DISCOVER THE

ORIGINS OF
SOME OF
THE WORLDS
MOST
CONSISTENTLY
PURE
PRODUCTS ...
SYNTHETIC
GLYCERINE PRODUCTS

...FREEPORT,
TEXAS AND
STADE,
GERMANY
THE SOURCES OF SYNTHETIC GLYCERINE
FROM THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY

Physical Properties ........................................................ 12

Density and Specific Gravity ..................................13
Dielectric Constant .................................................. 16
Freezing Point ..........................................................16
Heat of Solution .......................................................17
Specific Heat ............................................................18
Heat of Vaporization ................................................18
Refractive Index .......................................................20
Thermal Conductivity .............................................21
Thermal and Cubical Expansion ............................22
Vapor Pressure and Boiling Point .......................... 23
Viscosity ...................................................................24
Solubility ...................................................................26
Safety and Handling .......................................................28
Eyes .......................................................................... 28
Skin ...........................................................................28

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
The Clear, Consistent Way to Enhance
Your Applications .............................................................. 2
Foods ....................................................................... 3

Inhalation ..................................................................28
Drums .....................................................................28
Biodegradation Data ...............................................28
General Storage Considerations ...................................29
Bulk Storage ............................................................29
Supercooling .....................................................29
Materials of Construction ................................ 29
Design and Fabrication ...................................29
Tank Installation ...............................................29
Required Accessories ..............................................30
Level Indicator .................................................. 30
Pressure-Vacuum Relief Valves .......................30
Nitrogen Pad-Depad System ...........................30
Air Dryer System .............................................31
Tank Heater ......................................................31
Pipe Design Criteria ................................................31
Piping .................................................................31
Pumps ................................................................31
Flowmeters .......................................................31
Filters .................................................................31
Hoses .................................................................31
Gaskets .............................................................. 31
Valves .................................................................31
Product Stewardship ......................................................32
Responsible Care ...................................................32

Nutritional Information ...................................... 3

Caloric Value ................................................ 3
Equivalence to Carbohydrates ...................4
Cholesterol Content .................................... 4
Food Additive Status ................................... 4
Kosher Options .................................................. 5
Pharmaceuticals ........................................................ 6
Dental Applications ............................................ 7
Other Pharmaceutical Products
that Rely on Glycerine ....................................... 7
Personal Care .............................................................8
Alkyd Resins .............................................................. 8
Explosives .................................................................. 8
Polyether Polyols for Urethanes .............................. 9
Other Applications ..................................................... 9
Why Dow Synthetic Glycerine Products Are
the Best Choices For Your Application ........................10
Consistent Quality and Purity ................................ 10
UV Spectroscopy .............................................. 10
The Dow Chemical Company
A Supplier You Can Count On ................................ 11
Technical Service and Support .......................11
Extensive Distribution Network and
Comprehensive Sales Support ........................11

Customer Notice ......................................................32

For More Information .............................................32
Responsible Care is a registered service mark of the Chemical Manufacturers Association.

SYNTHETIC GLYCERINE PRODUCTS FROM

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY

From adhesives to glass,

toothpaste to textiles and
foods to pharmaceuticals
Dow Synthetic Glycerine
products(1) are some of the

THE CLEAR,
CONSISTENT
WAY TO ENHANCE
YOUR
APPLICATIONS
OPTIM* GLYCERINE 99.7% USP
DOW GLYCERINE 99.5% USP/EP
DOW GLYCERINE 96% USP

most versatile products

available. This is due to the
unique combination of
physical properties such as
humectancy, high viscosity,
and solvency; and chemical
properties glycerine
possesses.
These properties lead to
the purity, consistency and
reliability of Dow Synthetic
Glycerine products. Advantages you can use to make
your products smoother,
fresher, moister, richer or
just plain better.

*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company.

(1)

Dow Glycerine 96% USP is produced by adding 4% water

to OPTIM Glycerine 99.7% USP. Dow Glycerine 96% USP
is made for customers who desire a less viscous glycerine
product, but do not mind having water present. OPTIM
Glycerine 99.7% USP has a minimum assay of 99.7%, while
Dow Glycerine 99.5% USP/EP has a minimum assay of 99.5%.

FOODS
Dow Synthetic Glycerine products
play an important role throughout
the food and beverage industries.
Their unique properties enable
them to improve foods and beverages by acting as:
Humectants
Sweeteners (glycerine is about
75% as sweet as sucrose)
Solvents for food flavorings and
colorings
Emulsifiers in food preparation
especially baked goods
Smoothing agents
Heat transfer mediums for
frozen foods
Additives to reduce water
activity

The consistent sweet taste and

low odor attributes of Dow Synthetic
Glycerine products give food manufacturers an ingredient that improves
the quality of products in a variety
of ways.
For example, Dow Synthetic
Glycerine products have been
successfully used to add humectancy
to dried fruits, reduce water activity
in cookies and snack fillings, and to
make gum more chewable.

NUTRITIONAL
INFORMATION
Caloric Value Glycerine is an
energy-yielding food ingredient that
is readily absorbed and metabolized
in the human body. When oxidized
to CO2 and water, glycerine yields
4.32 Calories per gram. Aside from

furnishing energy by contributing

to the general pool of oxidizable
organic compounds, it plays no
special role in nutrition.
Equivalence to Carbohydrates
Although glycerine is not a
carbohydrate, studies have shown
that glycerine is equivalent to
carbohydrates in terms of how the
body metabolizes it. These studies
evaluated glycerine based on four
metabolic criteria:
Glycogenesis
Antiketogenesis
Glycemia
Protection against insulin shock
Cholesterol Content Because
Dow Glycerine products are manufactured synthetically, they contain
no cholesterol. In addition, none of
the raw materials and processing
ingredients in the manufacture of
these products contain cholesterol,
vegetable-based ingredients or
animal-based ingredients.
Food Additive Status OPTIM
Glycerine 99.7% USP, Dow Glycerine
99.5% USP/EP and Dow Glycerine
96% USP comply with the compendial specifications in the Food
Chemicals Codex (FCC), the
United States Pharmacopoeia
(USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). All three products
comply with the Food Additive
Regulations listed in Table 1
(on page 5). These products are
Generally Recognized As Safe
(GRAS) as multiple purpose food
substances. Uses are subject to
good manufacturing practices
and any limitations that are part
of the regulations.
In addition to indirect food
additive regulations where glycerine
is mentioned specifically, Dow
Glycerine products may be used
under regulations including
optional ingredients substances
generally recognized as safe for use
in food and/or packaging.

Table 1 Food Additive Status for Dow Glycerine Products

Regulation
Number
(21 CFR)
182.1320
135.110
(a) (1)
135.120
(a)
135.130
(a) (1)
135.140
(a) (1)
135.160
(a)
165.175
(a)
169.175
(a) (1)
169.176
(a)
169.177
(a)
169.178
(a)
169.180
(a)
169.181
(a)
172.852
(a)
175.105
(c) (5)
175.300
(b) (3) (vii) (c)
176.210
(d) (2)
178.3120
(d) (1)
182.90
582.1320

Title
Multiple purpose GRAS food substance
Ice cream and frozen custard
Safe and suitable optional ingredient
Ice milk
Cross-reference to 135.110
Mellorine
Safe and suitable optional ingredient
Sherbet
Safe and suitable optional ingredient
Water ices
Cross-reference to 135.160
Soda water
Safe and suitable ingredient
Vanilla extract
Glycerine
Concentrated vanilla extract
Cross-reference to 169.175
Vanilla flavoring
Cross-reference to 169.175
Concentrated vanilla flavoring
Cross-reference to 169.177
Vanilla-vanillin extract
Cross-reference to 169.175
Vanilla-vanillin flavoring
Cross-reference to 169.180
Glyceryl-lacto esters of fatty acids
Raw material (reactant)
Adhesives
Modifier for wood, gum, tall oil rosins, rosin dimers,
decarboxylated rosin and disproportionated rosin
Resinous and polymeric coatings
Raw material (reactant)
Defoaming agents used in the manufacture of paper and
paperboard and mono- and di-glycerides
Animal glue
GRAS substances
Substances migrating to food from paper and paperboard
products. GRAS
General purpose GRAS animal food additive

The information in Table 1 is for

use as a general guideline. The
actual regulations should be
consulted for complete details.
Kosher Options Dow
Glycerine products are also
available in Kosher grades.

PHARMACEUTICALS
Pharmaceutical applications can
benefit greatly from the high
quality, purity, low odor, consistent sweet taste and practically
non-toxic nature of Dow Synthetic
Glycerine prod-ucts. These
products are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food
& Drug Administration (FDA)
and meet the requirements of
The National Formulary (NF).
OPTIM Glycerine 99.7% USP,
Dow Glycerine 99.5% USP/EP and
Dow Glycerine 96% USP meet the
requirements of the United States
Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the
European Pharmacopoeia (EP).
Glycerines main use in
pharmaceutical applications is as
an excipient or inactive ingredient
in internal and external formulations. Its excellent solvency also
allows it to be used as a carrier.
The sweet, warm taste and high
viscosity of glycerine also make it
an ideal viscosity and flavor
enhancer in medical lozenges
and syrups.
One of the best known pharmaceutical uses of glycerine is as a
derivative of nitroglycerine. In the
treatment of angina pectoris,
nitro-glycerine acts as a vasodilator to relieve the pain that accompanies angina attacks. Other
glycerine derivatives are used in
tranquilizers and as expectorants
in asthma therapy.

Dental Applications
Dow Synthetic Glycerine products
are used in the field of dentistry
as solvents or suspending media
for medicinal agents such as
antiseptics, oral medications, root
canal pastes, polishing compounds, disclosing solutions,
mouth washes and stannous
fluoride solutions.
Glycerine serves as a vehicle
for these agents when used locally
in and around the mouth, where
it acts as a protective film for the
skin and mucous membranes. It
also lends body, smoothness and
palatability to many dental formulations, and contributes to the
efficacy of these medicines.
Additional dental applications
for glycerine include its use in
dental impression wax and denture
casting materials.
Other Pharmaceutical
Products That Rely on Glycerine
Eyewashes
Contraceptive jellies and creams
Ear drops
Poison ivy solutions
Vehicle and solvent for digitalis
and intra-muscular injection
Sclerosing solutions for treatment
of varicose veins and hemorrhoids
Suppositories
Gel capsules

PERSONAL CARE
Dow Synthetic Glycerine products
are some of the most valuable
ingredients and perhaps the most
basic raw materials found within
the personal care realm. Following
are four characteristics that make
these products popular ingredients
in personal care applications:
These products serve as efficient
humectants or hygroscopic agents
in emollient products.
Glycerine is an outstanding
solvent and a good vehicle for
many substrates its viscosity
provides body and the ability to
suspend many insoluble materials
in liquid preparations.
Glycerine has excellent lubricating properties and imparts a
desirable smoothness to many
products.
Its antifreeze properties are
important to providing winter
shelf life.
One of the most important uses
for Dow Synthetic Glycerine products in personal care is in toothpaste
applications. Glycerine is the basic
medium in which the toothpaste is
formulated, and it is responsible
for keeping the paste at the desired
smoothness and viscosity.

