Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) – Fibre Grade Supply

Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol (Ethane-1,2-diol)
Chemical Formula: C₂H₆O₂ (HOCH₂CH₂OH)
CAS Number: 107-21-1
HS Code: 2905.31
Transport Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods for sea transport (harmful if swallowed; see SDS)
Also Known As: MEG, Monoethylene Glycol, Ethylene Glycol, EG, Glycol
Traded Standard: Fibre (polyester) grade, ≥ 99.9% wt typical, per ASTM E1178 or the buyer’s plant specification; antifreeze / industrial grade also available

MEG is one of the two main raw materials for polyester. It reacts with PTA to make polyester staple fibre, filament yarn, PET bottle resin and film. It is also the base for engine coolants and antifreeze. India is one of the largest MEG buyers in the world, driven by its polyester and textile industry, and imports a large share of what it uses alongside domestic production.

Ametheus supplies fibre-grade and industrial-grade MEG on FOB, CFR/CIF and ex-tank terms to polyester fibre and yarn plants, PET resin producers, coolant blenders and trade partners. We supply bulk parcels, ISO tanks, flexitanks and drums from established producing regions. We work on a contract basis and do not sell retail.

Technical Specifications

Typical fibre-grade limits. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each contract.

Parameter Unit Typical Limit (Fibre Grade) Test Method
Appearance — Clear, colourless liquid, free from suspended matter Visual
Purity (MEG) % wt 99.9 min GC
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) % wt 0.05 max GC (ASTM E2409)
Water % wt 0.08 max ASTM E1064 / E203
Specific Gravity (20/20°C) — 1.1151 – 1.1156 ASTM D4052
Colour, Pt-Co (as received) Pt-Co 5 max ASTM D1209
Colour, Pt-Co (after heating with HCl) Pt-Co 20 max ASTM E2313
Distillation, IBP / DP °C 196 min / 199 max ASTM D1078
Acidity (as Acetic Acid) mg/kg 10 max ASTM D1613
Aldehydes (as Formaldehyde) mg/kg 8 max ASTM E2313 / producer method
Iron mg/kg 0.07 max ASTM E394 / ICP
Ash mg/kg 10 max ASTM D482
Chloride mg/kg 0.2 max Ion chromatography
UV Transmittance at 220 / 250 / 275 / 350 nm % 70 / 90 / 95 / 98 min ASTM E2193

Buying note: UV transmittance, aldehydes and DEG decide whether MEG runs well on a polyester line. They affect polymer colour, dyeability and spinning breaks. MEG can lose UV transmittance in a poorly cleaned or air-exposed tank, so check the discharge sample, not only the load-port COA. Coolant and resin users can buy industrial grade, which has looser UV and colour limits.

Key Applications

Polyester (dominant use)

  • Polyester staple fibre (PSF) and partially oriented / fully drawn filament yarn (POY, FDY)
  • PET bottle resin for water, soft-drink and edible-oil bottles
  • PET film, sheet and strapping

Coolants & Heat Transfer

  • Engine coolants and antifreeze
  • Industrial heat-transfer fluids and de-icing fluids

Chemicals & Industrial

  • Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) and alkyd resins
  • Gas dehydration and hydrate inhibition in oil & gas processing
  • Humectant and solvent in inks, adhesives and textile auxiliaries

Packaging & Logistics

  • Bulk chemical tanker parcels (typically 2,000 – 20,000 MT) into coastal terminals
  • ISO tank containers, about 20 – 24 MT net
  • Flexitanks, about 20 – 22 MT per 20′ container
  • 200 L steel or HDPE drums (about 220 – 230 kg net) and 1,000 L IBCs, subject to availability
  • Road tankers ex-tank for domestic deliveries

Load-port inspection is done by an independent surveyor (SGS, Intertek, Saybolt or similar). Before loading, the surveyor checks prior cargoes and carries out a wall-wash, because traces of a previous cargo can ruin UV transmittance. For bulk stems, shore-tank and ship-tank samples are kept.

Storage & Handling

  • Store in clean stainless-steel or coated carbon-steel tanks. Use nitrogen blanketing for fibre grade, to protect UV transmittance and colour.
  • MEG is hygroscopic. Keep tanks closed and use dry-air or nitrogen breathing.
  • MEG is combustible but has a high flash point (about 111°C, closed cup). Keep away from strong oxidisers and ignition sources.
  • MEG is toxic if swallowed. Use gloves and goggles, and never store it in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink.
  • Full SDS is available on request.

Commercial Terms

  • Incoterms 2020: FOB load port, CFR / CIF discharge port (e.g. Hazira, Dahej, Kandla, Mundra), or ex-tank
  • Pricing: Fixed price per MT, or formula-linked to recognised benchmarks (e.g. ICIS / Platts / Argus MEG CFR India or CFR China), as agreed
  • Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first contracts
  • Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed. COA, SDS and Certificate of Origin are provided.
  • Import compliance: Indian imports of MEG may be subject to BIS quality-control requirements. The buyer confirms the current position before booking, and we match the producer and documents to it.
  • Lots: From ISO-tank or flexitank quantities up to bulk parcels, depending on origin and the discharge terminal

Why Ametheus

Inquiry

For current availability, grade, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:

  • Product & grade (fibre grade, industrial / antifreeze grade, or your plant specification)
  • Quantity (per lift and annual volume)
  • Discharge port / delivery location
  • Delivery window
  • Preferred Incoterm and packaging (bulk, ISO tank, flexitank, drums, IBCs)

Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
New buyers: please complete the Preliminary KYC form or contact us.

We respond on live enquiries. Bulk quantities only; we do not sell samples or retail lots.

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