MONO ETHYLENE GLYCOL
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Mono ethylene glycol is the most important of the commercially available glycols (1,2-alkanediols). Di ethylene glycol (DEG) and tri ethylene glycol (TEG) are obtained as co-products in the manufacture of MEG from ethylene oxide. MEG is consumed predominantly in antifreeze and in polyesters (polyethylene terephthalate or PET) used for fibers, film, solid-state resins and other products.
|
Description |
Colourless liquid |
Molecular formula |
HOCH2CH2OH |
Molecular weight |
62.07 g/mol |
Boiling point |
197.3 oC, |
Melting point |
-13 oC, |
Vapor pressure |
0.06 mm Hg at 20 oC |
Solubility |
Miscible with water |
TECHNOLOGY/PROCESS/FEEDSTOCK
Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol according to the chemical equation
C2H4O + H2O ? HOCH2CH2OH
This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures.
One possible new process (although commercialization is not imminent) involves reaction of ethylene oxide with carbon dioxide to form ethylene carbonate, which is then hydrolyzed with a small amount of water to carbon dioxide and MEG.
One involves electrohydrodimerization of formaldehyde and does not need a step to concentrate the glycol. In another process, methanol and formaldehyde are converted to MEG in a reaction initiated by free radicals; however, this process is complicated by the fact that reaction with the free-radical source results in significant coproduct ketones and alcohols.
Still another process involves hydrogenation of an oxylate ester produced from an alcohol and formaldehyde-derived oxalic acid, resulting in MEG and regeneration of the alcohol. These processes are not used in existing commercial facilities.
END USE
The market breakdown of ethylene end-use is as follows.
- Polyester fiber and filament yarn
- Resins for plastic bottles and recording tape
- Coolant or antifreeze
- Deicing fluid for windshields and aircraft
- Important component of vitrification mixtures for low-temperature preservation of biological tissues and organs.
- Capacitors, as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of 1,4-dioxane
- As an additive to prevent the growth of algae in liquid cooling systems for PC's.
- Dehydrator for natural gas production.
- In laboratories to precipitate out proteins in solution.
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE
There were 72 MEG producing companies in 2007 operating 99 plants spread 31 countries. (See complete listing in Table 4.7). Of these, the top 10 producers account for close to 50% of global capacity. The top producers were Dow and Nan Ya Plastics Corp with 1.75 million tons each while Jubail United Petrochemical Co was the third largest with 1.5 million tons.
Complete data on MEG demand - supply, investments, global manufacturers, end use, global price trends, Demand-Supply is covered in the YnFx Polyester Chain Report 2008 the recent edition published by YNFX
You may also view the Table of Contents || Report Highlights || Buy Now
The report contains 150 pages packed with up-to-date statistics and objective analysis of the trends and recent development of the polyester Industry covering the entire value chain beginning from ethylene further to intermediate – PTA & MEG, down to polyester fibre and filaments. The Report presents tabulation and graphical presentation of trends in demand and supply of polyester chain country-wise from 2003 to 2007 and projections upto 2013 for both fibre and filament. Processes description, end use and derivatives along with the latest producer-wise capacity are added feature of this report.
The future projections, and country-wise demand for MEG is covered in the Polyester Chain Report by Yarnsandfibers.com. You may also get a view of Table of Contents
The report also covers Various aspects in tabular as well as graphical form as shown below
PriceWatch
YnFx PriceWatch report is a weekly report that tracks global price movements of fibers and intermediates - 23 products covered. The report covers price trends, global news, on polyester chain, nylon chain, viscose chain, acrylic chain, cotton, wool etc. The report is available online / offline on subscription at a price of Euro 850 for 12 months.You may read more details about the report: PriceWatch Section || Subscribe Now || Request for a trial access
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