Because of its consistently

high purity, synthetic glycerine is
the preferred choice for many of
the newer toothpaste formulations containing baking soda and
hydrogen peroxide.

ALKYD RESINS
These products can be used as a
reactive polyol in many alkyd resin
formulations primarily in surface
and architectural coatings.
Alkyds can be blended with a
variety of resins and cellulose
esters, and have good specific
adhesion to metals.

EXPLOSIVES
Dow Synthetic Glycerine products
are used as components in the
manufacture of explosive compounds, propellants for military and
industrial applications, and in
binders for the production of solid
rocket fuel. Explosives applications
require tight tolerances in terms of
purity and consistency. Dows
synthetic glycerine products can
meet these demanding requirements.
(NOTE: glycerine by itself is not an
explosive material.)

POLYETHER POLYOLS
FOR URETHANES
Dow Synthetic Glycerine is also used
in the production of polyether
polyols, which react with isocyanates
to form polyurethane for construction, furniture, automobiles and
other end-use applications.

OTHER
APPLICATIONS
Other uses for Dow Synthetic
Glycerine products include:
Agricultural uses
Adhesives and pastes
Leather
Photography
Textiles
Ink
Rubber
Wood
Cork gaskets and sealers
Air conditioning and refrigeration
Podiatry and chiropody
Electrical materials
Glass and ceramics
Metals
Laboratory uses
Fabric softener

CONSISTENT QUALITY
AND PURITY

WHY

DOW SYNTHETIC
GLYCERINE
PRODUCTS ARE
THE BEST CHOICES
FOR YOUR
APPLICATION

10

At Dow, synthetic glycerine

is a primary product, which has been
produced for customer applications
for over 30 years. An extremely high
level of purity is achieved with Dows
process through carefully monitored
reaction and purification steps, and
the use of consistent and uniform raw
materials. Furthermore, all of the
major raw materials are manufactured by Dow.
This means that Dow Synthetic
Glycerine products have a high
degree of quality and reproducibility,
which is consistent with each and
every lot we manufacture.
In contrast, natural glycerine is
usually produced as a by-product of
oleochemical processes such as
soap, fatty acid and fatty alcohol
production. The raw materials used
in the manufacture of these natural
products can include animal fats
such as beef tallow, and vegetable
oils such as coconut, palm kernel,
cottonseed, and soybean.
UV Spectroscopy
As an added measure of quality
assurance, Dow performs state-ofthe-art UV (Ultraviolet) spectroscopy
analyses on all its glycerine products.
This analysis detects the presence
of impurities that other tests cant
pick up. Heres how
UV scans indicate that Dow
Synthetic Glycerine products are
virtually free of organic compounds
such as esters, ketones and
aldehydes. High purity synthetic
glycerine transmits nearly 100 percent of the UV light and serves as
an indication of consistent purity.
See Figure 1.

some of the best minds in the

industry can respond quickly
to your questions about product
quality, product characteristics and
handling and storage issues.
In addition, Dows Quality
Assurance Groups maintain
rigorous Statistical Process
Control and Statistical Quality
Control (SPC/SQC) systems to
ensure the highest standards in
the industr y.

Why Dows UV Spectroscopy

is Important to the Quality of
Your Products
Since different substances absorb
different wavelengths of light, a
UV spectrophotometer can detect
certain impurities in glycerine.
Substances such as conjugated
hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds and aromatic compounds
intensely absorb UV light. These
impurities can alter the taste and
odor of glycerine.

THE DOW CHEMICAL

COMPANY A SUPPLIER
YOU CAN COUNT ON
Technical Ser vice and Support
Dows Technical Service &
Development (TS&D) personnel
are ready to put their extensive
experience and product knowledge
to work for you. Our TS&D staff

Extensive Distribution
Network and Comprehensive
Sales Support
Dow has a network of distributors
who are prepared to deliver Dow
Glycerine products anywhere
and on time.
Dow also has sales offices
worldwide to ser ve your needs.
For sales office information call
1-800-441-4DOW(4369). For Dow
sales office information in Europe
call 41-1-728-2111.

Figure 1 Typical UV Spectra

100
OPTIM Glycerine 99.7% USP

Percent T

Glycerine Samples with Impurities

0
200

350
Wavelength, nm

11

Glycerine is a liquid at room

temperature. It is viscous, stable,
hygroscopic, clear, odorless,
noncorrosive, sweet tasting,
ver y low in toxicity and is
classified by the Food and Drug
Administration as Generally
Recognized As Safe (GRAS).
Glycerine prevents freezing and
promotes long shelf life.
The chemical structure of
glycerine is shown in Figure 2.
The physical properties of OPTIM
Glycerine 99.7% USP, Dow Glycerine
99.5% USP/EP and Dow Glycerine
96% USP are provided in Table 2.

PHYSICAL

PROPERTIES
Table 2 Physical Properties(1) of OPTIM Glycerine 99.7% USP,
Dow Glycerine 99.5% USP/EP and Dow Glycerine 96% USP
Property

OPTIM Glycerine
99.7% USP

Dow Glycerine
99.5% USP/EP

Dow Glycerine
96% USP

Appearance
Boiling point (760 mm)
Chemical name

Colorless, viscous liquid

290 C (554F)
Glycerol or 1,2,3propanetriol
Glycerin

Colorless, viscous liquid

290 C (554F)
Glycerol or 1,2,3propanetriol
Glycerin

Colorless, viscous liquid

175 C (347F)
Glycerol or 1,2,3propanetriol
Glycerin

1.25802
10.50
41.14 at 2x106 Hz
C3H8O3

1.25802
10.50
Not Applicable
C3H8O3

1.24770
10.42
Not available
Not applicable

195.5 C (384F)
17C (62.6F)
0.62
159.8
47.5
21,060
92.09 g/mol
Odorless
1.47399

195.5 C (384F)
17C (62.6F)
0.62
159.8
47.5
21,060
92.09 g/mol
Odorless
1.47399

>198.8C (>390F)
8 C (46.4 F)
Not available
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Odorless
1.46752

Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Miscible
1.26201
63.0
Sweet

Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Miscible
1.26201
63.0
Sweet

Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Immiscible
Immiscible
Miscible
Miscible
1.25170
Not available
Sweet

0.0025
0.195
1410

0.0025
0.195
1410

Not available
Not available
624

Common name
Density
g/cm3, 25 C
lb/gal, 25 C
Dielectric constant, 20C
Empirical formula
Flash point, PMCC
(Pensky Martens Closed Cup)
Freezing point
Heat capacity, 25 C, cal/gm, 25 C
Heat of formation, kcal/mol, 25C
Heat of fusion, cal/gm
Heat of vaporization, cal/mol, 55 C
Molecular weight
Odor
Refractive index, 20C
Solubility, 25C
Benzene
Chloroform
Ethyl alcohol
Ethyl ether
n-Heptane
Isopropanol
Water
Specific gravity, 25/25 C
Surface tension, Dynes/cm, 20 C
Taste
Vapor pressure, mm Hg(2)
50 C
100C
Viscosity, cP, mPa s, 20C
(1)

These are typical values only, and are not to be regarded as sales specifications; users are advised to confirm for their operations.
1 mm Hg = 0.1333 kPa

(2)

12

DENSITY AND
SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Table 3 Specific Gravity of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Measurement of specific gravity is a

common means of determining the
glycerine content of refined glycerine. See Table 3. The density of
glycerine solutions at various
concentrations and temperatures
can be calculated from specific
gravity data. See Table 4 on page 15.
(69 to 212F).

(%)

