Antifreeze Grade MEG: Monoethylene Glycol for Engine Coolant and Antifreeze
Antifreeze Grade MEG Supplier for Engine Coolant and Antifreeze Manufacturers
Antifreeze grade MEG (monoethylene glycol, 99.5% minimum) is the base fluid of most engine coolants and antifreeze. Mixed with water, it lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point: a 50/50 mix by volume protects to about −37 °C. SUHA International Trading supplies it in bulk to coolant manufacturers and distributors from Dubai and Ankara, in drums, IBCs, ISO tanks and flexitanks, with a certificate of analysis for every batch.
This guide is for antifreeze and coolant producers, automotive-fluid distributors and HVAC contractors. It explains how much MEG a coolant needs, what to check on the certificate of analysis, how MEG compares with propylene glycol and diethylene glycol, and how to order monoethylene glycol by the container.
- ProductMonoethylene glycol
- GradeAntifreeze · Fibre
- Purity99.5% min
- 50/50 mix≈ −37 °C
- PackingDrum · IBC · ISO · Flexi
- MOQ1 FCL
Why Ethylene Glycol Is the Base of Engine Coolant and Antifreeze
A cooling system needs a fluid that carries heat well, does not freeze in winter and does not boil in summer. Water carries heat best but freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C. Adding monoethylene glycol fixes both limits:
- Freeze protection: MEG lowers the freezing point of water, so engines, radiators and pipes do not crack in frost.
- Boil-over protection: MEG raises the boiling point, helped further by the pressure cap in an engine.
- Heat transfer: MEG has lower viscosity than propylene glycol, so ethylene glycol coolant transfers heat more efficiently at the same freeze point. The same property makes it the usual heat transfer fluid for HVAC and chiller loops.
- Cost: MEG is the most widely produced glycol, which makes it the lowest-cost coolant base.
MEG itself does not stop corrosion. Glycol slowly oxidises to acids, so every finished coolant contains an inhibitor package that protects aluminium, cast iron, copper, brass and solder. That package, not the glycol, decides the coolant technology and its service life. Low-impurity MEG is chosen so that the glycol does not use up the inhibitors before the coolant reaches the engine.
Ethylene Glycol and Water Mix Ratio: Coolant Freezing and Boiling Point Table
The table shows typical freezing and boiling points of MEG and water solutions at atmospheric pressure. Use it to choose the glycol concentration for your market and climate.
| MEG % by volume | Freezing point | Boiling point | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | −7.9 °C (17.8 °F) | 102 °C | Frost protection in mild climates, some HVAC loops |
| 30% | −13.7 °C (7.3 °F) | 104 °C | Chillers and HVAC loops, warm regions |
| 40% | −23.5 °C (−10.3 °F) | 104 °C | Temperate winters, ready-to-use coolant in warm markets |
| 50% | −36.8 °C (−34.2 °F) | 107 °C | Standard 50/50 ready-to-use engine coolant |
| 60% | −52.8 °C (−63 °F) | 111 °C | Severe cold climates; practical upper limit |
| 100% (neat MEG) | −12.8 °C (9 °F) | 197 °C | Not used neat: freezes earlier and transfers heat poorly |
Source: Engineering ToolBox, ethylene glycol heat-transfer fluid data. Values are typical for pure glycol and water; inhibitors shift them slightly. Boiling points are at atmospheric pressure; a pressurised engine system boils higher.
Key point for coolant makers: more glycol is not always better. Above about 60% the freezing point rises again and heat transfer falls, which is why finished coolant is sold either as concentrate for dilution or as ready-to-use 30–50% mixes.
Glycol mix calculator for antifreeze and coolant
Enter the freeze protection you need and your batch size to estimate how much MEG and water to blend.
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Interpolated from the table above; MEG weight uses a density of 1.113 kg/L at 20 °C. Inhibitor and dye volumes are not included. Confirm the final freeze point of each blend with a refractometer or by ASTM D1177.
