Triethylene Glycol

Table of
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Quality, Service, and Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Table 1 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Product Stewardship Guidelines and Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
on-supported applications of Dow-manufactured EG, DEG,TEG,TETRA,
N
and By-Products of Glycol Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table 2 Physical Properties of Triethylene Glycol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table 3 Solubilities of Various Materials in Triethylene Glycol . . . . . . . . 6
Table 4 Triethylene Glycol Compatibility with Elastomeric Materials . . . . . 7
Table 5 Constant Boiling Mixtures of Triethylene Glycol . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 1 Freezing Points of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions . . . . . . . 9
Figure 2 Boiling Points vs. Composition of Aqueous Triethylene
Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 3 Condensation Temperatures vs. Composition of Aqueous
Triethylene Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 4 Vapor Pressures of Triethylene Glycol at Various Temperatures . . . 12
Figure 5 Vapor Pressures of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at
Various Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 6 Specific Gravities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions . . . . . . 14
Figure 7 Viscosities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 8 Specific Heats of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions . . . . . . . 16
Figure 9 Thermal Conductivities of Aqueous Triethylene
Glycol Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 10 Dew Points of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at
Various Contact Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 11 Comparative Hygroscopicities of Various Glycols
at 70F (21C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 12 Refractive Indices of Pure Triethylene Glycol . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Table of
Contents
Figure 13 Refractive Indices of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions
at 77F (25C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 14 Surface Tensions of Pure Triethylene Glycol . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 15 Surface Tensions of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions
at 77F (25C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 16 Electrical Conductivities of Aqueous Triethylene
Glycol Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Health and Environmental Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Health Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Environmental Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Biodegradation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Storage and Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Shipping Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Product Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Emergency Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sales Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

ii

Introduction

Product Information

Precautions:
Carefully review our current Material Safety
Data Sheet.

Formula
C6H14O4
Molecular Formula HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH

Dow: Your Best Source

for Triethylene Glycol Quality

CAS Number
112-27-6
Synonyms Glycol-bis(hydroxyethyl) ether

2,2-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)] bis-ethanol

Triglycol

TEG

T3EG

TriEG

Dow is the worlds largest producer of

ethylene oxide and glycols, with over 70
years of experience in their manufacture,
marketing, and research and development.
The uniform implementation of statistical
process control at all of our plants enables
us to consistently deliver the high-quality
product you require. Our total approach to
Quality and Quality Systems is continuously
improved to ensure that our facilities meet
the requirements for registration to the
stringent ISO 9000 series of standards.

Triethylene glycol is a transparent, colorless,

low-volatility, moderate-viscosity, watersoluble liquid. Under normal conditions,
there is no detectable odor; under high vapor
concentrations, a slightly sweet odor may be
detected. It is completely miscible with water
and many organic liquids. Triethylene glycol
has properties similar to other glycols and
may be used preferentially in applications
requiring a higher boiling point, higher
molecular weight, or lower volatility than
diethylene glycol.

Optimum performance demands a quality

product, and that is what we deliver. Our
vast distribution system of plants, terminals,
tankers, barges, tank cars, and trucks helps
to ensure your delivery of triethylene glycol
when and where you need it.

The hydroxyl groups on triethylene glycol

undergo the usual alcohol chemistry giving
a wide variety of possible derivatives.
Hydroxyls can be converted to aldehydes,
alkyl halides, amines, azides, carboxylic
acids, ethers, mercaptans, nitrate esters,
nitriles, nitrite esters, organic esters, peroxides, phosphate esters and sulfate esters.

Service
For solutions to problems or answers to
questions, Dow offers extensive technical
service and support, available through trained
sales representatives as well as our skilled
staff from the Research and Development
Department. Your order of triethylene glycol
will be processed expertly and quickly when
you place a call to one of our many helpful
customer service representatives. (See page 29.)

Triethylene glycol may be used directly as a

plasticizer or modified by esterification. The
solubility properties of triethylene glycol are
important for many applications. End-uses
for triethylene glycol are numerous. (See
Table 1.)