15/15C 15.5/15.5 C 20/20C 25/25C

15/15C 15.5/15.5C 20/20 C 25/25C

100
99
98
97
96

1.26557
1.26300
1.26045
1.25785
1.25525

1.26532
1.26275
1.26020
1.25760
1.25500

1.26362
1.26105
1.25845
1.25585
1.25330

1.26201
1.25945
1.25685
1.25425
1.25165

1.26526
1.26270
1.26010
1.25755
1.25495

1.26501
1.26245
1.25985
1.25730
1.25470

1.26331
1.26075
1.25815
1.25555
1.25300

1.26170
1.25910
1.25655
1.25395
1.25140

95
94
93
92
91

1.25270
1.25005
1.24740
1.24475
1.24210

1.25245
1.24980
1.24715
1.24450
1.24185

1.25075
1.24810
1.24545
1.24280
1.24020

1.24910
1.24645
1.24380
1.24115
1.23850

1.25240
1.24975
1.24710
1.24445
1.24185

1.25215
1.24950
1.24685
1.24420
1.24155

1.25045
1.24780
1.24515
1.24250
1.23985

1.24880
1.24615
1.24350
1.24085
1.23825

90
89
88
87
86

1.23950
1.23680
1.23415
1.23150
1.22885

1.23920
1.23655
1.23390
1.23120
1.22855

1.23755
1.23490
1.23220
1.22955
1.22690

1.23585
1.23320
1.23055
1.22790
1.22520

1.23920
1.23655
1.23390
1.23125
1.22860

1.23895
1.23625
1.23360
1.23095
1.22830

1.23725
1.23460
1.23195
1.22930
1.22660

1.23500
1.23295
1.23025
1.22760
1.22495

85
84
83
82
81

1.22620
1.22355
1.22090
1.21820
1.21555

1.22590
1.22325
1.22055
1.21790
1.21525

1.22420
1.22155
1.21890
1.21620
1.21355

1.22255
1.21990
1.21720
1.21455
1.21190

1.22595
1.22330
1.22060
1.21795
1.21530

1.22565
1.22300
1.22030
1.21765
1.21500

1.22395
1.22130
1.21865
1.21595
1.21330

1.22230
1.21965
1.21695
1.21430
1.21165

80
79
78
77
76

1.21290
1.21015
1.20740
1.20465
1.20190

1.21260
1.20985
1.20710
1.20440
1.20165

1.21090
1.20815
1.20540
1.20270
1.19995

1.20925
1.20655
1.20380
1.20110
1.19840

1.21265

1.21235

1.21065

1.20900

75
74
73
72
71

1.19915
1.19640
1.19365
1.19090
1.18815

1.19890
1.19615
1.19340
1.19070
1.8795

1.19720
1.19450
1.19175
1.18900
1.18630

1.19565
1.19295
1.19025
1.18755
1.18480

1.19890

1.19865

1.19700

1.19540

70
69
68
67
66

1.18540
1.18260
1.17985
1.17705
1.17430

1.18520
1.18240
1.17965
1.17685
1.17410

1.18355
1.18080
1.17805
1.17530
1.17255

1.18210
1.17935
1.17660
1.17385
1.17110

1.18515

1.18495

1.18330

1.18185

65
64
63
62
61

1.17155
1.16875
1.16600
1.16320
1.16045

1.17130
1.16855
1.16575
1.16300
1.16020

1.16980
1.16705
1.16430
1.16155
1.15875

1.16835
1.16560
1.16285
1.16010
1.15735

1.17135

1.17110

1.16960

1.16815

60
59
58
57
56

1.15770
1.15490
1.15210
1.14935
1.14655

1.15745
1.15465
1.15190
1.14910
1.14635

1.15605
1.15325
1.15050
1.14775
1.14500

1.15460
1.15185
1.14915
1.14640
1.14365

1.15750

1.15725

1.15585

1.15445

55
54
53
52
51

1.14375
1.14100
1.13820
1.13540
1.13265

1.14355
1.14080
1.13800
1.13525
1.13245

1.14220
1.13945
1.13670
1.13395
1.13120

1.14090
1.13815
1.13540
1.13265
1.12995

1.14360

1.14340

1.14205

1.14075

Figure 2 Chemical
Structure of Glycerine

CH 2
|
OH

CH
|
OH

CH 2
|
OH

Glycerine

Apparent Specific Gravity

13

True Specific Gravity

Table 3 continued
Glycerine

Apparent Specific Gravity

True Specific Gravity

(%)

15/15C 15.5/15.5C 20/20C 25/25C

15/15C 15.5/15.5 C 20/20C 25/25C

50
49
48
47
46

1.12985
1.12710
1.12440
1.12165
1.11890

1.12970
1.12695
1.12425
1.12150
1.11880

1.12845
1.12570
1.12300
1.12030
1.11760

1.12720
1.12450
1.12185
1.11915
1.11650

1.12970

1.12955

1.12830

1.12705

45
44
43
42
41

1.11620
1.11345
1.11075
1.10800
1.10525

1.11605
1.11335
1.11060
1.10790
1.10515

1.11490
1.11220
1.10950
1.10680
1.10410

1.11380
1.11115
1.10845
1.10575
1.10310

1.11605

1.11595

1.11475

1.11365

40
39
38
37
36

1.10255
1.09985
1.09715
1.09445
1.09175

1.10245
1.09975
1.09705
1.09435
1.09165

1.10135
1.09870
1.09605
1.09335
1.09070

1.10040
1.09775
1.09510
1.09245
1.08980

1.10240

1.10235

1.10125

1.10030

35
34
33
32
31

1.08905
1.08635
1.08365
1.08100
1.07830

1.08895
1.08625
1.08355
1.08085
1.07815

1.08805
1.08535
1.08270
1.08005
1.07735

1.08715
1.08455
1.08190
1.07925
1.07660

1.08895

1.08885

1.08790

1.08705

30
29
28
27
26

1.07560
1.07295
1.07035
1.06770
1.06510

1.07545
1.07285
1.07025
1.06760
1.06500

1.07470
1.07210
1.06950
1.06690
1.06435

1.07395
1.07135
1.06880
1.06625
1.06370

1.07550

1.07535

1.07460

1.07385

25
24
23
22
21

1.06250
1.05985
1.05725
1.05460
1.05200

1.06240
1.05980
1.05715
1.05455
1.05195

1.06175
1.05915
1.05655
1.05400
1.05140

1.06115
1.05860
1.05605
1.05350
1.05095

1.06240

1.06230

1.06165

1.06110

20
19
18
17
16

1.04935
1.04685
1.04435
1.04180
1.03930

1.04935
1.04680
1.04430
1.04180
1.03925

1.04880
1.04630
1.04380
1.04135
1.03885

1.04840
1.04590
1.04345
1.04100
1.03850

1.04930

1.04925

1.04875

1.04830

15
14
13
12
11

1.03675
1.03425
1.03175
1.02920
1.02670

1.03675
1.03420
1.03170
1.02920
1.02665

1.03635
1.03390
1.03140
1.02890
1.02640

1.03605
1.03360
1.03110
1.02865
1.02620

1.03670

1.03670

1.03630

1.03600

10
9
8
7
6

1.02415
1.02175
1.01935
1.01690
1.01450

1.02415
1.02175
1.01930
1.01690
1.01450

1.02395
1.02155
1.01915
1.01675
1.01435

1.02370
1.02135
1.01900
1.01660
1.01425

1.02415

1.02410

1.02390

1.02370

5
4
3
2
1

1.01210
1.00965
1.00725
1.00485
1.00240

1.01205
1.00965
1.00725
1.00485
1.00240

1.01195
1.00955
1.00720
1.00480
1.00240

1.01185
1.00950
1.00710
1.00475
1.00235

1.01205

1.01205

1.01195

1.01185

14

Table 4 Density of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Glycerine
(%)

Density (g/cm3)
20 C
25 C

Density (g/cm3)
20 C
25 C

30 C

Glycerine
(%)