Antifreeze Grade MEG Specification and Impurity Limits
These are the limits in our monoethylene glycol technical data sheet. The low chloride, iron and acidity values matter most to coolant producers, because these impurities consume corrosion inhibitors and attack aluminium.
| Property | Limit | Why it matters in coolant |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (MEG) | 99.8 wt.% min | Active glycol content |
| Diethylene glycol (DEG) | 0.08 wt.% max | Limited by coolant specs |
| Water | 0.08 wt.% max | Accurate blending |
| Inorganic chlorides (as Cl) | 0.05 mg/kg max | Aluminium and solder pitting |
| Iron (as Fe) | 0.1 mg/kg max | Inhibitor stability |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | 10 mg/kg max | Inhibitor reserve |
| Aldehydes (as formaldehyde) | 8 mg/kg max | Oxidation stability |
| Ash | 50 mg/kg max | Deposits and scale |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | 5 max | Clean dyeing and branding |
| Specific gravity (20/20 °C) | 1.1151–1.1156 | Quick identity check |
| Boiling range (5–95 vol%) | 196–199 °C | Purity confirmation |
Values from our MEG technical data sheet (PDF); the full sheet also lists UV transmittance for fibre use. Every shipment comes with a certificate of analysis for the batch.
How this compares: producer specifications for antifreeze grade ethylene glycol can allow as little as 95% purity and up to 5% DEG. An antifreeze grade with 99.5% minimum purity, 0.1% maximum water, 0.10% maximum DEG and colour of 10 Pt-Co maximum is also available from us as a lower-cost option, while fibre grade MEG is used mainly in polyester fibre and PET resin.
What coolant manufacturers should check on the COA (ASTM E1177)
Engine coolant grade glycol is covered in the United States by ASTM E1177, which sets types EG-1 and EG-2 for ethylene glycol. Besides purity and water, coolant makers usually check:
- Chloride and sulfate: low levels protect aluminium and solder from pitting.
- Iron, copper and other metals: trace metals can destabilise inhibitors.
- Acidity and pH: high acidity uses up the inhibitor reserve.
- Colour and clarity: important where the coolant is dyed for branding or identification.
- DEG and other glycols: limited by coolant specifications.
Send your incoming-goods specification with your enquiry and we will confirm each parameter on the offer.
From Antifreeze Grade MEG to Finished Coolant: Concentrate, Ready-Mix and Corrosion Inhibitors
Coolant concentrate
Mostly glycol with an inhibitor package, a little water and dye. Sold for dilution by the user, typically 1:1 with water. Lower freight cost per litre of protection.
Ready-to-use coolant
Pre-diluted, usually 30–50% glycol in deionised water. Convenient for workshops and consumers, and avoids errors from hard tap water.
Corrosion inhibitor technologies: IAT, OAT and HOAT
| Technology | Inhibitors | Typical service life | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAT (inorganic additive) | Silicates, phosphates, borates, nitrites | Shorter, about 2 years | Older vehicles and simple systems |
| OAT (organic acid) | Carboxylates, e.g. 2-EHA, sebacate | Long life, about 5 years | Modern cars and heavy-duty engines |
| HOAT (hybrid) | Organic acids plus some silicate or phosphate | Long life | Many European, American and Asian OEMs |
Finished coolants are commonly tested against ASTM D3306 (light-duty vehicles) and ASTM D6210 (fully formulated heavy-duty coolants), plus OEM specifications. Always dilute with deionised or distilled water: hard water forms scale, and chloride increases corrosion.
In OAT and HOAT formulations, the organic acid inhibitors are neutralised to their salts with potassium or sodium hydroxide before blending. Coolant plants that use sodium hydroxide can source liquid caustic soda or caustic soda flakes from us on the same contract as their MEG.
