Triethylene glycol

what is Triethylene glycol?

Triethylene glycol (TEG), also known as triglycol, is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It is a hygroscopic liquid, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.

Properties of TEG

Physical state: Colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Odorless, with a slightly sweet scent possible at high vapor concentrations
Solubility: Miscible with water and many other polar liquids, but not with non-polar liquids like benzene, toluene, and gasoline.
Boiling point: 286.5 °C (at standard atmospheric pressure)
Freezing point: −7 °C
Density: Denser than water
Chemical properties: Stable liquid, hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air)

Various grades of TEG

Triethylene glycol (TEG) doesn’t have a standardized grading system like some materials. However, commercially available TEG can vary slightly in purity depending on its intended application. The main difference lies in the minimum purity level:

Industrial Grade TEG:

This is the most common type, typically exceeding 99.5% purity. It’s used in various industrial applications like heat transfer fluids, brake fluids, and air sanitizers.

Technical Grade TEG:

This grade boasts a slightly higher purity than industrial grade, usually exceeding 99.7% minimum purity. It’s used in applications requiring a greater level of purity, like some chemical intermediates or plasticizers.

For specific research purposes or lab use, TEG can be further purified to even higher levels, but these aren’t considered standard grades.

Application and uses

Heat Transfer Fluids: TEG’s high boiling point and ability to mix with water make it a valuable component in heat transfer fluids. These fluids are used in various industrial processes to transport heat efficiently.

Brake Fluids and Hydraulic Fluids:

In brake fluids and hydraulic fluids, TEG acts as a lubricant and antifreeze. Its low freezing point prevents the fluid from solidifying at low temperatures, ensuring proper system function.

Plasticizer:

TEG can be used as a plasticizer in vinyl polymers, making them more flexible and less prone to cracking. This is particularly useful in applications like hoses, wires, and other products requiring flexibility.

Air Sanitizer:

When aerosolized, TEG exhibits disinfectant properties, killing bacteria and viruses. However, due to potential health concerns, its use in air sanitizers might be limited or regulated in some regions.

Chemical Intermediate:

TEG serves as a base material for producing other chemicals. These can include various resins, lubricants, and other industrial products.

Other Applications:

TEG may also be used in desiccant solutions (drying agents), natural gas dehydration processes, and some personal care products (limited use due to potential skin irritation).

PRODUCTION PROCESS

1. Ethylene oxide creation from ethylene gas and oxygen.
2. Ethoxylation to lengthen the carbon chain and introduce hydroxyl groups, using ethylene oxide and water/ethylene glycol. The number of ethoxylation steps determines the final chain length (number of ethylene glycol units).
3. Purification to separate TEG from a mixture of glycols using techniques like distillation.
4. Quality control to ensure the TEG meets specifications.

Safety tips

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing when handling TEG.

Skin Contact: Minimize skin contact with TEG. If contact occurs, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

Eye Contact: In case of eye contact, flush eyes immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Avoid inhaling TEG vapors. If significant inhalation occurs, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary.

Ingestion: triethylene glycol ingestion can be harmful. Do not ingest triethylene glycol , and in case of accidental ingestion, call poison control or seek medical attention immediately.

Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where triethylene glycol is handled to minimize airborne concentrations.

Storage: Store TEG in properly labeled, sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.

packing

Small volumes (less than 25 liters): Chemical-resistant plastic bottles made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are typically used for small volumes of TEG. HDPE is a durable and lightweight plastic that offers good resistance to triethylene glycol and other chemicals. Choose bottles with a capacity appropriate for your needs and always check for compatibility with the specific type of TEG you’re using.

Large volumes (more than 25 liters): For larger volumes of triethylene glycol, bulk storage tanks or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), also known as totes, are common options. Bulk storage tanks are usually stationary containers used for industrial applications and often have capacities exceeding 1000 liters. IBCs are portable containers typically ranging from 450 to 1000 liters and are suitable for transporting or storing large volumes of TEG. They are often made of metal or strong plastic with a protective outer cage and a dispensing valve.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

TEST	UNIT	METHOD	RESULTS
Tri Ethylene Glycol Purity (teg) (100- Impurities)	Wt.%	100-Impuries	99.8
Sum (DEG & T.TEG)	Wt.%	SMS-2886	0.14+0.04
Water content	Wt.%	ASTM E-4176	0.02
Color (Pt-Co)	Pt-co	ASTM D-1209	11
Specific Gravity @ 20/20 C	–	ASTM D4052	1.126
Distillation Range (5% vol)	C	ASTM D1078	284.6
Distillation Range (95% vol)	C	ASTM D1078	288.2
Ash	mg/kg	ASTM D-482	13
Appearance	–	ASTM D-4176	C.C.L