15 C

15.5 C

1.25802
1.25545
1.25290
1.25030
1.24770

1.25495
1.25235
1.24975
1.24710
1.24450

50
49
48
47
46

1.12870
1.12600
1.12325
1.12055
1.11780

1.12845
1.12575
1.12305
1.12030
1.11760

1.12630
1.12360
1.12090
1.11820
1.11550

1.12375
1.12110
1.11840
1.11575
1.11310

1.12110
1.11845
1.11580
1.11320
1.11055

1.24825
1.24560
1.24300
1.24035
1.23770

1.24515
1.24250
1.23985
1.23725
1.23460

1.24190
1.23930
1.23670
1.23410
1.23150

45
44
43
42
41

1.11510
1.11235
1.10960
1.10690
1.10415

1.11490
1.11215
1.10945
1.10670
1.10400

1.11280
1.11010
1.10740
1.10470
1.10200

1.11040
1.10775
1.10510
1.10240
1.09975

1.10795
1.10530
1.10265
1.10005
1.09740

1.23775
1.23510
1.23245
1.22980
1.22710

1.23510
1.23245
1.22975
1.22710
1.22445

1.23200
1.22935
1.22665
1.22400
1.22135

1.22890
1.22625
1.22360
1.22095
1.21830

40
39
38
37
36

1.10145
1.09875
1.09605
1.09340
1.09070

1.10130
1.09860
1.09590
1.09320
1.09050

1.09930
1.09665
1.09400
1.09135
1.08865

1.09710
1.09445
1.09180
1.08915
1.08655

1.09475
1.09215
1.08955
1.08690
1.08430

1.22485
1.22220
1.21955
1.21690
1.21425

1.22445
1.22180
1.21915
1.21650
1.21385

1.22180
1.21915
1.21650
1.21380
1.21115

1.21870
1.21605
1.21340
1.21075
1.20810

1.21565
1.21300
1.21035
1.20770
1.20505

35
34
33
32
31

1.08800
1.08530
1.08265
1.07995
1.07725

1.08780
1.08515
1.08245
1.07975
1.07705

1.08600
1.08335
1.08070
1.07800
1.07535

1.08390
1.08125
1.07860
1.07600
1.07335

1.08165
1.07905
1.07645
1.07380
1.07120

80
79
78
77
76

1.21160
1.20885
1.20610
1.20335
1.20060

1.21120
1.20845
1.20570
1.20300
1.20025

1.20850
1.20575
1.20305
1.20030
1.19760

1.20545
1.20275
1.20005
1.19735
1.19465

1.20240
1.19970
1.19705
1.19435
1.19170

30
29
28
27
26

1.07455
1.07195
1.06935
1.06670
1.06410

1.07435
1.07175
1.06915
1.06655
1.06390

1.07270
1.07010
1.06755
1.06495
1.06240

1.07070
1.06815
1.06560
1.06305
1.06055

1.06855
1.06605
1.06355
1.06105
1.05855

75
74
73
72
71

1.19785
1.19510
1.19235
1.18965
1.18690

1.19750
1.19480
1.19205
1.18930
1.18655

1.19485
1.19215
1.18940
1.18670
1.18395

1.19195
1.18925
1.18650
1.18380
1.18110

1.18900
1.18635
1.18365
1.18100
1.17830

25
24
23
22
21

1.06150
1.05885
1.05625
1.05365
1.05100

1.06130
1.05870
1.05610
1.05350
1.05090

1.05980
1.05720
1.05465
1.05205
1.04950

1.05800
1.05545
1.05290
1.05035
1.04780

1.05605
1.05350
1.05100
1.04850
1.04600

70
69
68
67
66

1.18415
1.18135
1.17860
1.17585
1.17305

1.18385
1.18105
1.17830
1.17555
1.17275

1.18125
1.17850
1.17575
1.17300
1.17025

1.17840
1.17565
1.17295
1.17020
1.16745

1.17565
1.17290
1.17020
1.16745
1.16470

20
19
18
17
16

1.04840
1.04590
1.04335
1.04085
1.03835

1.04825
1.04575
1.04325
1.04075
1.03825

1.04690
1.04440
1.04195
1.03945
1.03695

1.04525
1.04280
1.04035
1.03790
1.03545

1.04350
1.04105
1.03860
1.03615
1.03370

65
64
63
62
61

1.17030
1.16755
1.16480
1.16200
1.15925

1.17000
1.16725
1.16445
1.16170
1.15895

1.16750
1.16475
1.16205
1.15930
1.15655

1.16475
1.16200
1.15925
1.15655
1.15380

1.16195
1.15925
1.15650
1.15375
1.15100

15
14
13
12
11

1.03580
1.03330
1.03080
1.02830
1.02575

1.03570
1.03320
1.03070
1.02820
1.02565

1.03450
1.03200
1.02955
1.02705
1.02455

1.03300
1.03055
1.02805
1.02560
1.02315

1.03130
1.02885
1.02640
1.02395
1.02150

60
59
58
57
56

1.15650
1.15370
1.15095
1.14815
1.14535

1.15615
1.15340
1.15065
1.14785
1.14510

1.15380
1.15105
1.14830
1.14555
1.14280

1.15105
1.14835
1.14560
1.14285
1.14015

1.14830
1.14555
1.14285
1.14010
1.13740

10
9
8
7
6

1.02325
1.02085
1.01840
1.01600
1.01360

1.02315
1.02075
1.01835
1.01590
1.01350

1.02210
1.01970
1.01730
1.01495
1.01255

1.02070
1.01835
1.01600
1.01360
1.01125

1.01905
1.01670
1.01440
1.01205
1.00970

55
54
53
52
51

1.14260
1.13980
1.13705
1.13425
1.13150

1.14230
1.13955
1.13680
1.13400
1.13125

1.14005
1.13730
1.13455
1.13180
1.12905

1.13740
1.13465
1.13195
1.12920
1.12650

1.13470
1.13195
1.12925
1.12650
1.12380

5
4
3
2
1
0

1.01120
1.00875
1.00635
1.00395
1.00155
0.99913

1.01110
1.00870
1.00630
1.00385
1.00145
0.99905

1.01015
1.00780
1.00540
1.00300
1.00060
0.99823

1.00890
1.00655
1.00415
1.00180
0.99945
0.99708

1.00735
1.00505
1.00270
1.00035
0.99800
0.99568

15 C

15.5 C

100
99
98
97
96

1.26415
1.26160
1.25900
1.25645
1.25385

1.26381
1.26125
1.25865
1.25610
1.25350

1.26108
1.25850
1.25590
1.25335
1.25080

95
94
93
92
91

1.25130
1.24865
1.24600
1.24340
1.24075

1.25095
1.24830
1.24565
1.24305
1.24040

90
89
88
87
86

1.23810
1.23545
1.23280
1.23015
1.22750

85
84
83
82
81

15

30 C

Table 5 Dielectric Constant, , of Glycerine-Water

Solutions at 25 C (77 F)(1)

DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
The dielectric constants of various
glycerine-water solutions are given
in Table 5. The data were obtained
at 25 C (77 F) and a frequency of
0.57 x 106 cycles per second.
Table 6 shows the effect of
temperature on the dielectric
constants of pure glycerine-water
solutions within the range of 20 to
100 C (69 to 212 F).

(1)

Glycerine % Wt.

Glycerine % Wt.

0.00
9.88
20.33
30.19
39.67
50.23

78.48
75.98
73.86
71.44
68.93
65.72

60.15
70.00
79.86
90.42
100.00

62.38
53.52
54.08
48.66
42.48

Current Frequency = 0.57 x 106 cycles/s.

Table 6 Dielectric Constant, , of Glycerine-Water

Solutions(1)

FREEZING POINT
Pure glycerine has a freezing point of
about 17C (62.6F). Glycerine,
however, is seldom seen in a crystallized state due to its tendency to
supercool. The presence of small
amounts of water within a glycerinewater solution also inhibit cr ystallization, which may depress its
freezing point. This means that
Dow Glycerine 96% USP has a
lower freezing point than OPTIM
Glycerine 99.7% USP or Dow
Glycerine 99.5% USP/EP.

Glycerine % Wt. 20 C
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
96
100

80.37
77.55
74.72
71.77
68.76
65.63
62.03
57.06
52.27
46.98
43.50
41.14

25 C(2)

40 C

60 C

80 C

100 C

78.50
75.70
72.90
70.00
67.10
64.00
60.00
55.60
50.60
45.50
42.30
40.10

73.12
70.41
67.70
64.87
62.03
59.55
55.48
51.41
46.92
42.26
39.30
37.30

66.62
63.98
61.56
58.97
56.24
53.36
50.17
46.33
42.32
38.19
35.60
33.82

60.58
58.31
56.01
53.65
51.17
48.52
45.39
41.90
38.30
34.47
32.20
30.63

55.10

41.08
38.07
34.70
31.34
29.30
27.88

(1)

Current Frequency = 2 x 106 cycles/s.

(2)

Note: The data for 25 C were obtained by interpolation.

Figure 4 Temperature Rise on

Mixing Glycerine and Water

20

68

15

59

10

50

41

32

-5

23

-10

14

-15

-20

-4

-25

-13

-30

-22

-35

-31

- 40

- 40

- 45

- 49

- 50

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

- 58
0

Temperature Rise, C

Figure 3 Freezing Points of

Glycerine-Water Solutions

90 100

Percent of Glycerine by Weight

20

40

60

Percent Glycerine by Weight

16

80

100

Table 7 Freezing and Flow Points of GlycerineWater Solutions

Composition

Freezing Point

Table 7 shows the freezing and

flow points of glycerine solutions.
The flow point is the temperature
at which a glycerine-water solution can still flow freely through a
1/4-inch orifice.
Figure 3 and Table 8 both
provide specific data regarding the
freezing points of several glycerine-water solutions.

Flow Point

Glycerine % by Wt.

( C)

( F)

( C)

( F)

9.65
19.30
28.95
33.78
38.60
43.43
48.25
53.08
57.90
67.55

- 2.2
- 5.3
- 8.8
- 12.4
- 17.2
- 18.0
- 21.4
- 27.5
- 34.0
- 41.5

28.0
22.46
16.3
9.5
1.04
0.4
- 6.5
- 17.5
- 29.2
- 42.7

- 3.0
- 9.0
- 15.8
- 18.0
- 19.5
- 20.5
- 28.0
- 35.9
- 41.9

26.6
15.8
3.5
- 2.0
- 3.1
- 4.9
- 18.4
- 32.6
- 43.6

HEAT OF SOLUTION

Table 8 Freezing Points of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Glycerine
by Wt.
(%)

Water
(%)

0.0
5.0
10.0
11.5 (1)
15.0
20.0
22.6 (1)
25.0
30.0
33.3 (1)
35.0
40.0
44.5 (1)
45.0
50.0
53.0 (1)
55.0
60.0
60.4 (1)
64.0 (1)
64.7 (1)

100.0
95.0
90.0
88.5
85.0
80.0
77.4
75.0
70.0
67.0
65.0
60.0
55.5
55.0
50.0
47.0
45.0
40.0
39.6
36.0
35.3

Freezing
Points
( C )
( F)
0.0
- 0.6
-1.6
-2.0
-3.1
- 4.8
- 6.0
-7.0
-9.5
-11.0
-12.2
-15.4
-18.5
-18.8
-23.0
-26.0
-28.2
-34.7
-35.0
- 41.5
- 42.5

Glycerine
by Wt.
(%)

Water
(%)

Freezing
Points
( C)
( F)

65.0
65.6 (1)
66.0 (1)
66.7 (1)
67.1 (1)
67.3 (1)
68.0 (1)
70.0
70.9 (1)
75.0
75.4 (1)
79.0 (1)
80.0
84.8 (1)
85.0
90.0
90.3 (1)
95.0
95.3 (1)
98.2 (1)
100.0

35.0
34.4
34.0
33.3
32.9
32.7
32.0
30.0
29.1
25.0
24.6
21.0
20.0
15.2
15.0
10.0
9.7
5.0
4.7
1.8
0.0

- 43.0
- 44.5
- 44.7
- 46.5
- 45.5
- 44.5
- 44.0
- 38.9
- 37.5
- 29.8
- 28.5
- 22.0
- 20.3
-10.5
-10.9
-1.6
-1.0
7.7
7.5
13.5
17.0

32.0
30.9
29.1
28.4
26.4
23.4
21.2
19.4
14.9
12.2
10.0
4.3
-1.3
-1.8
-9.4
-14.8
-18.8
-30.5
-31.0
-42.7
-44.5

(1)

Actual determination. Remaining values were interpolated from curve.

Table 9 Molar Heat of Solution of Glycerine

Initial Concentration of Glycerine
Moles of H2O per
Mole Glycerine

% H2O

0.000
0.164
0.304
0.684
1.633
2.866
3.711
4.564

0.00
3.11
5.62
11.81
24.21
35.93
42.07
47.17

Molar Heat of
Solution, Cal (Joules)
1381 (6647)
1329 (6396)
1261 (6069)
1140 (5487)
962 (4630)
788 (3793)
705 (3393)
615 (2960)

17

-45.4
-48.1
-48.5
-51.7
-49.9
-48.1
-47.2
-38.0
-35.5
-21.6
-19.3
-7.6
-4.5
13.1
12.4
29.1
30.2
45.9
45.5
56.3
62.6

When glycerine is dissolved in

water at a temperature of 0C (32F),
there is a slight rise in temperature
that reaches a maximum of about
5 C (41F) when 58 percent by
weight of glycerine is used. See
Figure 4.
The maximum amount of heat
(though not the greatest rise in
temperature) is obtained when the
glycerine is dissolved in a large
excess of water. If the glycerine is
not anhydrous, some of its heat of
solution will have already been
dissipated; correspondingly,
smaller amounts of heat will be
produced by further dilution. See
Table 9.

HEAT OF
VAPORIZATION
As shown in Table 11, the heat of
vaporization of glycerine is 21,060
cal/mol at 55 C (130 F) and
18,170 at 195 C (382 F).

- 6.7C (20 F)
8

Specific Heat, Cal/g/ C or Btu/lb/F

Pure glycerines specific heat falls

within the range of 0.575 to 0.5795
cal per C per gram at 26 C
(79 F). The specific heat of
glycerine-water solutions is higher.
Specific heat data for glycerinewater solutions from 0 to -30 C
(32 to -22F) is given in Figures 5
and 6 and Table 10.

