Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (DEG)
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an organic compound with the molecular formula (HOCH2CH2)2O. It is a colorless, practically odorless, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. DEG is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol. It is widely used in various industrial applications due to its versatile properties.
Here are some key points about Diethylene Glycol:
Use as a Solvent: DEG serves as a solvent in the production of industrial resins. It is utilized in the manufacturing of unsaturated polyester resins, polyol, polyurethane, and plasticizers.
Applications in Various Industries: DEG has diverse applications, including use in the tobacco industry as a humectant, treatment of paper, cork, glue, and cellophane, and as a dehydrating agent in the natural gas industry.
Chemical Intermediate: It is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, plasticizers, acrylate and methacrylate resins, and urethanes.
Toxicity: DEG has associated health hazards, and exposure should be managed carefully. Ingestion or inhalation of DEG can lead to serious complications, and appropriate safety measures should be followed.
Storage and Transportation: DEG can be stored in stainless steel, aluminum, or lined drums, tank cars, or tank trucks. It is not regulated for transport on road, rail, air, or sea, but it is classified as harmful and is harmful if swallowed.
Environmental Impact: Used drums containing DEG residue can pose environmental challenges, and regulations in some countries govern the importation of bitumen in new steel drums to address environmental concerns.
Overall, DEG plays a crucial role in various industrial processes, but its handling and use require careful attention to safety and environmental considerations.
APPLICATION OF DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (DEG)
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) serves a multifaceted role across various industries. It acts as a dehydrating agent for natural gas, a pivotal raw material for the synthesis of plasticizers and polyester resins. In addition, it functions as a humectant, textile lubricant, and coupling agent. Its versatility extends to being a solvent in textile dyeing and printing, a component of hydraulic fluids, and a plasticizer for materials such as paper, cork, and synthetic sponges. Moreover, it plays a vital role as a solvent in printing inks and serves as a foundational raw material for producing esters utilized as emulsifiers, demulsifiers, and lubricants. Notably, it acts as a selective solvent for aromatics in the petroleum refining process.
Examples of Applications: Diethylene Glycol finds prominent applications as a crucial feedstock in the manufacturing processes of unsaturated polyester resins, polyols, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. Its significance as a solvent in industrial resin production underscores its role in various sectors. Polyester resins, derived from DEG, play a key role in textile products such as sportswear, carpets, and upholstery. Additionally, specialized fibers produced using DEG contribute to the automotive industry (e.g., seatbelts, airbags) and sectors like construction and transport (ropes, tarpaulins).
PRODUCTION PROCESS OF DEG
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is typically produced in conjunction with monoethylene glycol, serving as a valuable by-product in the production process. The production begins with the oxidation of ethylene at elevated temperatures, facilitated by a silver oxide catalyst. Subsequently, ethylene oxide undergoes hydration, resulting in the formation of diethylene glycol, along with co-products such as monoethylene glycol and triethylene glycol. While the primary focus of the chemical industry is to optimize monoethylene glycol production, diethylene glycol serves as a beneficial by-product with various applications.
DEG is produced from the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. Depending on the reaction conditions, different amounts of DEG and other related glycols are produced. The obtained product consists of two ethylene glycol molecules connected by an ether bond. Diethylene glycol is obtained as a co-product with ethylene glycol (MEG) and triethylene glycol. In industry, it is generally practiced to maximize MEG production. Ethylene glycol has the largest volume among glycol products in various applications. Diethylene glycol production is generally based on demand and monoethylene glycol production; Because it is a byproduct of this process. In this process, glycol is formed from ethylene oxidation at high temperature and in the presence of silver oxide catalyst. Ethylene oxide is then hydrated to produce diethylene glycol with monoethylene glycol and triethylene glycol as co-products. Chemical feedstock industries try to maximize MEG production in this process, but diethylene glycol is a very useful byproduct.
SOME USAGES OF DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (DEG)
1- Use of DEG in the preparation of various resins: Diethylene glycol is used in the production of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes and plasticizers. DEG is used as a starting compound in organic synthesis; For example, to prepare morpholine and 1,4-dioxane. Diethylene glycol is also used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of polyester resins, acrylate and methacrylate resins, and polyurethanes. In the United States and Western Europe, 51% of DEG is consumed in this way.
2- Application of DEG in paint and solvent industries: Diethylene glycol is a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, paints, oils and other organic compounds. DEG is a wetting agent for tobacco, cork, printing inks and adhesives, and cellophane. This substance is also a part of brake fluid, lubricants, fogging solutions and artificial fog. DEG is a solvent in fabric dyeing and printing. Also, this compound is widely used as a raw material for the production of esters that are used as emulsifiers, disinfectants, and lubricants. DEG is considered as a solvent of choice for aromatic substances in oil refining.
3- Application of DEG in health and cosmetic products: In personal care products (eg, various skin creams and lotions, deodorants), DEG is often replaced by diethylene glycol ethers. Glycols are widely used as additives in health and cosmetic products and skin care products. Glycols are structurally very similar to ethyl alcohol. Ethylene glycol, commonly known as ethanediol, has two OH groups. Longer chain glycols include propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, etc.
Diethylene glycol has antimicrobial activity: A common feature of diethylene glycol and other compounds of this family is the inhibition of microbial activity when the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is reached; Similar to ethyl alcohol. To maintain the quality of cosmetic products, glycols are often preferred over alcohol.
