Triethylene Glycol (TEG)

Specification

Alternative (Trade) Names TEG
HS Code 29094900
Physical and Chemical Properties
Viscosity Appx. 47.8 cP
Melting Point Appx. -7 Celsius Degrees
Condition at 1 atm pressure and 25 Celsius degree Liquid
Density (at 68 Fahrenheit Degrees) Appx. 1.12
Boiling Point Appx. 285 Celsius Degrees
Solubility in water Soluble
Solubility in oil Insoluble
Molar Mass 150.174 grams per mole
Flash point Appx. 165 Celsius Degrees

Description

Triethylene Glycol, also known as TEG, is a colorless liquid alcohol with chemical formula of C6H14O4. TEG, is the third member of the dihydric alcohol series and is produced alongside Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) as a by-product of the direct hydration reaction of ethylene oxide.

TEG is odorless and non-flammable. This product has a high viscosity and boiling point and is also soluble in water. TEG is preferably used in cases that require a higher boiling point and lower volatility than Diethylene Glycol. Triethylene Glycol is soluble in acetone, ethanol, acetic acid, glycerin, and aldehydes. It is slightly soluble in diethyl ether, and insoluble in oils and most hydrocarbons. Triethylene Glycol is considered slightly toxic but non-hazardous.

TEAM is supplier of Triethylene Glycol (TEG), you can request price quote to receive customized technical and financial proposal.

TEG Markets in the World

The consumption of TEG is driven by the size of a countries industry and therefore countries such as China, India and Russia are some of the highest consuming countries of TEG in the world. Given that Russia is one of the biggest gas producers in the world, it is has now become one of the new consumers of Ethylene Glycols. New gas fields in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran also indicate that TEG consumption is high.
In addition to these companies, many regional and domestic manufacturers in the markets of countries such as China, India, South Korea and other countries are currently trying to gain a role in the sale market of Triethylene Glycol. Iran is also one of the producers of Triethylene Glycol which has succeeded in producing TEG 99% high purity. For supplying Triethylene Glycol Iran contact TEAM chemicals via get contact number and get a quote form, we remain available to provide more information.

Supply Triethylene Glycol From TEAM

TEAM has been actively supplying Triethylene Glycol from Iran to numerous industries and has competitive pricing. Our TEG 99% has been supplied to Iraq and neighboring countries; references are available upon request. We have a standard quality control system in place and can arrange for international inspection with the help of inspection companies such as SGS.

Triethylene Glycol Pricing

The price of Triethylene 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, TEG 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 Triethylene Glycol

TEG is a common and ideal chemical intermediate for the synthesis of other chemicals. Having lower vapor pressure and lower viscosity, TEG has great benefits compared to the other Glycols.

Disadvantages

It is recommended to be extremely careful when working with TEG. Please refer to TEAM MSDS for further details on TEG hazards.

Structural Formula

Triethylene Glycol or TEG has 6 carbon atoms in its structure, alongside 4 oxygen atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms. The structural formula of TEG is illustrated below:

Triethylene Glycol Structural Formula
Figure 1- structural formula of Triethylene Glycol (TEG)

Applications

Triethylene Gycol Applications

Triethylene Gycol is widely used in various industries for different applications due to its specific properties. A brief of its applications is provided for a glance:
  • Oil and Gas Industry
TEG is used in the petrochemical industry as an extraction solvent. Refineries use Triethylene Glycol to dehydrate natural gas, CO2, H2S and other oxygenated gases. This process prevents physical damage, corrosion and freezing of the pipelines. Natural gas dehydration accounts for more than half of Triethylene Glycol consumption.
  • Household and industrial cleaners
Having natural antimicrobial properties as well as low odor and toxicity, TEG is an excellent choice to be used in air disinfectants and other household products. TEG is also proven to be effective against some types of microbes such as influenza type A.
  • Textile
Triethylene Glycol is commonly used as a dye in the textile industry.
  • Cosmetic Products
Chemical companies use TEG for production of cosmetics, conditioners, shampoos and etc.
  • Production of Other Chemicals
Triethylene Glycol is used as a raw material in the production of many industrial and commercial products such as solvents, adhesives, lubricants, emulsifiers and thermoplastics. TEG is used for producing other products such as antifreeze, automotive equips, construction equipment, leather products, fuel, greases, automotive safety glass, and office windows. In general, this substance is used as the best chemical intermediate for the synthesis of chemicals.
  • Production of Resins
TEG is utilized as a reactant in the production of polyester resins, which is used in the production of various textile materials, packaging, car bodies and electrical items.
  • Solvent Applications
TEG is a very good solvent and is used in various fields such as detergents, printing inks, solvent inks.
  • Plasticizing Applications
Triethylene Glycol is a common plasticizer that improves the flexibility of vinyl polymers.
  • Bactericide
Triethylene Glycol is used as a mild disinfectant against a variety of bacteria organisms. Having low toxicity and low odor, it is an ideal product to disinfect the air in small spaces.
  • Heat Transfer Fluids
TEG is industrial chemical for High-temperature applications such as geothermal plants, petrochemical reactors, hot fluid transferring pipelines, and solar systems which require efficient heat-transferring fluids. For more details, please refer to Triethylene glycol (TEG) as Heat Transfer Fluids article.

Production Method

TEG is commercially produced from the oxidation of ethylene at high temperatures in the presence of a silver oxide catalyst. TEG is actually a by-product in the mentioned process but nonetheless a very important chemical. After hydration of ethylene oxide, Glycol is formed from Ethylene Glycol as three various products (Monoethylene Glycol, Diethylene Glycol and Triethylene Glycol). These compounds are formed by heating Glycol and ethylene. Triethylene Glycol (TEG)

Safety tips

Storage Condition

TEG is a stable and non-corrosive chemical with a high flash point. If the material is stored in high temperatures, the glycols will decompose; therefore, controlling the temperature of the storage environment is highly required. Gas production during the decomposition of this compound will cause high pressure in closed systems. The storage of this particular compound should be a cool, dry place. It is usually recommended that the ambient temperature not exceed 49 ° C. The storage room of this material must be well ventilated. Barrels and storage tanks for Triethylene glycol should be kept away from moisture and flammable sources. The storage containers of this material are usually aluminum. In such storage conditions, TEG can be stored for two years. TEG must be kept away from strong acids, strong oxidants and strong bases. Storing TEG near medicines, beverages and food sources is not advised.