Figure 5 Specific Heats of Glycerine-Water

Solutions at Various Temperatures

- 9.4C (15 F)
4
- 15C (5 F)
- 20.5C (-5F)
2

- 26.1C (-15 F)
- 31.6C
(-25F)

0
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

Fraction Glycerine, by Weight

Figure 6 Specific Heats of Glycerine-Water

Solutions of Various Compositions
25% Glycerine
6

Specific Heat, Cal/g/ C or Btu/lb/F

SPECIFIC HEAT

30%

35%
40%
45%
50%

55%

0
-1.1C (30F) -9.4C (15F) -17.7C (0 F) -26.1C (-15F)

18

Table 10 Specific Heats of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Specific Heats, Cal/g/ C or Btu/lb/ F
Glycerine

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

55%

60%

65%

35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0

1.7
-1.1
-3.9
- 6.7

0.88
0.88
0.87
0.86

0.87
0.86
0.86
0.85

0.86
0.85
0.84
0.83

0.84
0.83
0.82
0.82

0.82
0.81
0.80
0.79

0.80
0.79
0.78
0.77

0.77
0.76
0.75
0.74

0.74
0.73
0.72
0.71

0.71
0.70
0.69
0.68

19.0 (1)
15.0 (1)

-7.2
- 9.4

6.8 (1)
4.1

4.8 * 0.82

0.80

0.78

0.76

0.73

0.70

0.67

10.4 (1) -12.0

10.0
-12.2
5.0
-15.0

2.7
2.1

3.2
2.4

3.7 (1)

3.6
0.80
2.7
0.79

0.78
0.77

0.75
0.74

0.72
0.71

0.69
0.67

0.66
0.65

4.6 (1) -15.2

0.0
-17.8

1.7

1.9

2.1

2.9 (1)

2.4
0.76

0.73

0.70

0.66

0.63

-1.8 (1) -18.8

-5.0
-20.6

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.0

2.4 (1)

2.2 0.72

0.69

0.65

0.62

-9.6 (1) -23.1

-10.0
-23.3
-15.0
-26.1

1.2
1.1

1.4
1.2

1.6
1.3

1.7
1.5

1.9
1.6

2.0 (1)

2.0
0.68
1.7
0.67

0.64
0.63

0.61
0.60

-18.9 (1) -28.3

-20.0
-28.9
-25.0
-31.7

1.0
0.9

1.1
1.0

1.2
1.1

1.3
1.2

1.4
1.25

1.7 (1)

1.6
0.62
1.4
0.61

0.59
0.58

1.5
1.3

(1)

Estimated freezing point, and maximum specific heat for mixture of this composition.

The horizontal lines in each column mark the lower limit of the one-phase systems.

Table 11 Heat of Vaporization of Glycerine

C
L = cal/mol

C
L = cal/mol

195

185

175

165

155

145

135

125

18170

18780

18610

18740

19740

19810

19430

18925

115

105

95

85

75

65

55

19530

19300

19910

20840

21170

21120

21060

L is the molar heat of vaporization.

19

REFRACTIVE INDEX
Table 12 shows the refractive
indices of various concentrations of
glycerine in water.

Table 12 Refractive Index of Glycerine-Water Solutions

at 20 C (69 F)
Glycerine
% by
Weight

Refractive
Index
nD20

Difference
for
1%

Glycerine
% by
Weight

Refractive
Index
nD20

Difference
for
1%

100
99
98
97
96

1.47399
1.47234
1.47071
1.46909
1.46752

0.00165
0.00163
0.00161
0.00157
0.00156

50
49
48
47
46

1.39809
1.39660
1.39513
1.39368
1.39227

0.00149
0.00147
0.00145
0.00141
0.00138

95
94
93
92
91

1.46597
1.46443
1.46290
1.46139
1.45989

0.00154
0.00153
0.00151
0.00150
0.00150

45
44
43
42
41

1.39089
1.38953
1.38818
1.38683
1.38548

0.00136
0.00135
0.00135
0.00135
0.00135

90
89
88
87
86

1.45839
1.45689
1.45539
1.45389
1.45237

0.00150
0.00150
0.00150
0.00152
0.00152

40
39
38
37
36

1.38413
1.38278
1.38143
1.38008
1.37874

0.00135
0.00135
0.00135
0.00134
0.00134

85
84
83
82
81

1.45085
1.44930
1.44770
1.44612
1.44450

0.00155
0.00156
0.00160
0.00162
0.00160

35
34
33
32
31

1.37740
1.37606
1.37472
1.37338
1.37204

0.00134
0.00134
0.00134
0.00134
0.00134

80
79
78
77
76

1.44290
1.44135
1.43982
1.43832
1.43683

0.00155
0.00153
0.00150
0.00149
0.00149

30
29
28
27
26

1.37070
1.36936
1.36802
1.36669
1.36536

0.00134
0.00134
0.00133
0.00133
0.00132

75
74
73
72
71

1.43534
1.43385
1.43236
1.43087
1.42938

0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149

25
24
23
22
21

1.36404
1.36272
1.36141
1.36010
1.35879

0.00132
0.00131
0.00131
0.00131
0.00130

70
69
68
67
66

1.42789
1.42640
1.42491
1.42342
1.42193

0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149

20
19
18
17
16

1.35749
1.35619
1.35490
1.35361
1.35233

0.00130
0.00129
0.00129
0.00128
0.00127

65
64
63
62
61

1.42044
1.41895
1.41746
1.41597
1.41448

0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149

15
14
13
12
11

1.35106
1.34980
1.34854
1.34729
1.34604

0.00126
0.00126
0.00125
0.00125
0.00123

60
59
58
57
56

1.41299
1.41150
1.41001
1.40852
1.40703

0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149

10
9
8
7
6

1.34481
1.34359
1.34238
1.34118
1.33999

0.00122
0.00121
0.00120
0.00119
0.00119

55
54
53
52
51

1.40554
1.40405
1.40256
1.40107
1.39958

0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149
0.00149

5
4
3
2
1
0

1.33880
1.33762
1.33645
1.33530
1.33416
1.33303

0.00118
0.00117
0.00115
0.00114
0.00113

20

THERMAL
CONDUCTIVITY

Thermal Conductivity (Gram Cal., Sec, -1 Cm,-2 C,-1 cm)

Figure 7 Thermal Conductivity-CompositionTemperature Cur ves for Glycerine-Water Solutions

The thermal conductivity of

glycerine solutions increases as
water content increases. Increases
also occur with rising temperature
the rate of change being linear.
The data in Figure 7 and Table
13 were obtained from curves
plotted from experimentally
determined values for the coefficients of thermal conductivity and
solution concentrations.

C
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

.00160
.00150
.00140
.00130
.00120
.00110
.00100
.00090
.00080
.00070
.00060
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Glycerine-Water Solutions, Percent Water

Table 13 True Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Water

Glycerine

Percent
By Weight

Values of K1
10 C

20 C

30 C

40 C

50 C

60 C

70 C

80 C

20(1)%,
C -1

Equations for True Coefficient

of Thermal Conductivity

Gram Calories, Second,-1 cm, -2 C, -1 cm(2)

100

(Pure
water)

0.00138

0.00141

0.00145

0.00149

0.00152

0.00156

0.00160

0.00163

0.26

K1=0.00134+0.00000367 (t)

95
90

5
10

0.00133
0.00130

0.00137
0.00133

0.00140
0.00137

0.00144
0.00140

0.00147
0.00143

0.00151
0.00146

0.00154
0.00149

0.00158
0.00152

0.25
0.24

K1=0.00130+0.00000342 (t)
K1=0.00127+0.00000317 (t)

85
80

15
20

0.00125
0.00121

0.00128
0.00124

0.00131
0.00127

0.00134
0.00129

0.00137
0.00132

0.00140
0.00135

0.00143
0.00138

0.00146
0.00141

0.23
0.23

K1=0.00122+0.00000300 (t)
K1=0.00118+0.00000284 (t)

75
70

25
30

0.00117
0.00112

0.00119
0.00115

0.00122
0.00117

0.00125
0.00120

0.00127
0.00122

0.00130
0.00124

0.00132
0.00126

0.00135
0.00129

0.22
0.20

K1=0.00114+0.00000263 (t)
K1=0.00110+0.00000234 (t)

65
60

35
40

0.00109
0.00105

0.00111
0.00107

0.00114
0.00108

0.00116
0.00110

0.00118
0.00112

0.00120
0.00114

0.00122
0.00116

0.00124
0.00118

0.20
0.17

K1=0.00107+0.00000217 (t)
K1=0.00103+0.00000183 (t)

55
50

45
50

0.00102
0.00097

0.00103
0.00099

0.00105
0.00100

0.00106
0.00101

0.00108
0.00103

0.00110
0.00104

0.00111
0.00105

0.00113
0.00107

0.15
0.13

K1=0.00100+0.00000159 (t)
K1=0.00096+0.00000133 (t)

45
40

55
60

0.00094
0.00090

0.00095
0.00091

0.00096
0.00091

0.00098
0.00092

0.00099
0.00093

0.00100
0.00094

0.00101
0.00095

0.00102
0.00096

0.12
0.10

K1=0.00093+0.00000116 (t)
K1=0.00089+0.00000090 (t)

35
30

65
70

0.00086
0.00084

0.00087
0.00084

0.00088
0.00085

0.00089
0.00085

0.00089
0.00086

0.00090
0.00086

0.00091
0.00087

0.00091
0.00087

0.08
0.06

K1=0.00086+0.00000067 (t)
K1=0.00083+0.00000050 (t)

25
20

75
80

0.00080
0.00077

0.00081
0.00078

0.00081
0.00078

0.00081
0.00078

0.00082
0.00079

0.00082
0.00079

0.00082
0.00079

0.00082
0.00079

0.04
0.04

K1=0.00080+0.00000030 (t)
K1=0.00077+0.00000030 (t)

15
10

85
90

0.00074
0.00072

0.00074
0.00072

0.00074
0.00072

0.00074
0.00072

0.00074
0.00072

0.00074
0.00072

0.00075
0.00072

0.00075
0.00073

0.01
0.0+

K1=0.00074+0.00000008 (t)
K1=0.00072

5
(Pure
glycerine)

95
100

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

0.00070
0.00068

20 as defined by Kt = K20[1 + 20 (t - 20)].

(1)

Kt (cal, sec-1, cm-2, C-1, cm) 2900 = Kt (Btu, hr.-1, ft-2, F-1 inch).
C.g.s. system
English system

(2)

21

K1=0.00070
K1=0.00068

The cubical expansion of various

glycerine-water solutions is shown
in Figure 8. The heat of fusion for
these solutions is 47.5 cal per gm
and 47.9 cal per gm.
The thermal expansion of
glycerine with increasing temperature may be measured by its
change in volume or density. See
Tables 14 and 15.

Figure 8 Cubical Expansion of GlycerineWater Solutions When Partially Frozen

10
Water

Expansion milliliters per 100 grams solution

THERMAL AND
CUBICAL EXPANSION

5% glycerine
8

10% glycerine
20% glycerine

0
0

-5

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

Temperature C
Expansion calculated by ideal equation
Expansion calculated from literature values of glycerine solution freezing points
Expansion experimentally determined

Table 14 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (Gravimetric)

of Solutions of Glycerine and Water
Change in Specific Gravity per Degree
Glycerine (%)

15 -20 C

15 -25 C

20 - 25 C

100
97.5
95
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Water

0.000615
0.000620
0.000615
0.000610
0.000620
0.000580
0.000540
0.000485
0.000430
0.000370
0.000300
0.000230
0.000180

0.000615
0.000615
0.000615
0.000615
0.000615
0.000570
0.000545
0.000495
0.000435
0.000385
0.000315
0.000255
0.000205

0.000610
0.000605
0.000615
0.000620
0.000610
0.000565
0.000550
0.000510
0.000445
0.000400
0.000325
0.000280
0.000230

Table 15 Thermal Expansion of Pure Glycerine

( C)

( C)

Vol.

