he chemical used to absorb CO2 is monoethanolamine (MEA). MEA is an alkanolamine, which and absorbs CO2 very well at temperatures above 250oF. Pure MEA has a normality around 15.8, but in the Scrubber MEA is diluted to about 4.0N. MEA has a very strong ammonia-like odor, and is considered to be a hazardous material. For this reason, it is preferred to carry as little MEA onboard a submarine for health reasons. During the early years of CO2 Scrubber technology, MEA would last for less than 200 hours before degrading and becoming ineffective. Today, chelating agents, are used to prolong the life of MEA. This chelated MEA can operate for over 1000 hours before having to be replaced. This permits submarines to carry a limited amount of MEA onboard, and limits the negative health affects associated with the chemical. Today, testing is taking place to improve scrubber technology in such a way that chelating agents are no longer necessary, in order to simplify the Scrubbing process.