Mono Ethylene Glycol-MEG

What is MEG?

Mono ethylene glycol, also referred to as MEG or ethylene glycol, is a versatile organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2. It’s a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste and syrupy consistency .

physical and chemical properties of Mono Ethylene Glycol

Physical Properties

• State: Liquid at room temperature
• Color: Colorless
• Odor: Odorless
• Appearance: Clear, syrupy liquid
• Melting point: -12.9 °C (10.8 °F)
• Boiling point: 197 °C (386 °F)
• Density: 1.113 g/cm³
• Viscosity: 0.0016 Pa·s (at 20 °C)
• Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, aldehydes, and most other organic compounds. Slightly soluble in hydrocarbons.

Chemical Properties

• Chemical formula: C2H6O2
• IUPAC name: Ethane-1,2-diol
• Flammability: Flammable with a flash point of 111 °C (232 °F)
• Toxicity: Toxic if ingested. Can cause kidney failure and death.

Various grades of MEG

Industrial Grade: This is the most basic and least pure grade of MEG. It is used in various industrial applications where high purity is not critical, such as in the production of resins, films, and some heat transfer fluids.

Polyester Grade: This grade of MEG has a higher level of purity than industrial grade and is used in the production of polyester fibers and PET resins.

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze Grade: This grade is specifically formulated for use in automotive antifreeze and coolants. It meets the standards set by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for freezing point depression, corrosion protection, and stability.

Pharmceutical Grade: This is the highest purity grade of MEG and is used in various pharmaceutical applications, such as antifreeze in some medications and as a chemical intermediate in the production of other pharmaceuticals.

Electronic Grade: This is a high-purity grade used in the electronics industry, particularly for manufacturing capacitors and other electronic components. It has very low levels of impurities that could affect the electrical conductivity of the components.

Application and uses Mono Ethylene Glycol

Here’s a breakdown of its key applications across various industries:

Antifreeze and Coolant: This is the most common use of MEG. When mixed with water, it lowers the freezing point of the solution and raises the boiling point. This makes it ideal for use in car radiators and other cooling systems, preventing freezing in cold weather and overheating in hot weather.

Polyester Production: MEG is a crucial raw material for producing polyester fibers, which are used extensively in textiles, clothing, carpets, and other applications.

Deicing Fluids: Due to its freezing point depression properties, MEG is also a component in deicing fluids used on airplanes and windshields to remove ice and snow.

Heat Transfer Fluids: Because of their high boiling point and good heat transfer capabilities, MEG is used in heat transfer fluids for industrial processes. These fluids circulate through machinery and equipment, absorbing heat and transferring it to cooling systems.

Solvents: Monoethylene glycol is a miscible solvent, meaning it can dissolve a wide variety of other substances. This makes it useful in various industrial applications, such as paints, inks, dyes, and personal care products.

Other Applications:

Pharmaceutical Industry: High-purity MEG can be used as an antifreeze component in some medications or as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical production.
Natural Gas Processing: MEG can help remove water vapor from natural gas pipelines to prevent the formation of hydrates that can block the flow of gas.
Construction Industry: MEG can be used as a glycol dehydrating agent to prevent wood rot and fungus growth, particularly useful for preserving wood used in exhibitions or museums.

PRODUCTION PROCESS Mono Ethylene Glycol

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) production follows a two-stage process:

Ethylene Oxide (EO) Production: Ethylene and oxygen react to form EO via epoxidation. This stage involves separation techniques to purify EO.

EO Hydration to MEG: Purified EO reacts with water to produce MEG, along with byproducts. The MEG solution undergoes concentration, dehydration, and rectification to achieve the desired purity.

MEG production is efficient through heat integration strategies that reuse heat from exothermic reactions. The process can have variations depending on technology and MEG grade requirements.

SAFETY TIPS Mono Ethylene Glycol

Here are key safety tips for handling MEG:

Wear PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing are essential.
Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to avoid inhaling vapors.
Avoid Contact: Minimize skin contact and never ingest MEG.
Store Safely: Keep MEG in labeled containers, in cool, dry, ventilated areas, out of reach of children and pets.
Spill Response: Wear PPE, contain spills, absorb with suitable material, and dispose of waste properly.

Packing

Mono ethylene glycol (MEG) comes in various sizes and formats for different needs. Here’s a quick rundown:

Drums: Plastic or steel drums (up to 220 liters) are ideal for smaller volumes and industrial use.
IBCs: Intermediate Bulk Containers (1000-1800 liters) offer a good option for medium volumes with easier handling due to built-in pallets.
Bulk Containers: Large-scale transportation uses tank trucks, rail cars, or ISO tanks for maximum efficiency.

The best choice depends on quantity, transport mode (road/rail/sea), storage facilities, and regulations.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF MEG

Characteristics	Unit	Specifications
Appearance	—	Clear Colourless
MEG Content	Wt % min	99.9
DEG Content	Wt % min	0.04
Specific Gravity	@20/20 Deg C	1.1151-1.1156
Water	Wt. % max	0.04
Colour (before heating)	Pt-Co Units Max.	5
Acidity (as acetic acid)	Wt.ppm Max.	10
Chlorides (as CL)	Wt.ppm Max.	0.1
Sulphates	—	Nil
Iron	Wt.ppm Max.	0.1
Ash	Wt.ppm Max.	10
Aldehydes (as ormaldehyde)	Wt.ppm Max.	10