0 = 10000
10 = 10045
20 = 10090
30 = 10140
40 = 10190
50 = 10240
60 = 10295
70 = 10350
80 = 10410
90 = 10470

Vol.

100 = 10530
110 = 10590
120 = 10655
130 = 10720
140 = 10790
150 = 10860
160 = 10930
170 = 11005
180 = 11080
190 = 11160

22

( C)

Vol.

200 = 11245
210 = 11330
220 = 11415
230 = 11500
240 = 11585
250 = 11670
260 = 11755
270 = 11840
280 = 11925
290 = 12010

Table 16 Volatility Properties of Glycerine-Water Solutions

Parts by Weight
of Glycerine in
100 Parts of
Aqueous Solution

Boiling Point
at 760 mm Hg ( C)(1)

Vapor Pressure
of Glycerine
Solution at
100 C (mm) Hg(1)

100
99
98
97
96

290.0
239.0
208.0
188.0
175.0

64
87
107
126
144

95
94
93
92
91

164.0
156.0
150.0
145.0
141.0

162
180
198
215
231

90
89
88
87
86

138.0
135.0
132.5
130.5
129.0

247
263
279
295
311

85
84
83
82
81

127.5
126.0
124.5
123.0
122.0

326
340
355
370
384

80
79
78
77
76

121.0
120.0
119.0
118.2
117.4

396
408
419
430
440

75
74
73
72
71

116.7
116.0
115.4
114.8
114.2

450
460
470
480
489

70
65
60
55
50

113.6
111.3
109.0
107.5
106.0

496
553
565
593
618

45
40
35
30
25

105.0
104.0
103.4
102.8
102.3

639
657
675
690
704

20
10
0

101.8
100.9
100.0

717
740
760

Volatility data, including boiling

point and vapor pressure, for
various glycerine-water solutions
are given in Table 16.
Vapor pressures of pure glycerine are calculated by extrapolating
from partial pressures of solutions
to the point where the partial
pressure equals the total pressure.
These values are estimated to be
accurate to about 1 percent and are
shown in Table 17.

(1)

1 mm Hg = 0.1333 kPa

Table 17 Vapor Pressure of Pure Glycerine

mm Hg 1
C

10

125.5 153.8 167.2

20

40

60

182.2

198.0 208.0

100

200

400

760

220.1 240.0 263.0 290.0

23

VAPOR PRESSURE AND

BOILING POINT

VISCOSITY
The viscosity of aqueous glycerine
solutions from 0 to 100 percent
concentrations and 0 to 100 C (32
to 211F) temperatures is given in
Table 18.
The viscosity of glycerine
solutions below 0C (32 F) is
shown in Table 19. This may be
determined by using a falling ball
viscometer.
Viscosities of supercooled
glycerine as low as -40 C (-40 F)
have also been determined via this
method and are presented in
Tables 20 and 21.
The viscosity of glycerine at
high temperatures, 80 to 167 C
(175 to 332 F), is shown in
Table 22.

Table 18 Viscosity of Aqueous Glycerine Solutions in

Centipoises/mPa s
Temperature ( C)
Glycerine
percent
weight
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
65
67
70
75
80
85
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100

(1)

10

1.792
2.44
3.44
5.14
8.25
14.6
29.9
45.7
55.5
76
132
255
540
1310
1590
1950
2400
2930
3690
4600
5770
7370
9420
12070

1.308
1.74
2.41
3.49
5.37
9.01
17.4
25.3
29.9
38.8
65.2
116
223
498
592
729
860
1040
1270
1580
1950
2460
3090
3900

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1.005 0.8007 0.6560 0.5494 0.4688 0.4061 0.3565 0.3165 0.2838

1.31
1.03 0.826 0.680 0.575 0.500

1.76
1.35
1.07 0.879 0.731 0.635

2.50
1.87
1.46
1.16 0.956 0.816 0.690

3.72
2.72
2.07
1.62
1.30
1.09 0.918 0.763 0.668
6.00
4.21
3.10
2.37
1.86
1.53
1.25
1.05 0.910
10.8
7.19
5.08
3.76
2.85
2.29
1.84
1.52
1.28
15.2
9.85
6.80
4.89
3.66
2.91
2.28
1.86
1.55
17.7
11.3
7.73
5.50
4.09
3.23
2.50
2.03
1.68
22.5
14.1
9.40
6.61
4.86
3.78
2.90
2.34
1.93
35.5
21.2
13.6
9.25
6.61
5.01
3.80
3.00
2.43
60.1
33.9
20.8
13.6
9.42
6.94
5.13
4.03
3.18
109
58
33.5
21.2
14.2
10.0
7.28
5.52
4.24
219
109
60.0
35.5
22.5
15.5
11.0
7.93
6.00
259
127
68.1
39.8
25.1
17.1
11.9
8.62
6.40
310
147
78.3
44.8
28.0
19.0
13.1
9.46
6.82
367
172
89
51.5
31.6
21.2
14.4
10.3
7.54
437
202
105
58.4
35.4
23.6
15.8
11.2
8.19
523
237
121
67.0
39.9
26.4
17.5
12.4
9.08
624
281
142
77.8
45.4
29.7
19.6
13.6
10.1
765
340
166
88.9
51.9
33.6
21.9
15.1
10.9
939
409
196
104
59.8
38.5
24.8
17.0
12.2
1150
500
235
122
69.1
43.6
27.8
19.0
13.3
1410
612
284
142
81.3
50.6
31.9
21.3
14.8

(1)

Viscosity of water taken from Properties of Ordinary Water-Substance. N.E. Dorsey, p. 184. New York (1940)

Table 19 Viscosity of Glycerine-Water Solutions at Low

Temperatures in Centipoises/mPa s
Temperature

Glycerine
% Wt.

Freezing
Point

- 5 C

-10 C

- 20 C

-30 C

- 40 C

10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
66.7
70.0
80.0
90.0

-1.6
- 4.8
- 9.5
-15.4
- 23.0
- 34.7
- 46.5
- 38.5
- 20.3
-1.6

6.5
10.3
18.8
41.6
74.7
110.0
419.0

14.4
24.4
59.1
113.0
151.0
683.0

48.1
108.0
289.0
394.0
1600.0

244.0
631.0
1046.0

1398.0

24

Table 20 Viscosity of Supercooled Glycerine

Glycerine + 0.5% Water

Glycerine, Anhydrous

( C)

(Poises)

( C)

(Poises)(1)

- 40.9
- 37.0
- 34.0
- 34.0
- 30.0
- 26.0
-13.9
-13.9
- 6.1
- 6.1
- 6.0
+2.0
+1.8
+1.7
+6.3
+6.3
+9.1
+9.2
+12.8
+12.8

45000
22000
10600
10800
5220
2830
407
405
142
144
137
53.8
56.5
62.4
34.4
35.7
26.7
26.0
18.4
18.3

- 42.0
- 41.8
-36.3
-36.0
- 28.9
- 25.0
- 25.0
- 20.0
-19.5
-15.4
-10.8
-10.8
- 4.2
- 4.2

67100
63000
21700
20500
5360
2600
2640
1340
1230
665
357
352
148
149

(1)

(1)

1 Poise = 0.1 mPa s

Table 21 Calculated Temperatures Related to Viscosities of

Supercooled Glycerine Containing 0.5 Percent Water
C

- 89

- 45

- 33.5

- 20

- 3.5

+18

Viscosity (poises)(1)

1013

105

104

103

102

10

(1)

1 Poise = 0.1 mPa s

Table 22 Viscosity of 100 Percent Glycerine at High

Temperatures
C

80

90

100

110

120

130

140

Centipoises/
mPa s

32.18

21.2

14.60

10.48

7.797

5.986

4.726

150

158

167

Centipoises/
mPa s

3.823

3.282

2.806

25

SOLUBILITY

Table 23 Miscibility of Organic Solvents with Glycerine

Because of its hydroxyl groups,

glycerine has solubility characteristics similar to those of water and
the simple aliphatic alcohols. It is
completely miscible with water,
methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, npropyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,
n-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol,
sec.-butyl alcohol, tertiary amyl
alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene
glycol, trimethylene glycol and
phenol.
Glycerine has limited solubility
in dioxane and ethyl ether. It is
practically insoluble, however, in
higher alcohols, fatty oils, hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents
such as chlorhexane, chlorbenzene and chloroform. It is
completely miscible with ethylene
glycol monoethyl ether, but is
miscible with only a limited
amount of ethylene glycol
monobutyl ether. Miscibility data
for a number of compounds with
glycerine are given in Table 23.
Because of the importance of
glycerine as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparations and flavor
extracts, considerable work has
been done on the solubility of a
number of substances in glycerine.
Table 24 gives the solubility data of
many of these compounds.

Miscible

Immiscible

o-Cresol
Diethylenetriamine
Diethyl formamide
Diisopropylamine
Ethyl alcohol
Triethylenetetramine
-Methylbenzylamine
-Methylbenzyldiethanolamine
-Methylbenzylethanolamine
2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine
2-Phenylethylamine
Isopropanolamine
Pyridine

Acetone
Di-n-amylamine
Isoamyl acetate
Di-n-butylamine
n-Amyl cyanide
Anisaldehyde
Benzene
Benzyl ether
Chloroform
Cinnamaldehyde
Diisobutyl ketone
Diethyl acetic acid
2,6,8 Trimethyl 4-nonanone
Di(2-ethylhexyl) amine
Di-n-propyl aniline
Ethyl chloracetate
Ethyl cinnamate
Ethyl ether
Ethyl phenylacetate
3-Heptanol
n-Heptyl acetate
n-Hexyl ether
-Methylbenzyldimethylamine
Methyl isopropyl ketone
4-Methyl-n-valeric acid
o-Phenetidine
Salicylaldehyde
Tetradecanol
Tri-butyl phosphate

26

Partially Miscible

Table 24 Solubility of Various Compounds in Glycerine

Substance
Alum
Ammonium
carbonate
Ammonium chloride
Anisic aldehyde
Arsenic acid
Arsenious acid
Atropine
Atropine sulfate
Barium chloride
Benzoic acid

Benzyl acetate
Boric acid
Brucine
Calcium hydroxide
Calcium
hypophosphite
Calcium oleate
Calcium sulfate
Calcium sulfide
Cinchonine
Cinchonine sulfate
Cinnamic aldehyde
Codeine
hydrochloride
Copper acetate
Copper sulfate
Ethyl acetate
Ethyl ether
Eugenol
Ferrous sulfate
Guaiacol
Guaiacol carbonate
Iodine
Idoform
Iron and potassium
tartrate
Iron lactate
Iron oleate
Lead acetate
Lead sulfate
Magnesium oleate
Mercuric chloride
Mercurous chloride
Mercurous cyanide
Morphine
Morphine acetate
Morphine
hydrochloride
Novacaine
Oxalic acid
Pentaerythritol
Phenacetin
Phenol

Glycerine
Concentration
% Weight

Solubility
in Parts per
Temp. 100 Parts
C of solvent

Ref.

