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Ethylene Alcohol | Hypodicarbonous acid | Ethylene Glycol
| HS Code | 29053100 |
|---|---|
| Deliver Terms | FCA, FOB, CIF, CFR, CPT Based on customer’s inquiry |
| Min Order | 20 MT / 1 × 20 ft FCL |
| Packaging | BULK (shipped in special polyethylene tanker) Packing into IBC barrels |
| Origin | Iran |
Mono ethylene 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. Mono ethylene Glycol is widely used in production of polyester resins; also, Mono ethylene glycol is commonly used in many chemical products such as antifreeze and refrigerants. This product prevents car engines from freezing in the cold season and from getting hot in the hot season. This compound is also used as a heat transfer fluid in industrial compressor gas coolers, ventilation systems, and ice-skating rinks.
MEG is colorless, odorless, and toxic with a sweet taste.
MEG is produced from ethylene via ethylene oxide, which in turn is hydrated by using either a thermal or catalytic production process.
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 Mono ethylene 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.
APAC region has established a leading position in the global mono-ethylene glycol market, with its dominating share of 45% among other regions, as of 2018. The ethylene glycol market in Asia is rising due to increasing demand for PET resins and polyester fibers in packaging and textile industries. According to the International Trade Centre, $14.8 billion value ethylene glycol got imported in 2018, worldwide. China alone holds for a ruling share of 61.2% in the world ethylene glycol imports and has topped with a value of $9 billion among other importers for the year 2018. The increase in the necessity for ethylene glycol in APAC countries, especially in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand are boosting the APAC mono-ethylene glycol market demand.
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.
Production Method:
It is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide (EO). In this process, glycol is produced as a result of successive reactions. Firstly, ethylene oxide is produced with ethylene chlorohydrin. However, direct oxidation method, which is more practical, predominates the production of mono ethylene glycol.
In the manufacturing process, ethylene oxide (EO) is produced by oxidizing ethylene with oxygen (O) or air with silver oxide (Ag2O3) as the catalyst. Crude Ethylene Glycol is produced by hydrolysis of ethylene oxide (EO) with water under pressure.
The reaction is as shown below:
C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH
The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. The water-glycol mixture formed in this process is sent to the evaporation units where the water is recovered and converted. In the production process, fractional distillation is carried out under vacuum. At this stage of production, diethylene glycol and tri ethylene glycol are separated. Some manufacturers have developed processes in the production of mono ethylene glycol that enable production of products with higher purity, and eliminates some intermediate processes. It is stated that in this production reaction, by-products and the installation of handling equipment is eliminated.
Mono ethylene 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, Mono ethylene 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.
Ethylene glycol is also used in the manufacture of some vaccines, but it is not itself present in these injections. It is used as a minor (1–2%) ingredient in shoe polish and also in some inks and dyes.
Ethylene glycol has seen some use as a rot and fungal treatment for wood, both as a preventative and a treatment after the fact. It has been used in a few cases to treat partially rotted wooden objects to be displayed in museums.
Ethylene glycol may also be one of the minor ingredients in screen cleaning solutions, along with the main ingredient isopropyl alcohol.
These applications are vital to the manufacture of a wide variety of products, including:
Prevalence of MEG in PET Application:
MEG is a primary raw material, which is gaining traction from making polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin makers, among others which include fibers, films, and antifreeze & coolant industrial players. Owing to its durability and hydrophobic features, this raw material is highly preferred for manufacturing PET films & polyester fibers. Consequently, PET application of mono-ethylene glycol will be growing at the fastest CAGR of 5.6% through to 2025. Additionally, PET is the most important engineering thermoplastic material, and the polymer is widely used in various recycled plastics, such as grocery bags, plastic bottles, gas cylinders, space blankets, and others. Presently, MEG is broadly accepted polyester, particularly in fabric, packaging, engineering, electronics, and biomedical industries. Moreover, mono-ethylene glycol is extensively used in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, especially to make plastic bottles for soft drinks and packaging films. Thus, PET products are preferred as they are energy-saving, cost-efficient, and recyclable.
For instance, in 2017, Braskem, a Brazil-based company, and Haldor Topsoe, a Denmark-based company announced to sign an agreement. It is aimed for the development of MEG from sugar instead of using traditional fossil fuels at a new plant which is located in Denmark. This new solution not only decreases the investment costs but also boosts the productivity level as well. Thus, this approach is getting attention, which is supporting the goal regarding the large-scale renewable MEG production. Furthermore, the MEG plant has become the most important step towards improving the sustainability of PET plastic packaging coupled with reduced carbon emissions. Subsequently, this partnership that targeted for the development of renewable MEG has been reflecting as a significant advancement in competitiveness for Green PET. On the other hand, it is also increasing the MEG market demand in the respective regions.
Antifreeze:
As mentioned, one of the most important uses of mono ethylene glycol is its use in the production of antifreeze. MEG is used as an antifreeze and coolant in car radiators due to its low melting and boiling point. This combination also protects the engine from corrosion and moderates the engine heat. Also, in systems that use water as a coolant, ethylene glycol and its family such as propylene glycol are used in situations where it is necessary to prevent water freezing.
Uses:
Ethylene glycol (MEG) is primarily used in antifreeze formulations (50%) and as a raw material in the manufacture of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
End uses for MEG range from clothing and other textiles, through packaging to kitchenware, engine coolants and antifreeze. Polyester and fleece fabrics, upholstery, carpets and pillows, as well as light and sturdy polyethylene terephthalate drink and food containers originate from ethylene glycol.
The humectant (water attracting) properties of MEG products also make them ideal for use in fibres treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather and cellophane.
Industry uses
A primary industry use of mono ethylene glycol is in antifreeze applications where it is a component in the manufacture of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft ani-icer and de-icers due to its ability to depress the freezing temperature of water.
It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and cooling systems such as in vehicles and air-conditioning units as it acts as a coolant and heat transfer agent.
There is strong global demand for MEG in the plastic industry as it is a vital ingredient in the production of polyester fibres, films, and resins, one of which is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
PET is then converted into plastic bottles which are used globally. It is estimated that 70-80% of all the MEG consumed is used as a chemical intermediate in these polyester production processes.
MEG is also used as a solvent in paints and electrolytic condensers, as a desiccant in gas pipelines to prohibit the formation of clathrates, as a chemical intermediate in the production of capacitors, as an industrial humectant in fibres, adhesives, cellophane, synthetic waxes.
It is also found in other industrial products such as plasticizers, processing aids, adhesives, additives and surface treating agents.
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 Mono ethylene 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.
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