Introduction

Introduction

Table 1
Applications
Hygroscopicity

Dehydration of natural gas

Moisturizing and plasticizing cork, adhesives

Plasticizer

Safety glass
Separation membranes (silicone rubber,
polyvinyl acetate, cellulose triacetate)
Ceramic materials (resistant refractory
plastics, molded ceramics)

Low Volatility

Gas dehydration

Solvent

Resin impregnants and other additives

Steam-set printing inks
Aromatic and paraffinic hydrocarbons separations
Cleaning compounds
Polyethylene terephthalate production equipment
cleaning
Cyanoacrylate and polyacrylonitrile

Chemical Intermediate

Unsaturated polyester resin

Various resins of the alkyd type used
as laminating agents in adhesives
Esterification products used in plasticizer
intermediates for nitrocellulose lacquers
and vinyl resins
Polyester polyols for polyurethanes
Thermoplastic polyurethanes
Silcone compounds
Emulsifiers
Lubricants

Freezing Point Depression

Heat transfer fluids

Introduction

Introduction

Product Stewardship
Guidelines and Principles of
The Dow Chemical Company

The use of Dow EG Products in fire

extinguishing sprinkler systems is not
supported by Dow.
The use of Dow EG Products in the
manufacture of munitions is not supported
by Dow.

The following bullet points identify some

applications that are NOT supported by
Dow for EG Products on a go-forward basis.
The reasons for these limitations include
areas in which we have decided not to
pursue for general business reasons and
actions that would minimize unnecessary
risk and liabilities to the business. In addition,
the following list of uses not supported by
Dow does not imply a Dow warranty or Dow
support of uses in applications not covered
by this list. This list is not all-inclusive.

The use of Dow EG Products in the

production of deicers for use on roadways
and pedestrian walkways is not supported
by Dow.
The use of Dow EG Products as a component
of heat transfer fluids in systems where the
heat transfer fluid could infiltrate (e.g., via
an exchanger leak, backflow prevention
failure, or other means) a potable water
system is not supported by Dow.

Non-supported applications of Dowmanufactured EG, DEG,TEG,TETRA, and

By-Products of Glycol Manufacturing
(Dow EG Products):

The use of Dow EG Products purposely as

a non-reacted component in a formulation
for direct internal or external human/
animal contact, including but not limited
to ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact,
and in medical/veterinary devices and
medical/veterinary applications is not
supported by Dow. (Examples of some such
applications are uses as a direct component
in foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or personal care products.)

The use of Dow EG Products in the

production of tobacco and in the manufacture of tobacco products (including
but not limited to additives, humectants,
filters, inks, and paper) is not supported
by Dow.
The use of Dow EG Products for the
generation of artificial smoke/theatrical
fogs/mist is not supported by Dow.

The use of Dow EG Products for consumer

or hospital deodorizing or air purifying
purposes by spraying as an aerosol is not
supported by Dow.

The use of Dow EG Products as an

ingredient in fuel for warming foods
(SternoTM -like application) or in fuel for
heating an enclosed space where human
exposure is possible is not supported
by Dow.

The use of Dow EG Products as a

non-reacted component in adhesives,
packaging that has direct contact with
food or beverages is not supported by Dow.

Introduction

Introduction

NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN;

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

The use of Dow EG Products as a nonreacted component in the formulation

of glues, pastes, or items where the
potential for sufficient human contact
and/or ingestions exists (including but
not limited to childrens school glues/
paste or art/craft glue/paste) is not
supported by Dow.

Further, any violation of or failure to

comply with the information contained in
Dows Material Safety Data Sheet, Product
Label, Product Information Guide, product
literature or other product safety information
is a misuse of Dows EG and Higher Glycol
Products. These documents can be obtained
by contacting your Dow representative or
Dows Customer Information Group
(800) 447-4369. We can never specify all
circumstances where misuse might occur,
so if at any time a customer or downstream
use appears to be improper or unsafe, please
contact our Product Steward at (225) 353-6122.

