COURSE OVERVIEW

Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) plays a significant role in industry due to its function as versatile intermediates in a wide range of applications—from polyester resin, textiles and films, consumer packaging and beverage bottles to aircraft deicing fluids.  Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is one of the most important raw materials for industrial applications.  MEG is important in the production of antifreezes, coolants, aircraft anti-icer and diecers and solvents.  Moreover, MEG is often used in water-basedpaints,dry-wall compounds, glass cleaners, dyes, waxes and adhesives as well as a freezing point depressor to avoid damage by low-temperature extremes.

 

Monoethylene glycol in its pure form is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste.  In general terms MEG is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide which it reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol.  The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water.  Under these conditions, MEG yields of 90% can be achieved. The major by products are the ethylene glycol oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol. Due to its importance and fast growing demands as a result of its bulk uses and the availability of ethylene in GCC and other petrochemical centers several innovative technologies is developed and commercialized.