Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is one of the most widely used chemical compounds in modern industry. This colorless, odorless, and relatively low-viscosity material plays a vital role in the production of a variety of industrial and consumer products due to its unique physical and chemical properties.
MEG is mainly used as a base material for the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, synthetic fibers, and food packaging. It also plays a key role in various industries, including textiles, automotive, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, construction, and the refrigerant industry.
Below, we will take a comprehensive look at the main applications of MEG in various industries:
The role of ethylene glycol in antifreezes, coolants and heat transfer fluids
Ethylene glycol is one of the most important compounds used in cooling and heating systems, which is widely used as an antifreeze, coolant and heat transfer fluid in various industries, especially the automotive, aerospace and air conditioning industries.
It is used in the structure of automotive antifreeze, as a deicing fluid in aircraft, cooling water in HVAC systems and also as a heat transfer fluid in geothermal heat pumps. However, pure ethylene glycol is not suitable for use alone as an antifreeze or engine coolant due to its low specific heat capacity and low heat transfer coefficient and must be used as a solution in water.
One of the key features of an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is its ability to change the physical properties of water. This substance disrupts the structure of ice by interfering with the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, causing the freezing point to drop significantly. Also, this compound increases the boiling point of the solution, expanding its operating temperature range and preventing cooling systems from boiling at high temperatures.
The highest antifreeze performance of this solution is achieved when the ethylene glycol concentration is about 70%; in this case, the freezing point of the solution is reduced to minus 55 degrees Celsius. The ratio of the ethylene glycol concentration in the solution has a direct effect on properties such as cooling capacity and overall heat transfer coefficient, and these properties determine the thermal and dynamic behavior of the fluid in heating and cooling systems.
Dehydration Process in the Oil and Gas Industry
With the increase in oil and gas extraction activities in deep waters, the transportation of these materials through long pipelines has become more important. One of the main challenges in this path is to prevent the product from becoming hydrated and, as a result, prevent corrosion of equipment. To deal with this problem, the dehydration process is used.
One of the common materials in this process is ethylene glycol, which is used to remove water from the natural gas stream. This material prevents the formation of natural gas with water vapor and, after undergoing a purification process, can be recycled and reused.
In the natural gas industry, the Glycol Dehydration system is a common method for removing water from produced gas. This system uses a drying liquid (dehumidifier) to absorb the water vapor contained in natural gas extracted from underground sources. This is of great importance, because the moisture contained in the gas can cause serious damage to equipment, corrosion of pipelines and a decrease in the quality of the final product. For this reason, it is essential to use this system in refineries and gas units.
Ethylene glycol; Raw material in the production of polymers
Ethylene glycol is one of the key raw materials in the manufacture of various polymers and is widely used in the production of materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene succinate (PES) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Head-to-tail polyurethane is produced through an addition polymerization reaction between p-isocyanatobenzyl isocyanate and ethylene glycol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst.
Ethylene glycol also plays an important role in the production of polyethylene glycol (PEG). In this process, ethylene glycol reacts with ethylene oxide and under catalytic conditions, various types of PEG are obtained as the final product.
For the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a combination of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid is used in the presence of a chemical catalyst and heat. At the end of this process, PET is produced in molten form and molded for use in various industries.
Along with polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate is one of the most widely used and common plastics in the world. It is used in the production of products such as plastic bags, mineral water and soft drink bottles, space blankets, and gas cylinders.
Plastic products made of PET and PE are often used as containers for storing chemicals. Because of their diverse physical and chemical properties, they are compatible with a wide range of acidic and basic substances and exhibit high resistance.
Light Industry Uses
In the production of pen ink, stamp ink and ballpoint pen to adjust viscosity and reduce volatility.
In the paint and coatings industry as a solvent and concentration regulating agent.
In the production of cosmetics as a base or wetting agent.
Specific industrial applications
Hydraulic brake fluids: MEG is used in brake fluid compounds.
Rubber and shoe industry: In the manufacture of raw materials for shoe rubber and polymer products.
Fiberglass and composites manufacturing
Prevention of wood fungus and use in wood preservation processes in museums and restoration of historical monuments.
Binder in molten sand casting
Lubricant in glass production and cement grinding
Anti-corrosion additive in electronic cooling systems such as personal computers and projector televisions
Pharmaceutical and biological applications
As a drug carrier: MEG is used in the formulation of some drugs as an effective carrier of active ingredients.
It is used in the manufacture of some vaccines and pharmaceutical solutions (of course, with dose and purity control).
Used in skin care and cosmetic products, as a moisturizer and mild solvent.
Exporting Mono Ethylene Glycol with Ishtar Company
With years of experience in exporting chemicals, Ishtar Company is one of the most reliable suppliers of Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) in the region. By utilizing its extensive logistics network and collaborating with reputable domestic manufacturers, the company has been able to play an important role in supplying international markets.
Ishtar Company’s Export Destinations
Focusing on the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa markets, Ishtar Company has been able to attract stable and loyal customers in the petrochemical, plastics, textile and automotive industries. MEG exports are carried out with international standards and proper packaging to maintain the quality of the product until its destination.
Our export services include:
✅ Supply of high quality MEG with reliable analysis
✅ Standard packaging in barrels, IBCs or tankers
✅ Fast and safe transportation from southern ports of Iran
✅ Providing complete export documents (COA, MSDS, official invoice, certificate of origin, etc.)
✅ Possibility of ordering in bulk quantities at competitive prices
Why Ishtar Company?
Extensive experience in the international market
Direct communication with domestic refineries and manufacturers
Complete transparency in the sales and export process
Technical support and pre-purchase advice for foreign customers
Summary
Monoethylene glycol is one of the key pillars in the chemical and manufacturing industries. Its wide range of applications shows that the development and sustainable production of this material is of great importance in maintaining the supply chain of many everyday products.