To enter into new applications beyond

the traditional standard industrial use
applications, contact your Dow representative
to review the specific application. Dow has
a risk assessment process whereby the
application will be reviewed and a determination will be made as to whether the
application meets Dows requirements and
can therefore be supported by Dow. Because
use conditions and applicable laws may
differ from one location to another and
may change with time, when an application
is supported by Dow, Dow does not warrant
and is not responsible for the use in such
application.

Introduction

Properties

Table 2
Physical Properties of Triethylene Glycol

Determined on purified samples of Triethylene Glycol

Property

Scientific Units

Common Units

Autoignition Temperature

349C

660F

Boiling Point at 760 mm Hg

288.0C

550.4F

0.0073C/kPa

0.055C/mm Hg

3,313.3 kPa

24,852 mm Hg

0.443 L/gmol

7.10 ft 3/lbmol

Critical Temperature

440C

824F

Dielectric Constant

23.69

23.69

0.20 x 10-6 mhos/cm

0.002 micromhos/cm

Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1)

<0.001

<0.001

Flammable Limits in Air, Lower

0.9%(V)

0.9%(V)

Flammable Limits in Air, Upper

9.2%(V)

9.2%(V)

Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup ASTM D 92

191C

375F

Flash Point, Pensky-Martens Closed Cup ASTM D 93

177C

350F

Boiling Point/ Pressure (750770 mm Hg)

Critical Pressure
Critical Specific Volume

Electrical Conductivity

Freezing Point

-4.3C

24.3F

-3,500 kJ/gmol

-10,020 Btu/lb

Heat of Vaporization

62.5 kJ/gmol

179 Btu/lb

Molecular Weight

150.17 g/mol

150.17 g/mol

Onset of Initial Decomposition

240C

464F

Refractive Index, nD, 20C

1.4559

1.4559

Solubility in Water at 20C, wt%

100%

100%

Solubility of Water in Triethylene Glycol at 20C, wt%

100%

100%

Specific Gravity, 20/20C

1.1255

1.1255

Heat of Combustion at 25C

Specific Gravity vs. Temperature (1040C)

0.00078/C

0.00078/C

Surface Tension

45.5 mN/m

45.5 dynes/cm

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

5.2

5.2

Vapor Pressure at 20C

<0.001 kPa

<0.01 mm Hg

49.0 mPs

49.0 cP

Viscosity at 20C

The data provided for these properties are typical values, intended only as guides, and should not be
construed as sales specifications.

Properties

Properties

Table 3
Solubilities of Various Materials in Triethylene Glycol
Solubility, g/100 mL of Triethylene Glycol at 25C
Material

Solubility

Material

Solubility

Acetone

Completely Soluble

Paraffin Oil

Insoluble

Animal Glue (Dry)

Slightly Soluble

Phenol

Completely Soluble

Benzene

Completely Soluble

Pine Oil

Completely Soluble

Carbon Tetrachloride

40.6

Rosin

5.0

Castor Oil

0.3

Shellac

Slightly Soluble

Cellulose Acetate

Completely Soluble

Soy Bean Oil

Insoluble

Chlorobenzene

Completely Soluble

Sperm Oil

Insoluble

Coconut Oil

Insoluble

Tall Oil

10.1

Cottonseed Oil

Insoluble

Tetrachloroethylene

17.7

Dextrin

Completely Soluble

Toluene

33.0

Dextrin (10% in water)

Insoluble

Tung Oil

Insoluble

Dibutyl Phthalate

19.8

Turkey Red Oil

12.3

Dichloroethyl Ether

Completely Soluble

Urea

31.0

Diethanolamine

Completely Soluble

Ethyl Ether

20.4

Ethylene Glycol Stearate

Slightly Soluble

Gum Damar

Slightly Soluble

Heptane

Slightly Soluble

Hydrous Wool Fat

Slightly Soluble

Kauri Gum

Slightly Soluble

Lard Oil

Insoluble

Linseed Oil

Insoluble

Methanol

Completely Soluble

Monoethanolamine

Completely Soluble

Nitrocellulose

Completely Soluble

o -Dichlorobenzene

Completely Soluble

Olive Oil

Insoluble

Properties

Properties

Table 4
Triethylene Glycol Compatibility with Elastomeric Materials
Material

Temperature

25C (77F)