4- Use of DEG in the production of antifreeze: A dilute solution of diethylene glycol can also be used as antifreeze. However, ethylene glycol is much more commonly used for this purpose. Most antifreezes containing ethylene glycol contain some percentage of DEG, which is a byproduct of ethylene glycol production.
5- Application of DEG in natural gas industry: In the natural gas industry, DEG is used as a desiccant in situations where water needs to be removed from gas pipelines. However, in Japan, the most common use of this compound has been introduced as an aid in the cement grinding process. DEG can also be used in the extraction of petroleum solvents. DEG has now been replaced by TEG (triethylene glycol) in some of its applications; Because the lower toxicity of ethylene glycol has attracted the attention of more producers.
Propylene glycol, a combination of the DEG family: Propylene glycol is by far the most common type of glycol. Of course, sometimes there have been reports of allergic reactions to this substance, which are still being published! In this context, it should be remembered that the synthesis of propylene glycol occurs through propylene oxide, and based on this, different esters can be produced as side products and the remaining amount of propylene oxide after reaction with water. Propylene glycol is licensed as a food additive (E1520) and is also present as an additive in tobacco products. Ethylene glycol is rarely used in cosmetic products. Its main metabolite in the human body is oxalic acid, and in hair care products, up to 5% is allowed. It is also known for its damaging effects on the kidneys.
6-DEG in skin moisturizing products: Glycols, especially propylene glycol, butylene glycol and pentylene glycol, have the property of absorbing moisture and maintaining it through hydrogen bridges. Cosmetic products containing glycerin improve the moisture level of the skin.
Categorized by application, the DEG market is segmented into:
- Antifreeze and Coolant
- Solvents
- Humectants
- Polyester Resins and Plasticizers
- Emulsifiers and Lubricants
- Others
In terms of end-use, the market is divided into:
- Agrochemical
- Automotive
- Cosmetic and Personal Care
- Paints and Coatings
- Oil and Gas
- Textiles
- Plastics Industry
- Others
The regional markets encompass North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, and Africa.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
- Eye: Can induce mild eye irritation.
- Skin: May lead to mild skin irritation.
- Ingestion: Poses a risk of liver and kidney damage.
- Inhalation: May result in irritation of the respiratory tract.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
- Eyes: Rinse eyes thoroughly with abundant water for a minimum of 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids intermittently.
- Skin: Seek medical attention. Rinse skin immediately with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Launder clothing before reuse.
- Ingestion: If the individual is conscious and alert, administer 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.
- Inhalation: Evacuate from the exposure area and transfer to fresh air promptly. If not breathing, perform artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, provide oxygen.
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING
- Thoroughly wash hands after handling.
- Use in well-ventilated areas.
- Avoid inhaling vapors from heated material.
- Prevent contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Ensure the container is tightly closed.
- Refrain from breathing spray or mist.
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DEG
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is efficiently stored and distributed in various containers, including stainless steel, aluminum, or lined drums, as well as tank cars and tank trucks. With a specific gravity of 1.118 and a flashpoint of 154 °C (closed cup), it is well-suited for storage and transport. While diethylene glycol is not subject to specific transportation regulations for road, rail, air, or sea, it is classified as harmful and poses risks if swallowed. As such, appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure safe handling during storage and distribution processes.
- Despite the discovery of toxic properties for the compound DEG in 1937 and its involvement in numerous poisonings worldwide, the available information on the toxicity of diethylene glycol to humans is limited.
- Based on the available information, there is no risk of dangerous and specific reactions.
- Diethylene glycol is stable under normal conditions. This compound should not be exposed to moisture or exposed to extreme heat.
- Materials incompatible with diethylene glycol include strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and metals.
- Hazardous products from the decomposition of diethylene glycol include carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide. For hazardous polymerization reactions, no information is available.
It is better to use personal protective equipment when working with diethylene glycol. Ensure proper ventilation of the place where packages containing this compound are stored. You should avoid contact with your skin, eyes and clothes with diethylene glycol.
Avoid eating and inhaling diethylene glycol vapors. Storage and maintenance of DEG barrels or tanks should be done in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep the containers containing this chemical compound tightly closed.
PACKAGING OF DIETHYLENE GLYCOL
Packaging Diethylene glycol Ethylene glycol can be transported and stored in stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic lined drums, tank containers, or tank trucks. The weight of the barrels is 230 kg. The specific gravity of this compound is 1.118 and its flash point is 154 degrees Celsius. For road, rail, air or sea transportation, it is better to follow the shipping standards.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (DEG)
| CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | UNIT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| PURITY | ASTM E - 202 | WT.% | 99.8 MIN |
| MONOETHYLENE GLYCOL | ASTM E - 202 | WT.% | 0.05 MAX. |
| TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL | ASTM E - 202 | WT.% | 0.05 MAX |
| WATER CONTENT | ASTM E - 202 | WT.% | 0.05 MAX |
| ACIDITY AS ACETIC ACID | ASTM D – 1613 | PPM | 50 MAX |
| ASH CONTENT | ASTM D – 254/A | PPM | 50 MAX |
| SP. GR. (20/20 °C) | ASTM D - 891 | - | 1.1175-1.1195 |
| COLOR | ASTM D - 1209 | Pt - Co | 10 MAX |
| DISTILLATION @ 760 MM-Hg | |||
| IBP | ASTM D - 1078 | °C | 242 MIN |
| DP | ASTM D - 1078 | °C | 250 MAX |
