Triethylene Glycol Product Description

Triethylene glycol (TEG) is a high-performance glycol widely used as a dehydrating agent, solvent, and chemical intermediate across multiple industries. With molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₄ and CAS number 112-27-6, this straight-chain triol (HOCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH) is a clear, colorless, and nearly odorless liquid at room temperature. Its hygroscopic nature and high thermal stability make it ideal for moisture control, industrial processing, and chemical synthesis.

TEG is primarily produced via ethylene oxide polymerization, alongside monoethylene glycol (MEG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), ensuring a high-purity industrial-grade supply suitable for natural gas dehydration, air conditioning, resin production, and chemical formulations.

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Physical and Chemical Properties of Triethylene Glycol

Triethylene glycol combines high chemical stability, hygroscopicity, and practical usability. Key physical and chemical properties include:

• Appearance: Clear, water-white liquid.

• Odor: Virtually odorless.

• Density/Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.124 g/cm³.

• Boiling Point: 285°C, suitable for high-temperature processes.

• Freezing Point: -8°C, ensuring stability in low-temperature applications.

• Viscosity (20°C): 52 mPa·s, providing higher viscosity than DEG.

• Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and common organic solvents.

• pH (100% solution): 6.5–7.5, mildly neutral.

• Flash Point (closed cup): 160°C, improving safety in flammable-adjacent processes.

• Chemical Stability: Low volatility, long-term storage stable, and resistant to hydrolysis.

These properties make TEG ideal for industrial dehydrants, high-boiling solvents, and chemical intermediates, ensuring consistent performance across applications.

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Applications and Uses of Triethylene Glycol

Triethylene glycol is a multifunctional chemical used across diverse industries due to its hygroscopicity, high boiling point, and solvency. Detailed applications include:

• Natural Gas Dehydration: TEG is widely used in gas processing to remove water vapor from natural gas streams. Its hygroscopic nature prevents hydrate formation, pipeline blockages, and corrosion, ensuring safe and efficient transport of gas over long distances.

• Air and Gas Drying: TEG removes moisture from compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen, and other industrial gases. Drying gases improves equipment longevity, reduces contamination, and ensures consistent industrial performance.

• Chemical Intermediate for Resins and Plasticizers: TEG reacts to form polyester resins, polyurethane intermediates, and plasticizers. These polymers are used in construction materials, flexible foams, coatings, and adhesives.

• Humectant in Personal Care Products: TEG functions as a moisture-retaining agent in lotions, creams, and personal care formulations. Its use enhances product stability, texture, and shelf life.

• Solvent in Paints, Coatings, and Inks: TEG improves resin solubility, viscosity control, and coating uniformity, making it ideal for industrial coatings, ink production, and protective paints.

• Industrial Coolants and Antifreeze: Blended with MEG or DEG, TEG provides thermal stability in HVAC systems, refrigeration, and industrial process cooling.

• Deicing Fluids: TEG reduces freezing points in aviation fluids, runway deicers, and airport operations, evaporating cleanly to ensure efficient, safe winter performance.

• Lubricants and Adhesives: TEG stabilizes synthetic lubricants, adhesives, and sealants, improving flow properties, adhesion, and performance under pressure.

With these applications, TEG is not just a chemical—it’s an enabler of industrial efficiency, helping businesses reduce downtime and increase product quality.

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Handling, Storage, and Transportation of Triethylene Glycol

Safe handling and storage of TEG are crucial due to potential health hazards if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Key recommendations:

• Handling Precautions: Use nitrile gloves, goggles, and respirators in ventilated areas. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Wash thoroughly after exposure.

• Storage Recommendations: Store TEG in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool (15–25°C), dry, and well-ventilated environment. Protect from strong acids, oxidizers, and moisture, ensuring long-term stability.

• Transportation Protocols: Classified as non-hazardous (UN 3082) for marine eco-risks. Ship in clean, dry tanks or drums, secured against leaks and vibration. Load up to 23 tons per 20-foot container following IMO regulations.

These procedures minimize risk, maintain product integrity, and ensure smooth global supply.

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Packing Details and Container Loading for Triethylene Glycol

Triethylene glycol can be supplied in various formats suitable for bulk, intermediate, and smaller-scale industrial needs:

• Bulk Shipments: ISO tank containers or seagoing vessels carrying 22–23 tons per 20-foot container. Tanks may be heated to manage viscosity during transport.

• Intermediate Volumes: Road tankers or 1,000 L IBCs (20 units per 20-foot container, ~20 tons). Flexitanks are also suitable for mid-scale shipments.

• Smaller/Custom Solutions: 220 kg HDPE or steel drums (80–90 units per 20-foot container, ~17.6–19.8 tons) for trials or regional deliveries.

Accurate packing ensures compliance with shipping regulations, product stability, and optimized logistics for global distribution.

Technical Datasheet of Triethylene Glycol (TEG)