80C (176F)

160C (320F)

Adiprene L-100

Good

Poor

Poor

Black Rubber 3773

Good

Poor

Poor

Buna N (or 25)

Good

Good

Buna S

Good

Fair

Butyl Rubber

Good

Good

Compressed Asbestos

Good

Good

Fair

EPDM

Good

Good

Good

EPR Rubber

Good

Good

Good

Hycar D-24

Good

Fair

Hypalon

Good

Poor

Poor

Kalrez

Good

Good

Good

Natural Rubber Gum

Good

Poor

Poor

Neoprene 7797

Good

Fair

Red Rubber Number 107

Good

Poor

Poor

Saraloy 300

Good

Poor

Poor

Silicone No. 65

Good

Good

Thiokol 3060

Good

Poor

Poor

Viton A

Good

Good

Poor

Poor

Properties

Properties

Table 5
Constant Boiling Mixtures of Triethylene Glycol
Components
Specific
Gravity
at
20/20C

Azeotrope
Composition % by Wt at 20C
Boiling Point Boiling Point
at
at
In
In
In
760 mm Hg, 760 mm Hg, Azeotrope
Upper
Lower
0C
0C
Layer
Layer

Relative
Volume
of
Layers At
20C, %

Triethylene Glycol
Acenaphthene

1.1255

288.0
277.9

271.5

35
65

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol (5 mm Hg)

Benzyl Ether

1.1255

145.5 (a)

Azeo(a)

28
72

15
85

60
40

U 72
L 28

Triethylene Glycol
Benzyl Phenyl Ether

1.1255

288.0
286.5

280.0

40
60

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Biphenyl

1.1255

288.0
256.1

None

Triethylene Glycol (3 mm Hg)

Diethylene Glycol

1.1255
1.1184

135.3(a)
108.0(a)

None(a)

Triethylene Glycol
Diphenylmethane

1.1255

288.0
263.0

263.0

20
60

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
1,2-Diphenylmethane

1.1255

288.0
284.5

275.5

42
58

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Ethyl Phthalate

1.1255

288.0
298.5

< 285.5

> 58

(c)

(c)

(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Isoamyl Benzoate

1.1255

288.0
262.0

261.4

14
86

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Isoamyl Oxalate

1.1255

288.0
268.0

Reacts

Triethylene Glycol
Isoamyl Salicylate

1.1255

288.0
277.5

269.0

30
70

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Methyl Phthalate

1.1255

288.0
283.2

277.0

33
67

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Phenyl Benzoate

1.1255

288.0
315.0

286.0

80
20

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol
Phenyl Ether

1.1255
1.0677(b)

288.0
259.0

258.7

3
97

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

(c)
(c)

Triethylene Glycol (4 mm Hg)

Phenyl Ether

1.1255
1.0677(b)

141.0(a)
102.0(a)

None(a)

Triethylene Glycol
Water

1.1255
1.0000

288.0
100.0

None

Triethylene Glycol (10 mm Hg)

Water

1.1255
1.0000

161.0(a)
11.0 (a)

None(a)

(a) At the pressure investigated; (b) At 30/20C; (c) Data not available

Properties

Properties
Figure 1: Freezing Points of
Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

Figure 1
Freezing Points of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions
50

10

40
0

30
20
10
0

-20

-10
-20

-30

Temperature, F

Temperature, C

-10

-30
-40

-40

-50
-50

10

20

30
40
50
60
70
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

80

90

100

-60

Properties

Properties
Figure 2: Boiling Points vs. Composition of
FigureTriethylene
2
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures

Boiling Points vs. Composition of Aqueous Triethylene

Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures
660

350

620
580

300

540

Temperature, C

460
420

200

380
340

150

Temperature, F

500

250

300

1520 mm Hg*

260
760 mm Hg

100

220

300 mm Hg

180
140

50
0

10

20

30
40
50
60
70
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

80

90

100

*2 atmospheres absolute, 1 atmosphere gauge

*2 atmospheres absolute, 1 atmosphere gauge

10

Properties

Properties
Figure 3: Condensation Temperatures vs. Composition of
FigureTriethylene
3
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures

