of methylamines Choline Chloride (ChCl) from TMA
technology has been demonstrated by the successful commercial N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) from MMA
operation of the latest world scale plant, demonstrating We are confident that we can provide a professional tailor-
exceptional product quality for Methylamines. made Basic Engineering Package to enable a client to make a
smooth transition to Detail Engineering.

Methyl Amines (MA) Process

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.

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.
MA Process Schematic
SYNTHESIS DISTILLATION PRODUCT STORAGE
Recycle
Lights Purge

A schematic flowsheet of our Monomethylamine

Methylamine process. (MMA)

Dimethylamine
Anhydrous
(DMA)

Ammonia Trimethylamine
(TMA)
Aqueous
Methanol

Waste Water

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

CH3OH + NH3 CH3NH2 + H2O
minimised by use of high quality raw material feedstock Methanol + Ammonia MMA + Water
and state-of-the-art catalyst.
CH3OH + CH3NH2 (CH3)2NH + H2O
A simplified set of the equilibrium chemical reactions for the formation of Methanol + MMA DMA
mono, di and trimethylamine are shown right. CH3OH + (CH3)2TNH (CH3)3N + H2O
Methanol + DMA TMA
The reverse reactions of amines to form other amines occurs by a set of
Disproportionation or Transmethylation reactions as shown below:

2CH3NH2 (CH3)2NH + NH3 Crude MA product is purified by firstly separation and recycle to
2MMA DMA synthesis of excess ammonia. Extractive distillation using recycled
2(CH3)2NH CH3NH2 + (CH3)3N water produces pure anhydrous TMA, followed by water separation to
2DMA MMA + TMA produce a water free MMA/DMA mix, which is then separated into pure
(CH3)3N + NH3 CH3NH2 + (CH3)2NH anhydrous MMA and DMA.
TMA + Ammonia MMA + 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.

MA Commercial Status

Our Methylamine plants are of world scale capacity varying in size

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

MA Process Benefits

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.
For further details please contact:

Davy Process Technology

10 Eastbourne Terrace
London W2 6LG
UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7957 4120

Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 3535
Mail: DPT@davyprotech.com
Web: www.davyprotech.com
Davy Process Technology is a Johnson Matthey company.