Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is originally a raw material for the production of polyester fibers and the textile industry and the production of polyethylene terephthalate resins used in the bottling industry. It is also used as a disinfectant in various industries and sectors. In addition to its antipyretic properties, it also has the ability to dehydrate. Ethylene glycol (EG) such as triethylene glycol (TEG) in the natural gas industry is used in the pre-process stage to remove water vapor from natural gas and is in fact one of the major uses of ethylene glycol in the gas industry. Another major use of ethylene glycol is heat transfer, for example in cars and computers or air conditioners or systems that need to be cooled to below freezing point. In addition, ethylene glycol is used to a lesser extent in the paint, cement and wax industries.

Mono Ethylene Glycol is the first of the three members of a homologous series of dihydroxyalcohols. MEG is produced in the Master Process by the direct hydration of ethylene oxide. Smaller amounts of diethylene glycol (DEG) and triethylene glycol (TEG) are co-produced in this process. In Shell, the MEG can also be produced by a catalytic conversion of Ethylene Oxide. This process is called OMEGA (Only MEG Advantage) and achieves a conversion efficiency of over 99% compared to around 90% for conventional processes.

Uses

MEG is by far the largest volume glycol product and is used in a variety of applications. MEG is typically commercially available in three grades: fibre, industrial and antifreeze. The markets for EG products are polyester fibres, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, coolants in automobile antifreeze, and resins. The excellent humectant (hygroscopicity) properties of EG products also make them ideal for use in fibers treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather and cellophane. Shell Chemicals does not sell to customers that use MEG in theatrical fogs or other artificial smoke generator applications; in the manufacture or preparation of foods or pharmaceuticals where glycol is not further reacted to produce a derivative product; or in aircraft de-icing applications.

Storage & Handling

Under the NFPA 704, mono ethylene glycol is rated as a 0 for instability, indicating that mono ethylene glycol is usually stable. Mono ethylene glycol’s vapors are heavier than air and will travel to surrounding areas. Due to its high flashpoint of 111.11°C, the chemical has a flammability rating of 1, indicating that it requires considerable preheating for ignition and combustion to occur. However, in storage, MEG should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames. If a fire was to occur, alcohol resistant foam or water spray should be used to fight fires with a focus on preventing the spillage from reaching water sources or sewers.

Applications

Resins

Antifreeze Fluids

Heat transfer fluids

Car cooling and defrosting

Blue base adhesives

Latex colors

Asphalt emulsions

Electrolytic capacitors

Textile fibers

Paper

Leather

Storage conditions

Under nitrogen blanket and at ambient temperature.

Packing

Bulk or in 220 Kg new drums, each 4 drums strapped on a pallet.

Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an odorless, colorless, clear and viscose liquid with a sweet taste, which is produced from the reaction between water and ethylene oxide. In fact, it is the co-product of ethylene glycol alongside with Triethylene glycol (TEG). It is miscible with water, alcohols, acetone, ether and has the chemical formula of C4H10O3.
In terms of chemicals properties, diethylene glycol is similar to MEG (mono ethylene glycol), but it has a higher specific gravity, viscosity and boiling point.
Production of diethylene glycol is generally based on the demand for, and production of, Monoethylene glycol (MEG) as it is a by-product of this production process. The process consists of the oxidation of ethylene at a high temperature in the presence of a silver oxide catalyst. The ethylene oxide is then hydrated to yield diethylene glycol with Monoethylene glycol and Triethylene glycol as co-products.

Uses

Diethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. DEG is used as a building block in organic synthesis, e.g. of morpholine and 1,4-dioxane. It is a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils, and other organic compounds. It is a humectant for tobacco, cork, printing ink, and glue. It is also a component in brake fluid, lubricants, wallpaper strippers, artificial fog and haze solutions, and heating/cooking fuel. In personal care products (e.g. skin cream and lotions, deodorants), DEG is often replaced by selected diethylene glycol ethers. A dilute solution of diethylene glycol can also be used as a cryoprotectant; however, ethylene glycol is much more commonly used. Most ethylene glycol antifreeze contains a few percent diethylene glycol, present as a byproduct of ethylene glycol production.

Diethylene glycol has a variety of uses in the industry. The tobacco industry makes use of its hygroscopic properties by utilizing it as a humectant in tobacco products to control the moisture of the tobacco filler. This same property also makes it useful in the treatment of paper, cork, glue, and cellophane and it is utilized as a dehydrant in the natural gas industry where it removes water from gas pipelines.

Storage conditions

Under nitrogen blanket and at ambient temperature.

Packing

Bulk or in 220 Kg new drums, each 4 drums strapped on a pallet.

Triethylene Glycol (TEG)

Triethylene Glycol (TEG) is most commonly used for natural gas dehydration to strip the water out of the gas. TEG is wildly used in applications which require higher boiling point, higher molecular weight with low volatility such as plasticizer, unsaturated polyester resin, emulsifiers, lubricants, heat transfer fluids and solvent for equipment cleaning, printing ink.

Production

Triethylene glycol is prepared commercially as a co-product of the oxidation of ethylene at high temperature, in the presence of a silver oxide catalyst.  The ethylene oxide is then hydrated to yield mono, di, tri, and tetra ethylene glycols.

It is estimated that the total world consumption of TEG is in excess of 175 metric tons annually.

Uses

Oil & Gas Industry

The main uses for tri ethylene glycol are based upon its hygroscopic quality. This means that it can absorb moisture from the air through absorption or adsorption. It is used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas pipelines where it removes the water from the gas before being condensed. Triethylene glycol can then be continually reused, although the by-product of benzene needs to be disposed of carefully. This process is useful as it prevents the gas from freezing making the gas easier to transport and manage for end consumers.

Mild Disinfectant

Triethylene glycol can also be used as a mild disinfectant. Due to its low toxicity, antimicrobial properties, and low odour, it is commonly used for air disinfection in occupied areas where more aggressive disinfectants cannot be used. Due to these disinfectant properties and the dehydrating properties, it is an ideal dehumidifying agent in air-conditioning units.

Ethyleneglycols can also be used in the formulation of printing ink, in the treatment of gases, in the formulation of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, in the formulation of cutting oils, in the formulation of surface polishers, in the formulations of agrochemicals, in the extraction of solvents, in the manufacture of pigmented pastes and putty for walls, and in the synthesis of explosives.

Benefits

Versatile intermediates

Low volatility

Low boiling point

TETRA EG is completely miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents.

Storage

Keep the material in the anhydrous state to prevent severe corrosion to the carbon steel or aluminum tank and related equipment. For longer term color stability, it is recommended that the product be stored under an inert atmosphere.

Packing

Product is available in bulk truck, flexi bag, and steel drum with epoxy phenolic coating.