Condensation Temperatures vs. Composition of Aqueous Triethylene

Glycol Solutions at Various Pressures
660

350

620
580

300

540
460
420

m Hg

7 60 m

200

m Hg

380

300 m

340

Temperature, F

Temperature, C

500

g*
m H
m
0
152

250

300

150

260
220

100

180
50

140
0

10

20

30
40
50
60
70
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

80

90

100

*2 atmospheres absolute, 1 atmosphere gauge

*2 atmospheres absolute, 1 atmosphere gauge

11

Properties

Properties
Figure 4: Vapor Pressures of Triethylene Glycol
Figure 4
at Various Temperatures

Vapor Pressures of Triethylene Glycol at Various Temperatures

Vapor Pressure, mm Hg

1000
800
600
400
300
200

220

240

280

320

Temperature, F
360 400

100
80
60
40
30
20

480

560

640

Triethylene Glycol
Antoine Constants
A = 7.6302007
B = 2156.4581
C = 165.92442

10
8
6
4
3
2
1

440

Log(P) = AB/(t+C)
mm Hg, Log10 , C

100

120

140

160

180 200
Temperature, C

240

280

320

360

Triethylene Glycol Antoine Constants for Calculating Vapor Pressure

Triethylene Glycol
Antoine Constants for Calculating Vapor Pressure
3-Constant Equation (Temperature Range = 150300C)

3-Constant Equation
(Temperature
Range = 150 - 300C)
A = 7.6302007

Range = 150 300C
A = 7.6 3B0=22156.4581
007
an ge = 1 5 0 - 3 0 0 C

P = mmRHg

T = C P = m m H g
B = 21 5 6C .=4165.92442
5 81
C = 16 5Log
.9 2104(P)
4 2= A B/(T + C)
T = C
5-Constant
Equation
(Temperature
Range
=
360.15712.51K)
Log 10 (P) = A B/(T + C)
A = 95.5205

= 360.15 712.51K
5-Constant Equation
(Temperature
Range = 360.15 - Range
712.51K)
B = 12834.7
P = Pa
A = 9 5 .5C2=00.0
5
R an ge = 3 6 0 .1 5 - 71 2 .51 K
T = Kelvin
B = 1 2 8 3D 4=.-9.66752
7
P = Pa
C = 0 .0 E = 3.0015 x 10-29
T = K el v i n
= 10
D = -9.6N6752
ln(P) = A B/(T + C) + D(ln(T)) + ETN
E=3.0015 x 10 -29
N=10
ln(P) = A B/(T + C) + D(ln(T)) + ET N

12

Properties

Properties

Figure
5: Vapor
Figure
5 Pressures of
Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at Various Temperatures

Vapor Pressures of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

at Various Temperatures
-20

20

40

Temperature, F
80
120

160

200

240

300
0 50
70
80
90
95
97
98
99
99.5

Vapor Presure, mm Hg

10,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
1,000
600
400
200
100
60
40
20
10
Freezing Point
6
Curves
4
2
1
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.1
-40
-20

100

20
40
Temperature, C

60

80

100

130

Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

-40

160

Triethylene Glycol Antoine Constants for Calculating Vapor Pressure

3-Constant
Antoine
Equation for
Log Calculating
(P) = A B/(T +Vapor
C)
Triethylene Glycol
Antoine
Constants
Pressure

P = mm Hg, T = C
3-Constant Antoine Equation
TriEG, Wt%
A
B
C
Log 10 (P) = A B/(T
+ C)
0
7.959199
1663.545
227.575
P = mm Hg, 50T = C
7.922294
1671.501
228.031
10

T r iE G , W t %
0
50
70
80
90
95
97
98
99
9 9 .5
10 0

70
80
90
95
97
98
99
99.5
100

7.878546
7.837076
7.9 57.726126
919 9
7.9 27.620215
2294
7.8 77.495349
8546
7.8 37.404435
7 0 76
7.211145
7.7 27.042989
61 2 6
7.6 27.472115
0 21 5