NS

15

40

NS
99.04
87.27
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
99.04
87.27
NS
98.5
95.1
90
86.5
75
50
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
35

15
20
20
15
15
15
15
15
20
20
15

23
23

23
23
15
20
20
15
25

20
19.8
13.7
20.06
0.1
20
20
3
45.2
45.8
9.73
2
2.01
1.74
1.18
1.02
0.06
0.1
24.8
13.79
2.25
1.3

8
9
9
8
1
6
6
5
9
9
8
4

1
4
4
5
2

99.04
87.27
45
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS

20
20
15
15
15
15
15
15

2.5
3.2
1.18
5.17
5
0.3
6.7
0.1

9
9
6
8
6
5
5
1

99.04
87.27
NS
NS
99.04
87.27
99.04
87.27
NS
NS
99.04
87.27
99.04
87.27
NS
95

20
20
15
15
20
20
20
20
15
15
20
20
20
20
15
15

11.1
4.7
10
30
1.9
1.8
0.65
0.38
0.1
25
13.1
9.05
0.043
0.039
2
0.12

9
9
6
6
9
9
9
9
1
6
9
9
9
9
8
3

NS
NS
45
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
45
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS

15
15
15
15

15
15
15
15
15
15
15

8
16
0.71
10
143
129.3
30.3
0.94
8
7.5
27
0.45
20

5
5
8
8
4
4
8
6
8
5
5
5
5

NS
99.04
87.27
NS
100
99.04
87.27
99.04
87.27

15
20
20
15
100
20
20
20
20

20
11.2
7.8
15.1
9.3
0.47
0.3
276.4
361.8

5
9
9
6
Anon.
9
9
9
9

Substance

Glycerine
Concentration
% Weight

Phenylethyl alcohol
Phosphorus
Potassium arsenate
Potassium bromide
Potassium chlorate
Potassium chloride
Potassium cyanide
Potassium iodate
Potassium iodide
Quinine
Quinine sulfate
Quinine tannate
Salicin
Salicylic acid
Santonin
Sodium arsenate
Sodium bi-borate
Sodium bicorbonate
Sodium tetraborate
(borax)
Sodium carbonate
(crystals)
Sodium chlorate
Sodium hypophosphite
Sodium pyrophosphate
Sodium sulfate 12H2O
Stearic acid
Strychnine
Strychnine nitrate
Strychnine sulfate
Sulfur
Tannic acid
Tannin
Tartar emetic
Theobromine
Urea
Zinc chloride
Zinc iodide
Zinc sulfate
Zinc valerate

Solubility
in Parts per
Temp. 100 Parts
C of solvent

Ref.

NS
NS
NS
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
NS
NS
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
98.5
86.5
NS
99.04
87.27
NS
98.5
86.4
NS
NS
99.04
87.27
98.5
86.5
NS

15
15
15
15

15

15
15
15
15

15

15
20
20
15

15
15
20
20

15

1.5
ca. 0.25
50.13
25
17.15
20.59
3.54
1.03
1.32
3.72
31.84
1.9
39.72
50.7
58.27
0.47
1.32
0.72
0.25
2.8
2.45
12.5
1.63
0.985
6
50
64
44
111.15
89.36
8.06

1
8
8
6
4
4
8
4
4
8
8
5
8
4
4
8
4
4
5
9
9
5
4
4
5
8
9
9
4
4
8

NS

15

60

NS
NS
99.04
87.27
87.27
100
99.04
87.27
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
99.04
87.27
NS
NS
NS
NS
99.04
87.27

15
15
20
20
20
25
20
20
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
20
20
15
15
15
15
20
20

98.3
20
32.7
42.2
9.6
8.1
0.089
0.066
0.25
4
22.5
ca. 0.1
48.8
48.83
5.5
0.028
0.017
50
49.87
39.78
35.18
0.336
0.382

8
5
9
9
9
10
9
9
5
5
5
8
6
8
5
9
9
5
8
8
8
9
9

NS = Glycerine content not specified, probably 95 to 100 percent.

References for Table

(1)Allens Commercial Organic Analysis, Fourth ed, p. 461. P. Blakistons Son & Co.,
Philadelphia (1923).
(2)Cameron, F.K., and Patten, H.E., J. Phys. Chem. 15, 67-72 (1911).
(3)Chiara, P., Giorn. farm. chim., 66, 94-96 (1917).
(4)Holm, K., Pharm. Weekblad, 58, 860-862 (1921); ibid. 1033-1037 (1921)
(5)Lawrie, J. W., Glycerol and the Glycols, p. 232. New York, The Chemical Catalog Co.
Inc. (Reinhold Publishing Corp.) 1928.
(6)Lewkowitsch, J., Chemical Technology and Analysis of Fats and Waxes, Sixth ed., p.
254, London, MacMillan & Co. Ltd. (1921).
(7)Noble, M. V., and Garrett, A. B., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 66, 231-235 (1944).
(8)Ossendovsky, A. M., J. Russ. Phys. Chem. Soc., 37, 1071 (1906). Through Mac Ardle, D.
W., The Use of Solvents in Organic Chemistry, p. 80. New York, D. van Nostrand Co.,
Inc. (1925).
(9)Roborgh, J. A., Pharm. Weekblad, 64, 1205-1209 (1927).
(10) Schnellbach, W. and Rosin, J., J. Am. Pharm. Assoc., 18, 1230-1235 (1929).

27

SKIN

SAFETY AND
HANDLING
One of the desirable qualities of
glycerine is its ease of handling
from a personal safety viewpoint.
However, a few reasonable precautions are necessary. Good manufacturing practices should be
exercised to conform to federal
regulations and to maintain the
quality necessary for human
consumption.
Due to glycerines high viscosity, slight heating is usually
required to lower the viscosity for
easy transfer.
Its important to note, however,
that glycerine may degrade to
oxidation by-products. Glycerine
by-products have different toxicological and physical properties from
glycerine itself. See the Material
Safety Data Sheet for more information. To minimize quality degradation, glycerine should be used and
stored below 54 C (130 F).
In the presence of powerful
oxidizing agents such as sodium
hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid,
a violent reaction may occur.
Review the following exposure
hazards and first aid procedures to
establish and maintain safe working
conditions.

EYES
May cause slight, transient irritation. Upon eye contact, flush the
eyes with plenty of water.

28

A single prolonged exposure to

glycerine is not likely to be absorbed in significant amounts
through the skin and so is not
likely to cause significant irritation.
Upon contact, skin may feel warm
due to the absorption of moisture
from the skin. Glycerine can be
removed by washing with water.
Glycerine may be absorbed in
potentially harmful amounts when
applied in large quantities to
severe burns (second or third
degree) over large areas of the
body as part of a cream or other
topical application. Absorption
under such circumstances can
elevate serum osmolality and may
result in osmotic shock.

INHALATION
No significant irritation. The
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value is
10 mg/m3 as a nuisance mist. If
irritation occurs as a result of
inhalation, remove person to an
area of fresh air.

DRUMS
Acceptable drums may be polyethylene or epoxy-phenolic lined, but
due to the variety available, contact
Dow for assistance in identifying
acceptable drums.

BIODEGRADATION DATA
Biodegradation under aerobic
static laboratory conditions is high
(BOD20 or BOD28/ThOD greater
than 40 percent). It is expected
that biodegradation will be achievable in a secondary wastewater
treatment plant.
The inhibitory concentration of
glycerine (IC50) in OECD Activated Sludge, Respiration Inhibition
Test (Guideline #209) is greater
than 1,000 mg/L.
The five-day biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD5) is 0.54 p/p, the
10-day biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD10) is 0.98 p/p, the 20-day
biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD20) is 1.0 p/p and the theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD) is
calculated to be 1.22 p/p.

GENERAL STORAGE
CONSIDERATIONS
Storage and handling equipment
should be installed to avoid
possible cross-contamination with
other materials. Glycerine will
react with many compounds,
including acids, isocyanates,
chlorine and oxidizing agents.
On any of the following storage
and handling topics, Dow personnel
are available to discuss their specific
storage conditions.

BULK STORAGE
Bulk storage and loading equipment should be designed to allow
for periodic emptying and cleaning. New equipment should be
hydrostatically tested prior to use.
To ensure product quality, it
is recommended that only dedicated equipment be used to store
glycerine.
Bulk storage and loading areas
should have easy access for tank
trucks and/or railcars and maintenance equipment.
Bulk storage tanks should use
nitrogen padding or air dryers to
prevent moisture accumulation.
Glycerine is very hygroscopic.
Bulk storage facilities may need
provisions for heating of product if
located in cold regions. Care must
be used when heating glycerine to
avoid heat degradation of the

product, as temperatures above

54 C (130 F) can cause accelerated degradation. See Figure 9 (on
page 30) for typical bulk glycerine
storage facilities and tank truck
off-loading arrangement.
Supercooling
The freezing point of glycerine is
17 C (62.6 F). Glycerine has the
characteristic of supercooling,
which means that it can remain
in a liquid state even below its
reported freezing point of 17C
(62.6 F). However, to avoid
unexpected crystallization, glycerine should be stored above
17 C (62.6 F).
Materials of Construction
Stainless steel is the recommended
material of construction for
glycerine storage tanks.
Plastic and fiberglass tanks
as well as lined tanks can be used
for glycerine storage. All plastic
material and tank linings being
considered for use with glycerine
should be checked to assure compatibility with the product to avoid
any adverse effects on quality.
Design and Fabrication
A welded tank designed in accordance with UL-142 (atmospheric
pressure vertical and horizontal
tanks), or API 650 (vertical
atmospheric tanks) is recommended for glycerine storage.