Why Coolant Makers Choose MEG over Propylene Glycol
| Glycol | Freeze protection | Toxicity | Main coolant use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEG (ethylene glycol) | Best per litre; ≈ −37 °C at 50% | Harmful if swallowed | Standard base for engine coolants and industrial loops |
| MPG (propylene glycol) | Slightly lower; higher viscosity | Low toxicity | Food plants, drinking-water-safe and low-tox coolants |
| DEG (diethylene glycol) | Weaker | Harmful if swallowed | Minor blend component only |
More on these glycols: diethylene glycol in antifreeze, our diethylene glycol supplier page, and triethylene glycol (TEG), which is used for natural gas dehydration rather than coolant.
Applications: Engine Coolant, HVAC Loops and Heat Transfer Fluids
Automotive coolant
Cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles, as concentrate or ready-to-use coolant.
Industrial heat transfer fluids
Process cooling, generators, compressors and ice rinks, using ethylene glycol and water mixes from the table above.
Stationary engines
Gensets, gas engines and pumps in oil and gas, mining and utilities.
Solar thermal and heat pumps
Frost protection in collector and ground loops where low toxicity is not required.
Automotive-fluid distributors
Distributors who blend and pack their own antifreeze, often alongside engine oil and screenwash, buy MEG with base oil for lubricants and methanol or ethanol for washer fluid.
Bulk Antifreeze Grade MEG: Packing, MOQ and Loading
| Packing | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steel or PE drums | Distributors and smaller blenders | Drums per container confirmed on the offer |
| IBC totes, 1,000 kg | Mid-size coolant plants | Forklift handling, easy decanting |
| ISO tank | Coolant plants with bulk storage | About 22–24 MT |
| Flexitank | Lowest cost per tonne | About 20–24 MT in a 20ft container |
- MOQ: one full container load (1 FCL, 20ft or 40ft)
- Loading: FOB Jebel Ali (UAE) or Mersin (Türkiye), CFR or CIF on request
- Documents: certificate of analysis, SDS, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin
- Storage: keep containers closed and dry; use stainless steel, aluminium or lined carbon steel tanks; avoid galvanised (zinc) surfaces
Safety: ethylene glycol is harmful if swallowed (H302) and may cause kidney damage through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed (H373). Keep it away from children and animals, store it in labelled closed containers, and follow the SDS supplied with each shipment.
Sources and Standards Used in This Guide
- Engineering ToolBox: freezing and boiling points of ethylene glycol and water solutions
- MEGlobal: monoethylene glycol technical brochure and antifreeze grade ethylene glycol specification
- ASTM E1177: engine coolant grade glycol (types EG-1, EG-2)
- ASTM D3306 and ASTM D6210: glycol-based engine coolants for light-duty and heavy-duty engines; ASTM D1177: freezing point of engine coolants
- SUHA International monoethylene glycol technical data sheet
Antifreeze grade MEG in other languages: antifriz sınıfı monoetilen glikol (Turkish), مونو إيثيلين جلايكول لمانع التجمد (Arabic), моноэтиленгликоль для антифриза (Russian), monoetilenglicol grado anticongelante (Spanish).
Your Antifreeze Grade MEG Supplier in Dubai and Ankara
SUHA International Trading supplies monoethylene glycol for antifreeze and coolant to blenders, distributors and HVAC contractors. Glycols are a core product line for us: MEG, DEG, TEG and MPG come from one desk, with one document set. Our Dubai office serves the UAE and Gulf; our Ankara office serves Türkiye and exports through Mersin. More about SUHA International
Dubai, UAE · Head office
Office 2305, Burlington Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesAnkara, Türkiye
Karşıyaka District, 749 Street, No 30, Gölbaşı, Ankara 06830, TürkiyeAntifreeze Grade MEG: Frequently Asked Questions
What is antifreeze grade MEG?
Antifreeze grade MEG is monoethylene glycol (ethylene glycol, CAS 107-21-1) made for engine coolants and heat-transfer fluids. Our antifreeze grade is 99.5% minimum purity with 0.1% maximum water, 0.10% maximum DEG and colour of 10 Pt-Co maximum. Coolant producers add water, corrosion inhibitors and dye to make finished antifreeze.