7. 4 9 5 3 4 9
7. 4 0 4 4 3 5
7.21114 5
7. 0 4 2 9 8 9
7.4 7 211 5

1681.363
1697.006
1728.047
1806.257
1841.522
1881.474
1926.114
1970.802
2022.898

13

228.237
228.769
16 6 3 .5 4229.823
5
16 71 .5 0236.227
1
16 81 .3 6238.048
3
16 9 7.0 0240.666
6
242.799
17 2 8 .0 4242.865
7
18 0 6 .2 5152.573
7

1 8 41 . 5 2 2
1 8 8 1 . 4 74
19 2 6 .114
19 7 0 .8 0 2
2 0 2 2 .8 9 8

2 2 7. 5 7 5
2 2 8 . 0 31
2 2 8 .2 3 7
2 2 8 .7 6 9
2 2 9 .8 2 3
2 3 6 .2 2 7
2 3 8 .0 4 8
2 4 0 .6 6 6
2 4 2 .7 9 9
2 4 2 .8 6 5 Properties
15 2 .5 7 3

Properties
Figure 6: Specific Gravities of Aqueous
Figure 6Glycol
Solutions
Triethylene

Specific Gravities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

1.18

Freezing Point
Curves

1.16

-50F

1.14

0F

Apparent Specific Gravity, T/60F

1.12

50F
100F

1.10
1.08

150F

1.06

200F

1.04
1.02

250F

1.00

300F

0.98
0.96
0.94
0.92
0.90

10

20

30
40
50
60
70
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

80

90

100

Specific Gravity at T/60F = A + Bx + Cx2

x = Weight % Triethylene Glycol

T, F
Specific Gravity at T/60F
= A + Bx +A Cx 2
-50
x = Weight % Triethylene
Glycol 1.0502

T , F
-5 0
0
50
10 0
15 0
200
250
300

0
50
100
150
200
250
300

1.0319
1.0121
0.9920
1 .0 5 00.9804
2
1 .0 310.9627
9
1 .01 20.9413
1
0 .9 9 20.9177
0

0 .9 8 0 4
0 .9 6 2 7
0 . 9 41 3
0 . 9 17 7

B
1.8268E-3
1.7466E-3
1.5247E-3
1.7518E-3
1.5410E-3
1.4068E-3
1.3205E-3
1.2511E-3

14

C
-5.2009E-6
-4.8304E-6
-2.8794E-6
B
-5.4955E-6
1 .8 2 6 8-4.3884E-6
E -3
1 .74 6 6-3.5089E-6
E -3
1 .5 2 4 7-2.7991E-6
E -3
1 .7 518-2.0848E-6
E -3

1 .5 41 0 E -3
1 .4 0 6 8 E -3
1 .3 2 0 5 E -3
1 .2 511 E -3

C
-5 .2 0 0 9 E -6
-4 .8 3 0 4 E -6
-2 .8 7 9 4 E -6
-5 .4 9 5 5 E -6
-4 .3 8 8 4 E -6
-3 .5 0 8 9 E -6
-2 .7 9 91 E -6
-2 .0 8 4 8 E -6

Properties

Properties
Figure 7: Viscosities of
FigureTriethylene
7
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions

Viscosities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

1000
600
400

Freezing Point
Curves

0F

Viscosity, Centipoises

200
100
60
40

50F

20

100F

10
6
4

150F
200F

250F
300F

1
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.1

10

20

30
40
50
60
70
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

80

90

100

Viscosity, Centiposies (cP) = A x 10Bx

x = Weight % Triethylene Glycol
T, F

Viscosity, Centiposies
(cP) = A x 10
0
1.53010
x = Weight % Triethylene
Glycol 1.09200
50
T, F
0
50
10 0
15 0
200
250
300

