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MEG

MEG

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) — also known as Ethylene Glycol, 1,2-Ethanediol, or Ethane-1,2-diol — is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid belonging to the glycol family. Produced by Shazand Petrochemical Company, Marun Petrochemical Company, and Arak Petrochemical Company (Iran), it is a high-purity industrial-grade compound widely used as a chemical intermediate, coolant, and antifreeze agent.

MEG features a minimum purity of 99.8 wt%, with a maximum of 0.08 wt% each for Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and water content. With a density of 1.113 g/ml at 25°C, it ensures excellent consistency, stability, and compatibility for diverse industrial and manufacturing processes.

This glycol is a crucial raw material in the production of polyester fibers, PET resins, coolants, de-icing fluids, and heat transfer agents. Due to its high hygroscopicity and chemical reactivity, Monoethylene Glycol is also utilized in gas dehydration, resin synthesis, and textile processing.

Group: Glycols
Chemical Formula: C₂H₆O₂
Purity: 99.8 wt% min
DEG Content: 0.08 wt% max
Water Content: 0.08 wt% max
Density (25°C): 1.113 g/ml
HS Code: 29053100
Physical Form: Liquid
Manufacturers: Shazand, Marun, and Arak Petrochemical Companies
Packaging:

  • Bulk liquid shipments

  • 220L (net 230 kg) new drums (4 drums per pallet)

  • 1-ton IBC tanks

  • Flexi-tanks for export

Araz Petro supplies export-grade Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) from leading Iranian petrochemical producers, ensuring high purity, competitive pricing, and efficient international logistics for clients across the polyester, chemical, automotive, and gas industries.

Technical Overview of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Ethylene Glycol (Monoethylene Glycol or MEG) is an odorless, colorless, flammable, and hygroscopic liquid belonging to the glycol family of organic compounds. With the chemical formula C₂H₆O₂, it represents the simplest dihydric alcohol (glycol) and is one of the most widely produced organic intermediates in the petrochemical industry.

MEG is synthesized through the hydration of ethylene oxide with water, yielding a highly pure and stable product. It has low volatility and low viscosity, and is completely miscible with water, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. These properties make it an exceptionally versatile compound for a variety of industrial and chemical applications.

Despite its sweet taste, ethylene glycol is toxic at high concentrations and should be handled with appropriate safety measures. Its high boiling point and strong affinity for water make it an ideal dehydrating agent in natural gas processing, as well as a key component in antifreeze and coolant formulations.

Key Performance Properties of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

1. Wide Liquid Range
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) remains in a liquid state across a broad temperature spectrum under standard atmospheric pressure, thanks to its high boiling point (197.3°C / 387.1°F) and low freezing point (-12.9°C / 8.8°F). This wide thermal stability makes it an ideal fluid for diverse climatic and industrial environments, ensuring consistent performance in both extreme cold and high-temperature applications.

2. Low Volatility
MEG exhibits exceptionally low vapor pressure, minimizing the risk of evaporation, flammable vapor formation, and explosion hazards during handling and storage. This stability enhances operational safety, reduces product loss, and ensures cost efficiency throughout storage, transport, and processing.

3. Low Viscosity
Due to its low viscosity, MEG flows easily even at moderate temperatures. This property allows it to blend smoothly with other chemicals, enabling efficient mixing, uniform heat transfer, and enhanced reaction kinetics in industrial processes.

4. High Miscibility
MEG is completely miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Its excellent solubility and ability to form homogeneous mixtures across different concentrations make it a versatile component in antifreeze formulations, polymer synthesis, and chemical processing.

5. Highly Hygroscopic
A key characteristic of MEG is its strong hygroscopic nature — it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. This makes it particularly effective in gas dehydration, drying operations, and humidity control systems, where moisture removal or water content regulation is essential for process efficiency.

Applications of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals worldwide, serving as a critical feedstock across multiple sectors. Owing to its hydroxyl group reactivity, high solubility, and ability to form stable mixtures, MEG offers exceptional versatility, efficiency, and performance in numerous manufacturing and processing applications.


1. Polyester Production

Monoethylene Glycol is a primary raw material in the production of polyester fibers, films, and resins. It reacts with dibasic acids and their esters to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — a key polymer used in plastic bottles, food packaging, and industrial films.

  • Essential in polyester fiber synthesis for textiles.

  • Used in PET resin manufacturing for packaging and containers.

  • Enables high-strength, lightweight, and recyclable material production.


2. Resin Production

MEG plays a vital role in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, rosin esters, and polyurethane resins.

  • Serves as a coalescence and antifreezing agent in emulsified resins.

  • Combined with adipic acid, oleic acid, or other glycols to produce paint and varnish-grade alkyd resins.

  • Acts as a wetting, plasticizing, and stabilizing agent in the production of cellophane, adhesives, textiles, inks, and cosmetics.

  • Widely used in glue manufacturing, pharmaceutical coatings, paper finishing, and leather processing industries.


3. Antifreeze and Coolant Formulations

Due to its low freezing point and high boiling point, MEG is the primary ingredient in automotive antifreeze, engine coolants, and industrial refrigeration fluids.

  • Prevents freezing in cold climates and overheating in high temperatures.

  • Used in aircraft de-icing and anti-icing systems.

  • Applied in industrial cooling systems, fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, and cutting oils.

  • Acts as a heat transfer medium and gas treatment agent.

  • Utilized in printing inks, surface polishers, agrochemicals, and explosive synthesis.


4. Textile Industry

MEG is an essential component in polyester fiber synthesis for sportswear, home textiles, and industrial fabrics.

  • Provides high durability, dimensional stability, and wrinkle resistance.

  • Used as a wetting and plasticizing agent during textile processing to improve fiber handling and dyeing performance.


5. Packaging Materials

A key ingredient in PET resin manufacturing, Monoethylene Glycol contributes to the production of bottles, containers, films, and thermoformed trays.

  • Delivers excellent clarity, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

  • Ensures lightweight packaging with superior recyclability and barrier properties.


6. Chemical Intermediate

MEG serves as a versatile chemical intermediate in numerous formulations.

  • Used as a solvent, plasticizer, humectant, and reactive intermediate.

  • Applied in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane foams, detergents, morpholine, and other organic derivatives.


7. Natural Gas Processing

Monoethylene Glycol functions as an effective dehydration agent in natural gas pipelines and processing facilities.

  • Inhibits the formation of gas hydrates (clathrates).

  • Enhances pipeline safety, flow efficiency, and gas quality under high-pressure environments.


8. Automotive Industry

In addition to its use in antifreeze and coolants, MEG acts as a lubricant and functional additive in engine and transmission systems.

  • Reduces friction and wear in moving parts.

  • Used in electrolytic polishing belts and metal surface treatments.


9. Aviation Industry

MEG-based fluids are used as aircraft de-icing and anti-icing agents to prevent the formation of ice on wings, fuselage, and control surfaces.

  • Maintains operational safety during flight and ground handling.

  • Provides reliable thermal and moisture control under extreme environmental conditions.

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