Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is a vital chemical compound that finds numerous applications in various industries. It is an organic compound with the molecular formula C2H6O2 and is also known as ethylene glycol or simply glycol. MEG is classified as a diol, as it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which contribute to its unique properties.

Here are some key aspects of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG):

Physical Properties: MEG is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It is completely miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it a versatile compound for various industrial applications.

Production: MEG is primarily produced through the ethylene oxide hydration process, where ethylene oxide reacts with water in the presence of a catalyst to yield monoethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. The main source of ethylene oxide is the petrochemical industry, where it is derived from ethylene, obtained from natural gas or crude oil.

The difference between MEG (Monoethylene Glycol) Virgin and Recycled lies in their sources and purity:

MEG Virgin (also known as MEG Prime or MEG Pure): This is the original and pure form of monoethylene glycol produced through the ethylene oxide hydration process from petrochemical sources. The feedstock for MEG Virgin is typically derived from ethylene obtained from natural gas or crude oil. It is subjected to rigorous quality control processes to ensure high purity and meets the required specifications for various applications. MEG Virgin is commonly used in industries where strict quality and performance standards are essential, such as in the production of food-grade packaging, pharmaceuticals, and certain industrial applications.

MEG Recycled (also known as Recycled MEG or Recycled Glycol): MEG Recycled is obtained by reclaiming and purifying monoethylene glycol from various waste sources. These waste sources can include used antifreeze (ethylene glycol-based coolant) from automotive cooling systems, industrial process streams, and other glycol-containing waste streams. The recycling process involves purification steps to remove contaminants and impurities, making the recycled MEG suitable for certain applications. However, the quality of MEG Recycled may vary depending on the source and the effectiveness of the recycling process. Due to potential impurities, it may not be suitable for high-end applications, but it can find use in less demanding industrial applications or non-food grade applications.

⇒In summary, MEG Virgin is the original, high-purity form of monoethylene glycol produced from petrochemical sources, while MEG Recycled is obtained by reclaiming and purifying MEG from various waste sources, which may have varying levels of purity and suitability for different applications. The choice between MEG Virgin and Recycled depends on the specific application requirements, environmental considerations, and cost factors.

Antifreeze and Coolant: One of the most well-known applications of MEG is as an antifreeze agent in automotive cooling systems and heat transfer fluids. It lowers the freezing point of water, preventing the engine's cooling system from freezing in cold temperatures and also raises the boiling point, helping to avoid overheating.
Polyester Resins: MEG is a crucial component in the production of polyester resins and fibers. When combined with terephthalic acid, it forms polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used plastic for manufacturing bottles, containers, and packaging materials.
Chemical Intermediates: MEG serves as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of various compounds, including antifreeze agents, resins, plasticizers, and solvents.
Hygroscopic Properties: MEG has hygroscopic properties, meaning it has the ability to absorb and hold water molecules. Due to this characteristic, MEG is used in products such as de-icing fluids, which prevent ice buildup on aircraft.
Gas Dehydration: MEG is employed in natural gas processing facilities to remove water content from natural gas, preventing issues such as hydrate formation and pipeline corrosion
Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications: MEG is used in certain medical and pharmaceutical formulations as a solvent and preservative. However, it should be noted that MEG is toxic if ingested and can cause severe health issues, so proper handling and precautions are essential.
Chemical Solvent: MEG is a useful solvent for various substances, including dyes, inks, and paint formulations

Characteristic	Test Method	Unit	Value
PURITY	ASTM E – 202	WT. %	99.8 MIN.
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL	ASTM E – 202	WT. %	0.08 MAX.
WATER CONTENT	ASTM E – 203	WT. %	0.08 MAX.
ACIDITY AS ACETIC ACID	ASTM D – 1613	WT. PPM	10 MAX.
ASH	DC – 254A	gr/100m	MAX. 0.005
CHLORIDES	EO – 635	WT. PPM	0.1 MAX.
IRON	ASTM E – 202	WT. PPM	0.1 MAX.
ALDEHYDE AS ACETALDEHYDE	DC – 163C	WT. PPM	10 MAX.
COLOR Pt-Co	ASTM D – 1209	Pt – Co	5 MAX
SP. GR (20/20 °C)	ASTM D – 891	–	1.1151 – 1.1156
DISTILLATION @ 760 MM-Hg
IBP	ASTM D – 1078	°C	196 MIN.
DP	ASTM D –1078	°C	199 MAX.
5-95 VOL % RANGE	ASTM D–1078	°C	1 MAX.
UV TRANSMITTANCE
AT 220 nm	EO –577A	T %	70 MIN.
AT 275 nm	EO –577A	T %	95 MIN.
AT 350 nm	EO –577A	T %	99 MIN.