Formula
C
2H
6O
2Description
Monoethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol) is a colorless, virtually odorless and slightly viscous liquid. It is miscible with water, alcohols, aldehydes and many organic compounds. MEG will not dissolve rubber, cellulose acetate or heavy vegetable and petroleum oils. MEG has a low volatility and it is 50% more hygroscopic than glycerol at room temperature.
Properties
| Parameter | Unit | Quantity |
|---|
| Molecular weight | g/mol | 62.08 |
| Boiling point | °C | 197 |
| Freezing point | °C | -13 |
| Viscosity | cp (at 20°C) | 20 |
| Specific heat | at 0°C
(cal/gm/°C) | 0.543 |
| CAS number | 107-21-1 |
| IUPAC name | Ethane-1,2-diol |
Specifications
MEG Drum or Truck Shipment
| Parameter | Unit | Quantity | Test Method |
|---|
| Purity | wt % | 99.9 min. | ASTM E-2409 |
| Appearance | visual | clear | ASTM E-2680 |
| Specific gravity | at 20°C/20°C | 1.1153-1.1156 | ASTM D-4052 |
| Water | wt % | 0.2 max. | ASTM D-1064 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | wt % | 0.002 max. | ASTM D-1613 |
| Color | APHA | 10 max. | ASTM D-1209 |
| Iron (Fe) | ppm, wt | 0.5 max. | ASTM E-394 |
| Chloride | ppm, wt | 0.5 max. | ASTM E-2469 |
| Ash | wt % | 0.01 max. | ASTM D-482 |
MEG Bulk shipment, Fiber grade
| Parameter | Unit | Quantity / Description | |
|---|
| Purity | wt % | 99.9 min. | ASTM E-2409 |
| Appearance | visual | clear | ASTM E-2680 |
| Specific gravity | at 20°C/20°C | 1.1153-1.1156 | ASTM D-4052 |
| Distillation range | °C (at 760 mmHg) | 196 - 199 | ASTM D-1078 |
| Water | wt % | 0.05 max. | ASTM E-1064 |
| DEG Content | wt % | 0.05 max. | ASTM D-2409 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | wt % | 0.001 max. | ASTM D-1613 |
| Color | APHA | 5 max. | ASTM D-1209 |
| Iron (Fe) | ppm, wt | 0.10 max. | ASTM E-394 |
| UN Transmittance: | - | - | - |
| Wave length % 220 | nm | 70 min. | ASTM E-2193 |
| Wave length % 275 | nm | 90 min. | ASTM E-2193 |
| Wave length % 350 | nm | 98 min. | ASTM E-2193 |
| Aldehyde (as acetaldehyde) | ppm, wt | 10 max. | ASTM E-2313 |
| Chloride | ppm, wt | 0.5 max. | ASTM E-2469 |
| Ash | wt % | 0.001 max. | ASTM D-482 |
| PH | at 20°C | 6.5-7.5 | ASTM D-1287 |
Hazards and safety
MEG is not considered to be a health hazard when handled under normal industry conditions. It has a relatively low degree of acute and chronic oral toxicity and the average fatal dose is 100 ml for adults. It is only slightly irritating to the eyes and skin.
| Parameter | Unit | Quantity |
|---|
| UN or ID NO. | | 1142 |
Applications
MEG is mainly used in the production of polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and antifreeze solutions. It is an important dehydrating agent, good humectant and an industrial solvent.
Storage and handling
MEG is stored and shipped in stainless steel tanks (or in ordinary steel drums/tanks with epoxy resin coating) to avoid iron contamination. Where contamination by iron is desirable, metal in contact with the glycol should be aluminum or stainless steel (type 304/316). If contamination by halides is undesirable, the packing of the valves and the gaskets should be made of asbestos or other halide-free materials. Also, an inert gas (nitrogen) blanketing should be maintained to avoid oxygen contact which is a main course of U.V. deterioration.
MEG is loaded after thorough cleaning and drying of tanks and nitrogen purging to ensure that it remains chloride, iron, and ash-free. Shipments are made in tanks, tankers of varying capacities and in lined steel drums (220 liters). Precautionary labeling: “Ethylene Glycol. For Industrial Use Only. Harmful or Fatal if Swallowed”.