Monoethylene Glycol
What is MEG ?
MEG stands for "Monoethylene Glycol." It is a colourless, odourless, and slightly viscous liquid that belongs to the family of ethylene glycols. MEG is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2 and a molecular weight of 62.07 g/mol.
Monoethylene glycol is widely used in various industries due to its valuable properties, such as:
Hygroscopic Nature: MEG is hygroscopic, meaning it has the ability to attract and absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This property makes it suitable for use in products where moisture control is essential.
Antifreeze Properties: MEG is commonly used as an antifreeze agent in applications like automobile radiators, HVAC systems, and winterizing fluids, as it helps prevent the formation of ice and protects against freezing in cold temperatures.
Chemical Intermediate: MEG serves as a chemical intermediate in the production of various products, including polyester resins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), antifreeze agents, and heat transfer fluids.
Solvent: MEG is a versatile solvent and is used in different formulations of paints, dyes, inks, and industrial cleaners.
Dehydration Agent: In the natural gas industry, MEG is utilized as a dehydration agent to remove water from natural gas and other gases, making it suitable for pipeline transportation.
Humectant: MEG is used as a humectant in personal care products like skin creams, lotions, and shampoos to retain moisture and prevent drying.
Chemical Reactant: MEG participates in various chemical reactions and serves as a building block for the synthesis of other chemicals.
History of MEG
The history of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) dates back to the mid-19th century when it was first synthesised and discovered. Here are some key milestones in the history of MEG:
Early Discoveries: The synthesis of ethylene glycol and its derivatives, including MEG, can be traced back to the early work of French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz in the 1850s. Wurtz is credited with the initial synthesis of ethylene glycol through the reaction of ethylene oxide with water.
Commercial Production: The commercial production of ethylene glycol, including MEG, began in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, large-scale production of MEG started, primarily driven by its use as an antifreeze agent for automobiles.
Antifreeze Applications: In the 1920s and 1930s, MEG gained significant popularity as an antifreeze agent for automotive cooling systems. Its ability to lower the freezing point of water and prevent engine damage in cold weather conditions made it a crucial component in antifreeze formulations.
PET Development: In the 1940s, researchers found that by reacting ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid, a new polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) could be produced. PET became a versatile plastic used in various applications, including beverage bottles and packaging.
Expansion of Uses: As the chemical industry grew, the applications of MEG expanded. It found uses as a solvent in different industries, a dehydrating agent in natural gas processing, a humectant in personal care products, and a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals.
Industrial Growth: In the second half of the 20th century, with advancements in technology and industrial processes, the production of MEG increased significantly. Major chemical companies worldwide started producing MEG on a large scale to meet the growing demand from various industries.
Modern Applications: In the modern era, MEG continues to be widely used in a diverse range of applications. Its role in the production of PET for plastic bottles and packaging remains one of its most significant applications.
Usages of MEG
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of the most common usages of MEG include:
Antifreeze Agent: One of the primary uses of MEG is as an antifreeze agent in automotive cooling systems, HVAC systems, and winterizing fluids. It helps prevent the formation of ice and protects against freezing, ensuring that the systems can operate in cold temperatures without damage.
PET Production: MEG is a crucial component in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used to make plastic bottles, containers, and packaging materials for beverages, food, and various consumer products.
Solvent: MEG serves as a solvent in various applications, including paints, dyes, inks, and industrial cleaners. Its solubility properties make it an effective medium for dissolving and dispersing other substances.
Dehydration Agent: In the natural gas industry, MEG is used as a dehydration agent to remove water from natural gas and other gases during the transportation and processing of gas.
Humectant: MEG is commonly used in personal care products like skin creams, lotions, and shampoos as a humectant to help retain moisture, prevent drying, and provide hydration to the skin and hair.
Chemical Intermediate: MEG serves as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals and compounds, making it an essential chemical intermediate in the production of a wide range of products.
Heat Transfer Fluid: Due to its high boiling point and excellent thermal properties, MEG is utilised as a heat transfer fluid in various industrial processes and equipment, such as heating and cooling systems.
Hygroscopic Agent: MEG's hygroscopic nature makes it suitable for applications where moisture control is crucial, such as in the production of certain plastics, adhesives, and coatings.
Textile Industry: MEG is used as a softening agent in the textile industry to improve the texture and flexibility of fibers and fabrics.
Corrosion Inhibitor: MEG is employed as a corrosion inhibitor in various industrial processes to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and rust.
Packing of MEG
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is typically packed and transported in various types of containers and packaging materials to ensure safe handling and storage. The packaging of MEG depends on its intended use, volume, and mode of transportation. Here are some common methods of packing MEG:
Drums: MEG is commonly packed in steel drums or plastic drums. The standard size of these drums is usually 55 gallons (approximately 208 liters). Drums are suitable for smaller quantities of MEG and are easy to handle and transport.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): For larger quantities, MEG may be packed in IBCs, which are large containers with capacities ranging from 275 gallons (about 1,041 liters) to 330 gallons (about 1,249 liters). IBCs are designed for bulk transport and storage and are often used in industrial settings.
Tank Trucks and Railcars: When large volumes of MEG are required, it can be transported in tank trucks or railcars. These vehicles have specialized containers with high capacities to transport large quantities of liquids safely.
Iso Tanks: Isotanks are large, cylindrical containers designed for intermodal transport. They can hold a substantial amount of MEG and are used for international shipping and long-distance transportation.
Flexitanks: Flexitanks are flexible containers made of multiple layers of polyethylene, which can hold up to 24,000 liters of liquid. They are commonly used for the transportation of liquids, including MEG, via sea or land, as they provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional shipping containers.
Delivery time and Readiness of MEG
The delivery time and readiness of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) can vary depending on several factors, including the supplier, location, quantity ordered, and the current market conditions. Here are some factors that can affect the delivery time and readiness of MEG:
Supplier Location: The distance between the supplier's location and the delivery destination can impact the delivery time. Suppliers closer to the delivery location may offer shorter delivery times compared to those located farther away.
Production Capacity: The production capacity of the MEG manufacturer can influence the readiness of the product. Suppliers with larger production capacities may have a more readily available supply of MEG.
Inventory Levels: The supplier's inventory levels can also affect the readiness of MEG. Suppliers with higher inventory levels are more likely to have the product readily available for immediate delivery.
Demand and Order Volume: High demand or large order volumes may lead to longer delivery times, especially if the supplier needs to produce or procure additional quantities of MEG to fulfill the order.
Shipping and Logistics: The availability of transportation and logistics services can impact the delivery time. Delays in shipping or customs clearance can extend the overall delivery time.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, accidents, or production issues, can cause disruptions in the supply chain and affect the availability and delivery time of MEG.
Analysis Table of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)
| Parameter | Test Metod | Limit | Result |
| Appearance | Visual Inspection | Colorless clear liquid |
Colorless clear liquid |
| Purity,%WT | ASTM E202 | Min.97 | 98.58 |
| Glycol(DEG+TEG).%wt | ASTM E202 | Max.0.5 | 0.16 DEG |
| Water,%wt | ASTM E203 | Max.0.5 | 0.15 |
| Acidity as Acetic Acid,ppm,wt | ASTM D1613 | Max.10 | 8.5 |
| SP.Gr.at 20/20 C | ASTM D891 | 1,1151-1.1156 | 1.1154 |
| color,Pt | ASTM D1209 | Max.5 | <5 |
| Distillation range at 760mmHg, 5%-95% vol I.B.P C |
ASTM D1078 ASTM D1078 |
Min.196 Max.199 |
197 |