Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Deliver Terms: FCA, FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP, DDU, DDP Based on customer’s inquiry

Customization: Customized logo, Graphic customization, Customized packaging

Packaging: 230 kg drums and/or in IBCs

Min Order: 20 Tons

HS Code: 29053100
Appearance: Liquid, transparent and colorless
Odor: Odorless
Water Solubility: Soluble
Acidity: None
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in equal proportions in aliphatic alcohols, glycol ether and acetone
Specific Gravity Relative to Water: 1.12 at 20 ° C
Molar Mass: 62.07 g / mol.
Boiling Point: 198 ° C
Melting Point: -13 degrees Celsius
Self-Ignition Temperature: 398 ° C
Flash Point in the Presence of Flame: 111 ° C

More Information: TDS

Description

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is one of the most common organic compounds, also known as 1 and 2-ethane diol, ethylene alcohol, 1 and 2-dihydroxyethane and hydro-carbonic acid. MEG is the simplest form of Glycols with chemical formula of C2H6O2. Monoethylene Glycol is widely used in production of polyester resins; It is also a major component of antifreeze formulations. MEG is colorless, odorless, and toxic with a sweet taste.

MEG Markets in the World

Asia has a significant share in the production of the global MEG market, as the countries of this region are major producers of fiber & textiles which require Polyester and Polyethylene terephthalate. China, India and Taiwan are the leading producers of MEG among other Asian and Pacific countries.

Iran is also one of the producers that has succeeded in producing MEG 99% high purity. According to an article published in Global Market Insight, Market size of Monoethylene Glycol estimated at USD 25 billion in 2016 and it will grow at a CAGR of more than 6% from 2017 to end of 2024. Demands for MEG is strongly affected by its usage value in textile factories, bottle manufacturers, antifreeze manufacturers and chemical factories.

Supply Monoethylene Glycol from TEAM

TEAM has been actively supplying Monoethylene Glycol to numerous industries and has competitive pricing. Our MEG 99% has been supplied to neighboring countries; references are available upon request. TEAM is also supplier and distributor of other Glycols such as Diethylene Glycol, Triethylene Glycol and Drilling Glycol.

We have a standard quality control system in place and can arrange for international inspection with the help of inspection companies such as SGS.

Monoethylene Glycol Pricing

13 Pricing The price of Monoethylene Glycol may vary depending on its purity and delivery method. Please contact TEAM sales department through our contact numbers, in order to register a purchase order or pre-purchase consultation.

Packaging

Due to the fact that this compound is liquid at normal temperature, MEG chemical compound is supplied in 230 kg drums and/or in IBCs (intermediate bulk containers). Tanks and barrels for storage of this material are made of metal or polyethylene as corrosion resistance is required.

Advantages of Monoethylene Glycol

Exceptional properties of MEG made it one of the main raw materials of various industrial processes. Some of the advantage of MEG is summarized in the following:

  • The structure of MEG is very similar to water and makes it easy to mix with water. In other words, MEG can be mixed with water without any requirement of special emulsifiers or any other compounds.
  • MEG has a low freezing point and a high boiling point, which is used in many industrial applications such as coolant and anti-freezing usages
  • MEG is widely available.
  • Monoethylene glycol has a lower price compared to other glycols.
  • MEG has a high thermal stability.
  • In antifreeze industry, MEG is much more economical than propylene glycol, as a lower percentage of MEG compared to Propylene Glycol is required to reach the same freezing point in water. Furthermore, one of the other advantages of using MEG in antifreeze is its better heat transfer properties than other chemical compounds.

Disadvantages

It is recommended to be extremely careful when working with MEG as it is highly flammable. In case of antifreeze leakage, fire incidents may occur in the vehicles. Reaction of Monoethylene Glycol vapors with air can result in explodes at temperatures above the flash point. Please refer to TEAM MSDS for further details on TEG hazards.

Structural Formula

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is an organic compound that contains two hydroxyl groups (OH). The structural formula of MEG is illustrated below:

Figure 1- structural formula of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Applications

Textile
Textile
Plastic
Plastic
Cosmetics
Cosmetics
Foods and Beverages
Foods and Beverages
Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas

Monoethylene Glycol Applications

Monoethylene Glycol is primarily the raw material for the production of polyester fibers, polymer resins, textile industry, plastics industry, cosmetics industry and the production of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) used in the beverage bottling industry.

MEG is utilized in the production of vehicles’ antifreeze agents, cooling equipment and aircraft antifreeze. It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and cooling systems such as vehicles and air conditioning units, as it acts as a cooling and heat transfer agent.

In addition, Monoethylene Glycol is reported to be used in synthesizing some carbonyl organic compounds. In gas industry, it is utilized as a dehydrating compound to remove water molecules from natural gas. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of MEG makes it ideal for use in the purification of fiber, paper, glue, leather, printing ink and cellophane.

Production Method

Monoethylene Glycol is produced using an intermediate called Ethylene Oxide. During this process, Ethylene Oxide reacts with water to produce MEG based on the following reaction:

C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH

The mentioned chemical reaction can take place in environments with different pHs. More specifically, this reaction may occur in the presence of acidic or alkaline catalysts or in neutral acidity at high temperatures; while the highest yield of ethylene glycol occurs at acidic or neutral pH in the presence of large amounts of water. The major by-products of Ethylene glycol are Diethylene Glycol oligomers, Triethylene Glycol and Tetraethylene Glycol.

On the other hand, another method for producing Monoethylene Glycol has been introduced by Chinese in recent years. This new method of producing MEG, utilizes gas synthesis which is produced from coal. In this process, firstly, carbon monoxide (isolated from gas synthesis) is produced by oxidation reaction with Methyl Nitrite, Dimethyl Oxalate, and then converted to MEG. Methanol is recycled in the process to be used to produce more Methyl Nitrite. The only raw material for the production of MEG is synthesis gas and water.

History of Material

A French chemist, Charles Wertz, was the first man who succeeded in producing Monoethylene glycol in 1859. Then, United States produced MEG semi-commercially in 1917 using ethylene chloride. Following that, first large commercial unit for MEG production was established in 1925 in Charleston, USA. By 1929, the compound was widely used by almost all dynamite manufacturers, leading to its licensing in 1953. (Reference: http://www.globalchemicalprice.com/usefulsingle/1016 )

Monoethylene glycol meg

Safety tips

Storage Condition

MEG must be stored in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation. MEG must be kept away from acids, bases and strong oxidizing agents, heat and combustion sources; as MEG is very incompatible with mentioned materials. Furthermore, this toxic product should not be stored near medicines, beverages or food.

It is recommended to store Monoethylene Glycol at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. If the material is stored in high temperatures, the Glycols will decompose; therefore, controlling the temperature of the storage environment is highly required.

Wearing suitable mask and gloves when working with MEG is highly recommended.

For more information please refer to MEG Material Safety Datasheet.

Comments

2 Responses

    1. About your first question, the answer is yes. MEG can be used in many metalworking applications.
      About your second question, as there are many types of fluids/oils that are used in metalworking, we recommend requesting a sample and making sure about the compatibility of your base fluid with MEG.

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