100
150
200
250
300

0.58916
0.37045
1 .5 30.27371
010
1 .0 90.18759
200
0.14026

0 .5 8 916
0 .3 7 0 4 5
0 . 2 7 3 71
0 .18 7 5 9
0 .14 0 2 6

Bx

B
2.9967E-2
1.9348E-2
1.5763E-2
1.3481E-2
1.1731E-2
9.7064E-3
8.1319E-3

15

B
2 .9 9 6 7 E -2
1 .9 3 4 8 E -2
1 .5 7 6 3 E -2
1 .3 4 81 E -2
1 .17 31 E -2
9 .7 0 6 4 E -3
8 .1 319 E -3

Properties

Properties

Figure
8: Specific
Figure
8 Heats of
Aqueous
Triethylene
Glycol
Solutions
Specific
Heats of
Aqueous
Triethylene Glycol Solutions
-40

40

80

240

280

320

360
0
20 10
30
40
50
60
70

Freezing Point
Curves

1.0

Specific Heat, Btu/lb/F

0.9

80
90

0.8

100

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
-50

50
100
Temperature, C

150

Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

1.1

Temperature, F
120 160 200

200

Specific Heat = A + BT+CT2

T = Temperature,2 C

Specific Heat = A + BT+CT

T = Temperature,TriEG,
C 0Wt%
T r iE G , W t %
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

A
1.00540
A 0.96705
0.92490
1 .0 0 50.88012
40
0 .9 6 70.83229
05
0 .9 2 0.78229
490
0 .8 8 0.72200
01 2
0 .8 3 0.66688
229
0 .7 8 0.60393
229
0.53888
0 .7 2 2 0 0
0.48614

0 .6 6 6 8 8
0 .6 0 3 9 3
0 .5 3 8 8 8
0 . 4 8 614

B
-2.7286E-4
-2.7144E-5
2.0429E-4
4.3000E-4
6.2286E-4
7.9286E-4
9.4000E-4
1.0871E-3
1.2043E-3
1.2800E-3
1.3929E-3

16

C
2.9143E-6
2.4952E-6
B
2.4524E-6
-2 .7 2 8 61.6952E-6
E -4
-2 .714 4 1.3714E-6
E -5
2 .0 4 2 9 E1.0857E-6
-4
4 .3 0 0 0 E8.0000E-7
-4
6 .2 2 8 6 E4.7620E-7
-4
7.9 2 8 6 E2.8571E-7
-4
9 .4 0 0 0 E1.9048E-7
-4
-5.7140E-8

1 .0 8 71 E -3
1 .2 0 4 3 E -3
1 .2 8 0 0 E -3
1 .3 9 2 9 E -3

C
2 .914 3 E -6
2 .4 9 5 2 E -6
2 .4 5 2 4 E -6
1 .6 9 5 2 E -6
1 .3 714 E -6
1 .0 8 5 7 E -6
8 .0 0 0 0 E -7
4 .7 6 2 0 E -7
2 .8 5 71 E -7
1 .9 0 4 8 E -7
-5 .714 0 E -8
Properties

Properties
Figure 9: Thermal Conductivities of
FigureTriethylene
9
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions

Thermal Conductivities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

Thermal Conductivity, Btu (ft)/hr (ft2 ) F

0.40

40

80

Temperature, F
160
200
240

120

280

320

360

Freezing Point
Curves

10
20

0.35
30

0.30

40

0.25

50
0.20
60
0.15

70

0.10

80
90
100

0.05
-20

20

40

60

80
100
120
Temperature, C

140

160

180

Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

0.45

200

Thermal Conductivity = A + BT

Thermal Conductivity
= A + BTC
T = Temperature,
T = Temperature, TriEG,
C Wt%
TriEG, Wt%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10 0

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

A
0.33667
0.31000
0 .3 3 6 60.29000
7
0.27200
0 . 31 0 0 0
0 .2 9 0 00.25133
0
0.22767
0 .2 7 2 00.20933
0
0 .2 51 30.18800
3
0 .2 2 7 60.17267
7
0 .2 0 9 30.15567
3
0 .18 8 00.14133
0

