[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of ethylene oxide, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, the nature of ethylene oxide, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods.

Properties of Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide (Ethylene, EO) is a colorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula of C? H? O. Its molecular structure contains a ternary epoxy group, which makes it highly reactive. Ethylene oxide has a boiling point of 10.5°C and is gaseous at room temperature, but can be converted to liquid at low temperature or high pressure. EO has a sweet smell, easily soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other polar solvents. It is chemically active and can react with a variety of compounds, such as water, alcohols, amines and other reactions to generate ethylene glycol, ethoxylates and so on.

Uses of Ethylene Oxide

ethylene oxide is an important intermediate in the chemical industry and is widely used in the synthesis of a variety of products. Its main uses include:

1. production of ethylene glycol: About 75% of ethylene oxide is used to produce ethylene glycol, which is the main raw material for polyester fiber and antifreeze.
2. surface active agent: Ethylene oxide can be used to make non-ionic surfactants, which are widely used in detergents, emulsifiers and lubricants.
3. Medicine EO is used as an intermediate for the manufacture of antibiotics, anti-tumor drugs and other drugs.
4. Disinfection and sterilization because ethylene oxide has a strong bactericidal effect, it is widely used in the sterilization of medical devices and disposable medical supplies.
5. Other Chemicals production of ethoxylated products, ethers, esters, etc.

Upstream feed for ethylene oxide

the production of ethylene oxide is mainly carried out by ethylene oxidation, and its upstream raw materials mainly include:

1. ethylene ethylene is the most important raw material for ethylene oxide production, mainly from petroleum cracking and natural gas decomposition. The purity of ethylene has an important influence on the production efficiency and product quality of ethylene oxide.
2. Oxygen oxygen, as an oxidant for the oxidation of ethylene, usually comes from an air separation plant. High purity oxygen helps to improve the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction.

Downstream Products of Ethylene Oxide

the downstream products of ethylene oxide are very rich, covering a variety of chemicals and end products:

1. ethylene glycol and its derivatives: Ethylene glycol is an important raw material for the production of polyester fibers, plastics and antifreeze. Its derivatives also include ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, etc.
2. Surfactant and its application products ethylene oxide reacts with fatty alcohols and phenolic compounds to produce nonionic surfactants, which are widely used in household and industrial detergents, emulsifiers and lubricants.
3. Pharmaceutical Chemicals: EO is an intermediate in the manufacture of certain drugs, such as antibiotics derived from ethylene oxide, anti-tumor drugs, etc.
4. Disinfection and sterilization products due to its germicidal properties, ethylene oxide is used in the manufacture of medical disinfection and sterilization products.

Storage method of ethylene oxide

ethylene oxide is highly reactive and flammable, and its storage and transportation require special attention to safety. The main storage methods include:

1. tank storage: Ethylene oxide is usually stored in special storage tanks at low temperature and high pressure, and stored in liquid form. The storage tank shall be equipped with good sealing, fire and explosion-proof facilities and temperature and pressure monitoring equipment.
2. Gas cylinder storage: In small-scale applications, ethylene oxide can be stored in steel cylinders. The cylinder shall have pressure resistance, anti-corrosion and explosion-proof performance.
3. Safety measures the storage environment of ethylene oxide should be away from fire and heat sources, and have good ventilation facilities. Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and emergency pressure relief devices shall be provided to prevent accidents.

Transport of Ethylene Oxide

the transport of ethylene oxide also requires attention to safety and regulation:

1. mode of transport: The transportation of ethylene oxide mostly uses special low-temperature high-pressure tankers or tank ships to ensure that the low-temperature liquid state is maintained during transportation.
2. Safety Management transportation vehicles shall be equipped with explosion-proof devices, pressure monitoring and pressure relief equipment. Transportation routes shall avoid densely populated areas and sensitive areas and have detailed emergency plans.
3. Regulatory Compliance the transport of ethylene oxide shall comply with the relevant regulations and standards for the transport of hazardous chemicals, and the transport personnel shall be professionally trained and master the emergency handling skills.

Safety and Environmental Impact of Ethylene Oxide

ethylene oxide has high toxicity and flammability, which is a potential threat to the environment and human health:

1. health risks inhalation of high concentrations of ethylene oxide gas can cause poisoning, manifested as headache, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. Prolonged exposure may lead to carcinogenesis, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity.
2. Environmental impact ethylene oxide leakage will cause pollution to the air and water, and it can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to generate toxic substances, causing harm to the ecological environment.
3. Safety protection places where ethylene oxide is produced, stored and used shall be equipped with good ventilation facilities and personal protective equipment, such as gas masks and gloves, to reduce the risk of exposure.

Market Prospect of Ethylene Oxide

ethylene oxide is an important chemical intermediate, and its market demand is closely related to economic development and the rise and fall of downstream industries:

1. demand growth: With the increase in demand for downstream products such as polyester fibers, plastics, and surfactants, the market demand for ethylene oxide is expected to continue to grow.
2. technological progress: The improvement of production technology, such as catalyst optimization and process improvement, is expected to improve the production efficiency and safety of ethylene oxide and reduce costs.
3. Policy impact: The importance of environmental protection and safe production in various countries may put forward higher requirements for the production and use of ethylene oxide, prompting enterprises to upgrade technology and improve management.

Conclusion

as an important chemical raw material, ethylene oxide has broad application prospects and market potential. Its high reactivity and flammability also pose safety and environmental risks. Through strict safety management and technological innovation, we can give full play to the important role of ethylene oxide in various fields under the premise of ensuring safety. In the future, with the continuous development of downstream industries and technological progress, the market prospect of ethylene oxide will be broader.