What is the difference between antifreeze grade and fibre grade MEG?
Fibre grade MEG is the highest-purity grade (99.8% minimum or higher, colour 5 Pt-Co maximum, with UV transmittance limits) and is made for polyester fibre and PET resin. The antifreeze grade (99.5% minimum) is fully suitable for coolants and heat-transfer fluids and usually costs less.
What is the best ratio of ethylene glycol to water for coolant?
A 50/50 mix by volume is the most common ready-to-use coolant and protects to about −37 °C. Lower concentrations such as 30–40% are used in mild climates and for HVAC loops; up to about 60% gives protection to around −53 °C. Concentrations above 60–70% raise the freezing point again and reduce heat transfer.
What freezing point does 50% ethylene glycol give?
A 50% by volume solution of ethylene glycol in water freezes at about −36.8 °C (−34 °F) and boils at about 107 °C at atmospheric pressure. In a pressurised engine cooling system the boiling point is higher.
Why not use 100% MEG as coolant?
Pure MEG freezes at about −13 °C, which is warmer than a 50/50 mix, and it carries heat much less effectively than water. Glycol and water work best together: the water carries heat, and the glycol lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point.
Does MEG prevent corrosion in a cooling system?
No. MEG on its own does not protect metals, and as it ages it can oxidise to acids that attack the system. Corrosion protection comes from the inhibitor package that coolant manufacturers add, using inorganic (IAT), organic acid (OAT) or hybrid (HOAT) technology.
Is ethylene glycol or propylene glycol better for coolant?
Ethylene glycol (MEG) gives better heat transfer and freeze protection per litre and costs less, so it is the standard base for engine coolants. Propylene glycol (MPG) is much less toxic and is chosen where incidental contact with food, drinking water or people is possible.
Is antifreeze grade MEG the same as finished antifreeze?
No. Antifreeze grade MEG is the raw glycol. Finished antifreeze or coolant is made by blending it with corrosion inhibitors, dye and, for ready-to-use products, deionised water. A coolant concentrate is typically mostly glycol; a ready-to-use coolant is typically 30–50% glycol.
Which standards apply to coolant made from MEG?
In the United States, ASTM E1177 covers engine coolant grade glycol (types EG-1 and EG-2 for ethylene glycol), ASTM D3306 covers glycol-based coolants for light-duty vehicles, and ASTM D6210 covers fully formulated coolants for heavy-duty engines. Many other markets reference these standards or national equivalents.
What water should be used to dilute antifreeze?
Use deionised, demineralised or distilled water. Hard tap water contains calcium and magnesium that form scale, and chloride and sulfate that increase corrosion, which shortens coolant life.
Is ethylene glycol toxic?
Yes. Ethylene glycol is harmful if swallowed and can cause serious kidney damage. Keep it away from children and animals, store it in labelled closed containers, and follow the SDS. Some markets require a bittering agent in consumer antifreeze to discourage swallowing.
What are the CAS number and HS code of MEG?
Monoethylene glycol has CAS number 107-21-1, EC number 203-473-3 and HS code 2905.31 (ethylene glycol). Countries add their own national digits to the six-digit HS code.
How is MEG for coolant packed and shipped?
We ship MEG in steel or PE drums, 1,000 kg IBC totes, ISO tanks and flexitanks, loaded at Jebel Ali (UAE) or Mersin (Türkiye). The minimum order is one full container load (1 FCL, 20ft or 40ft), and the exact load per container is confirmed on each offer.
Who supplies antifreeze grade MEG in bulk?
SUHA International Trading supplies antifreeze grade and fibre grade monoethylene glycol to coolant manufacturers, lubricant and automotive-fluid distributors and HVAC contractors, from offices in Dubai and Ankara, with a certificate of analysis for every batch.
Request a Quote for Antifreeze Grade MEG
Tell us the grade, quantity, packing, destination port and shipment month. We reply with a dated FOB, CFR or CIF quotation, the technical data sheet and the SDS.