Glycols

If you’re in a chemical-driven industry, then chances are good that you’re at least partly familiar with glycols. As far as industry staples go, glycols are near the top of the list. The reason? Glycols are versatile and very reliable. You have your pick of blends for a wide range of industrial applications.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Glycols

As common as glycols are, there’s a lot to know about these chemicals. Glycols are classified as a type of chemical diol, which makes them miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water and chloroform. More specifically, they can be categorized as either a diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol. Each of these categories includes unique industrial applications, but more on that in the next section.

The various blends of glycol include the following:

• ​ETHYLENE GLYCOL (MEG)

• PROPYLENE GLYCOL

• TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL (TEG)
  

Glycol Applications for Virtually Any Industry

Almost no chemical supply is complete without some form of glycol. As noted above, the two categories of glycol cover an impressive range of industrial applications. Just to name one:

• Ethylene glycols are used for many of those same applications. In addition, they are used for auto fluids, dyes, lacquers, foods, inks, textiles, stains and more.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the multitude of glycol applications. 

The Logistical Challenges of Glycols

As versatile and useful as glycols are, they are hazardous chemicals that require extreme care and professional oversight when handling. Blending is hazardous in itself, but that’s just the start. You have to consider the care that must be taken during chemical transport and storage. Chemicals are volatile, especially around other chemicals, which is why it pays to partner with an experienced team of chemical handlers.