29

Tanks larger than 5,000 gallons

in capacity should be equipped
with a manway.
Glycerine storage tanks should
be designed to eliminate significant
product residue after draining in
order to facilitate clearing and
cleaning (i.e., incorporate a
bottom drain).
A self-cleaning white paint
exterior is recommended on
glycerine tanks. This color of paint
will minimize the internal temperature changes that occur during
24-hour cycles. The reduced
expansion and contraction of the
contents (breathing) will decrease
the demand for nitrogen or dry air.
A glycerine tank should be
cleaned and dried prior to being
used for the first time.
Tank Installation
Glycerine tanks should be supported on a firm foundation. The
recommended foundation is a
reinforced concrete pad or ring.
Soil testing is advisable to determine the proper foundation needed
to safely support the gross weight
of the completely filled tank.
Guy wires or tie-downs should
be considered if the tank will be
located in an open area. An empty
tank is not very stable in strong
winds. If the tank will be located in
an area prone to occasional
flooding, it should be securely
anchored to prevent it from
floating off the base. An empty
tank will float.
Bulk storage tanks should be
electrically grounded.
A bulk storage tank should be
hydrostatically tested prior to its
first use. This procedure will help
to identify leaks or other problems
before the tank is filled with
product.

Figure 9 Typical Bulk Glycerine Storage Facility and Tank Truck Off-Loading Arrangement
1 PUMP TO BE TURNED OFF BY:
HIGH LEVEL IN TANK
HIGH TEMPERATURE
LOW PUMP DISCHARGE PRESSURE
LOW PUMP DISCHARGE FLOW
LOSS OF ELECTRICAL GROUND

This schematic drawing is provided in good faith by The Dow Chemical Company..
However, as the delivery, storage, use and disposal conditions are not within its
control, Dow does not guarantee results from the use of the schematic. The customer
is advised to employ a qualified engineering service to design and build their storage
and handling facility. Since any assistance furnished by Dow, with reference to the
safe delivery, storage, use and disposal of its products is provided without charge,
Dow assumes no obligation or liability.

TO NITROGEN PAD-DEPAD
OR AIR DRYER SYSTEM

3 POSITION TEMPERATURE SENSORS TO

PROVIDE ACCURATE LIQUID TEMPERATURE
REGARDLESS OF LEVEL.

TO PROCESS
ACCESS PLATFORM
FCMV

PVRV

ERV

2 SAFETY SHOWER MUST BE LOCATED

TO BE QUICKLY ACCESSIBLE FROM ALL
PRODUCT HANDLING AREAS.

1
HLS
HLA

NOTE: LABEL LINES FOR CONTENT

FCMV

HLA

GLYCERINE
LI
LT

2 SAFETY SHOWER
& EYEWASH

FI
FT

TI
TT

TIC
TT

PI
PT

2" LIQ.

STEAM
5

TANK TRUCK

KBV

CONDENSATE

SPILL
CONTAINMENT
WALL

GROUND

SLOPE
LOW POINT DRAIN

FIRE
EXT.

FLEX HOSE

TI
TT

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
1

GROUND

FIRE
MONITOR

TO SAMPLING
SYSTEM

ABSORBENT

LEGEND
PCV = pressure control valve, ERV = emergency relief valve, VRV = vacuum relief valve, HLS = high level switch, HLA = high level alarm,
LI - level indicator, LT = level transmitter, EBV = emergency block valve, TI = temperature indicator, TT = temperature transmitter,
EBV = emergency block valve, FI = flow indicator, FT = flow transmitter, PI = pressure indicator, PT = pressure transmitter.

Tanks should be located to

allow ample space to load and
unload material, perform maintenance on the tank and to perform
maintenance on adjacent tanks and
equipment in the area.
Spill containment is strongly
recommended if the tank will be
located in an area where a spill
could find its way into a river, lake
or aboveground/underground
body of water.

REQUIRED
ACCESSORIES
Level Indicator
Tanks should be equipped with a
means of measuring the level
inside the tank. Electronic or
pneumatic level transmitters and
internal float-type devices are
recommended. External liquid
column gauges constructed of
polyethylene can be used if they
are protected to prevent accidental
breakage. The bottom should be
fitted with a shut-off valve to be
open only when reading the level.
Glass devices are not recommended.

30

Pressure-Vacuum Relief Valves

Located on top of the tank, this
device is used to prevent damage
to storage tanks due to pressure
changes caused by filling or
draining and by thermal expansion
or contraction of the contents. This
safety device is recommended for
all closed bulk storage tanks.
Nitrogen Pad-Depad System
This system provides a dry nitrogen
atmosphere in the vapor space of the
tank. Nitrogen padding is recommended for glycerine storage tanks
to prevent oxidation.

Air Dr yer System

This system can be used in place of
a nitrogen pad-depad system to
maintain a moisture-free environment in the vapor space of the tank.
The system utilizes a gel desiccant
dryer such as silica gel on the tank
vent to dry air going into the tank.
Tank Heater
If the glycerine tank will be located
in a climate that routinely sees
temperatures below 17 C (62.6F),
a tank heater will be required. For
easier handling, glycerine can be
kept at 32 to 49 C (90 to 120 F).
Tank suction heaters or recirculating heat exchanges are recommended. A tank heater must be
controlled to prevent temperatures
above 54 C (130 F). This can be
done by using hot water or
desuperheated steam. The higher
temperatures for a prolonged
period of time will cause degradation of the product.

PIPE DESIGN
CRITERIA
Piping
Piping should be designed to
minimize the number of potential
leak points (flanges, screwed
connections, couplings, etc.).
Piping systems should be installed
to drain to low points and have
valves to allow easy clearing of the
pipe for maintenance.
To ensure product quality, never
manifold glycerine with other products. All piping should be dedicated
for glycerine only.

Stainless steel schedule 10 is the

recommended material of construction to ensure product quality.
Welded seamless pipe is also recommended. Screwed piping can
be used, but pipe dopes should
be avoided to prevent product
contamination.
Valves should be placed to allow
easy access and operation.
If the piping will be located where
ambient temperatures can fall below
17C (62.6F), then tracing and
insulation should be used. Glycerine
flows well at temperatures of 32 to
49C (90 to 120F). Any pipe heating
system should have an upper limit
to prevent excess temperatures
above 54C (130F). Higher temperatures over prolonged periods
can cause degradation of glycerine.
Pumps
For normal operations, a centrifugal
pump is recommended for use with
glycerine. If the glycerine will be
stored at lower temperatures, it will
be more viscous and a positive
displacement pump such as a gear
pump is recommended. The
material of construction should be
stainless steel.
Flowmeters
If it is desirable to measure the
flow of glycerine in the piping
system, a flowmeter is recommended. Common types of meters
that work well with glycerine include positive-displacement (gear)
meters, mass-flow meters and
orifice meters. Sight glasses are
not recommended.

drop. Filter elements can be constructed of cotton, polyester, polypropylene, nylon or stainless steel
screen. Element pore sizes of 10 to
75 microns are recommended.
Hoses
Hoses used for loading and
unloading of glycerine should be
made of reinforced elastomer with
cross-linked polyethylene liner.
Flexible corrugated stainless steel
may also be used.
Hoses should be dedicated to
glycerine service to avoid product
contamination, and should be rated
to withstand the operating pressure of the pump.
Hoses should be capped at
both ends when not in use to keep
dirt and moisture from entering
the hose and causing product
contamination.
Gaskets
Gaskets made with Teflon(1) fluoropolymers and Viton(1) fluoroelastomers are recommended for
use with glycerine.
Valves
Gate, ball, plug and butterfly valves
can be used in glycerine service.
The valves should be constructed
of stainless steel to ensure product
quality and should be designed so
that no internal lubrication is
necessary.
Check valves are not recommended for use with glycerine due
to the viscosity of the product.

Filters
To ensure clean product, filters are
desirable. Filters should be large
enough to handle the desired
product flow with a low pressure

(1 )

31

Trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company

PRODUCT

STEWARDSHIP

The Dow Chemical Company has a

fundamental concern for all who
make, distribute and use its
products, and for the environment
in which we live. This concern is
the basis for our Product Stewardship philosophy by which we
assess the health and environmental information on our products and take appropriate steps
to protect employee and public
health, and our environment. Our
Product Stewardship program rests
with each and every individual
involved with Dow products from
initial concept and research, to the
manufacture, use, sale and disposal
of each product.

RESPONSIBLE CARE

Dow has a long-standing policy to

ensure that its operations do not
have an adverse impact on the
community or the environment. To
uphold this policy, Dow is committed to support Responsible Care,
a continuing effort by the chemical
industry to improve the responsible management of chemicals.
Under Responsible Care, Dow
complies with ten guiding principles and six codes of practice that
cover all aspects of research,

Responsible Care is a registered service mark of the

Chemical Manufacturers Association.

32

development, manufacture, distribution, transportation, use and

disposal of products. The principles
also extend to prompt reporting,
customer counseling, community
awareness, support of external
research, participation with
government and other organizations and promotion of Responsible
Care principles worldwide.

CUSTOMER NOTICE
Dow strongly encourages its
customers to review both their
manufacturing processes and their
applications of Dow products from
the standpoint of human health
and environmental quality to help
ensure that Dow products are not
used in ways for which they are
not intended or tested.
Dow personnel are prepared
to assist customers in dealing with
ecological and product safety considerations. Dow product literature,
including Material Safety Data
Sheets, should be consulted prior
to use of Dow products. Your Dow
representative can arrange the
proper contacts, or write to the
Dow location nearest you.

FOR MORE
INFORMATION
To learn more about Dow Synthetic Glycerine products, contact
the Dow Customer Information
Group at 1-800-441-4DOW (4369).
In Europe, call 41-1-728-2111. An
expert in the field of glycerine
chemistry will be happy to answer
your questions and evaluate your
potential applications.

For additional information

in the U.S. and Canada,
call 1-800 - 441- 4DOW (4369).
In Mexico, call 95- 800 - 441- 4369.
In Europe, call 41-1-728 -2111.

NOTICE: No freedom from any patent owned by Seller or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from
one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document
are appropriate for Customers use and for ensuring that Customers workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other
governmental enactments. Seller assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
Published November 1999

The Dow Chemical Company, 2040 Dow Center, Midland, Michigan 48674
Dow Chemical Canada Inc., 1086 Modeland Rd., P.O. Box 1012, Sarnia, Ontario, N7T 7K7, Canada
Dow Quimica Mexicana, S.A . de C.V., Torre Optima Mezzanine, Av. Paseo de Las Palmas No. 405,
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 Mexico, D.F., Mexico
Dow Europe S.A., Bachtobelstr. 3, CH- 8810 Horgen, Switzerland

Printed in U.S.A.

*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company.

CH 131-121-E-1199X