[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ethylene glycol, the nature, use and production technology of ethylene glycol Abstract

Ethylene Glycol Properties

Ethylene glycol (Ethylene Glycol, referred to as EG), the chemical formula for C? H? O?, is a common organic compound, belonging to the glycol. It is colorless, tasteless, transparent viscous liquid, with hygroscopic. Ethylene glycol has a melting point of -12.9°C and a boiling point of 197.6°C. It has good stability at room temperature and can be dissolved in various organic solvents such as water, ethanol, and diethyl ether. Its relative density is 1.115, its viscosity is high, and it can be miscible with water in any proportion.

Ethylene glycol uses

Ethylene glycol is widely used in various industrial fields, the main uses include:

antifreeze agent

The main purpose of ethylene glycol is as antifreeze, which is widely used in the cooling system of automobiles, airplanes, railway locomotives and other vehicles. Its low melting point and good frost resistance make it remain liquid in extreme low temperature environments to ensure the normal operation of the engine.

Polyester fiber production

Ethylene glycol is an important raw material for the production of polyester fibers, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is not only used in the textile industry to manufacture clothing, home textiles and other fiber products, but also used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, films and other packaging materials.

Other chemical raw materials

Glycol is also widely used as an intermediate for the synthesis of other chemicals in the chemical industry, such as the production of unsaturated polyester resins and glycol ether solvents. It is also used as a solvent for paints, coatings, inks and other products to improve its uniformity and stability.

Glycol upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

The production of ethylene glycol mainly depends on the petrochemical industry, and its upstream raw material is ethylene. Ethylene is oxidized to produce ethylene oxide, which in turn undergoes a hydration reaction to produce ethylene glycol. The specific chemical reactions are as follows:

1. Ethylene is oxidized to produce ethylene oxide: C₂ H₂ ½ O₂ → C₂ H₂ O
Hydration of
2. ethylene oxide to produce ethylene glycol: C? H? O? C? H? O? C? H? O?

Since a large amount of ethylene is required in the production of ethylene glycol, the price and supply of ethylene have a direct impact on the production cost and market price of ethylene glycol.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of ethylene glycol are mainly concentrated in the field of antifreeze and polyester. Antifreeze is used in all types of vehicles and industrial equipment, while polyester is used in textiles, packaging and other industries. Changes in downstream demand, such as the growth of the automobile industry or the fluctuation of the textile industry, will directly affect the market demand and price trend of ethylene glycol.

Ethylene glycol storage method

Storage conditions

Ethylene glycol has relatively high requirements for storage conditions. In order to ensure the stability of its chemical properties and the safety of use, the following measures are usually required:

1. Sealed storage: Ethylene glycol is hygroscopic and easily absorbs moisture when exposed to air, so it must be stored in a sealed container to avoid air contact.
2. Fire and explosion-proof: Although ethylene glycol itself is not flammable, its storage environment should be away from fire sources and high temperature areas to prevent accidents from causing fire or explosion.
3. Avoid light storage: Ethylene glycol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight to prevent its properties from changing.

Safety protection

In the storage and use of ethylene glycol, also need to pay attention to the following safety precautions:

1. Protective: Operators should wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles to avoid direct skin contact with ethylene glycol.
2. Ventilation: storage and use of the place should be installed a good ventilation system to avoid glycol vapor in the air accumulation.
3. Emergency treatment: should be equipped with emergency treatment equipment, such as fire extinguishers, leakage treatment tools, etc., to ensure that the accident can quickly respond.

Ethylene Glycol Market Outlook

With the advancement of global industrialization and urbanization, the market demand for ethylene glycol has maintained a growing trend. In particular, the continuous development of the automobile industry and textile industry has provided stable demand support for the ethylene glycol market. The ethylene glycol market also faces some challenges, such as raw material price fluctuations and stricter environmental protection policies. In the future, the ethylene glycol industry needs to make continuous efforts in technological innovation, cost control and environmental protection to maintain market competitiveness and sustainable development.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, ethylene glycol has broad application prospects. It is stable and versatile, and ethylene glycol plays a key role in many industries, from antifreeze to polyester fiber production to intermediates in other chemical products. Although its production and storage need to pay attention to safety and environmental protection issues, with its unique chemical properties and extensive market demand, ethylene glycol will still occupy an important position in the future chemical industry.