0 .17 2 6 7
0 .1 5 5 6 7
0 .141 3 3

B
7.1667E-4
B
6.0000E-4
4.0000E-4 7.1 6 6 7 E -4
2.0000E-4
6 .0 0 0 0 E -4
3.3333E-5
4 .0 0 0 0 E -4
3.3333E-5
2 .0 0 0 0 E -4
-1.6667E-4
-2.0000E-4 3 . 3 3 3 3 E -5
-2.8333E-4 3 . 3 3 3 3 E -5
-2.8333E-4 -1 . 6 6 6 7 E -4
-3.1667E-4 -2 . 0 0 0 0 E -4

-2 .8 3 3 3 E -4
-2 .8 3 3 3 E -4
-3 .16 6 7 E -4

17

Properties

Properties

Figure 10

Figure 10: Dew Points of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at

Dew Points of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at
Various Contact Temperatures
Contact Temperatures of Solution, F
20
40
60
80

Dew Point, C

50

100

Triethylene Glycol,
Percent by Weight
in Water

40
30

50
70

20
Freezing Point
Curves

10
0

80

90

95
98

-10
Frost Point, C

120

-20

99

99.5

-30
-40
-50
-30

-20

-10

0
10
20
30
Contact Temperatures of Solution, C

Dew or Frost Point = A + BT

Dew or Frost Point
= A + BT
T = Temperature, C
T = Temperature,TriEG,
C Wt%
A

TriEG, Wt%
50
70
80
90
95
98
99
9 9 .5

50
70
80
90
95
98
99
99.5

-3.0308
-7.0009
-3 .0-10.745
308
-7.0 0-17.923
09
-1 0 .-25.252
74 5
-17.-34.675
923
-2 5 .-41.419
252
-47.195

-3 4 .6 7 5
-41 .419
-4 7.19 5

B
1.01050 B
1.01610
1.01160
0.98187
0.93019
0.85598
0.80150
0.73263

18

40

140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50

Frost Point, F

60

-20

Dew Point, F

Various Contact Temperatures

50

1 .010 5 0
1 . 0 1 61 0
1 .0116 0
0 .9 818 7
0 .9 3 019
0 .8 5 5 9 8
0 .8 015 0
0 .7 3 2 6 3

Properties

Properties
Figure 11: Comparative Hygroscopicities of
Various
Glycols
Figure
11 at 70F (21C)

Comparative Hygroscopicities of Various Glycols at 70F (21C)

Percent Water (Based on Dry Humectant at Equilibrium)

100
80
70
60
50

Ethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol

40
30
Propylene Glycol

20

Dipropylene Glycol

10
8
7
6
5

Triethylene Glycol

25

30

35

40

45
50
55
Percent Relative Humidity

19

60

65

70

75

Properties

Properties
Figure 12: Refractive Indices of
Figure
12 Glycol
Pure
Triethylene

Refractive Indices of Pure Triethylene Glycol

1.460
1.458

Reactive Index

1.456
1.454
1.452
1.450
1.448
1.446
20

22

24

26

28

30
32
Temperature, C

34

36

38

40

Refractive Index = 1.4626 0.000340T

Refractive
Index =C1.4626 0.000340T
T = Temperature,
T = Temperature, C

20

Properties

Properties
Figure 13: Refractive Indices of
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions at 77F (25C)
FigureTriethylene
13

Refractive Indices of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at 77F (25C)

1.50
1.48
1.46

Reactive Index

1.44
1.42
1.40
1.38
1.36
1.34
1.32
1.30

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

Refractive Index,
Index, 77F
Refractive
77F (25C)
(25C) ==1.3326
1.3326++0.0012403
0.0012403x x
Weight %
xx == Weight
% Triethylene
TriethyleneGlycol
Glycol

21

Properties

Properties

Figure
14: 14
Surface Tensions of
Figure
Pure Triethylene Glycol

Surface Tensions of Pure Triethylene Glycol

Temperature, F
40

46

80

120

160

200

240

280

Surface Tension, dynes/cm

44

42

40

38

36

34

50

Temperature, C

100

150

Surface Tension, dynes/cm = 47.330 0.088T

Surface Tension, dynes/cm = 47.330 0.088T
T = Temperature, C
T = Temperature, C

22

Properties

Properties
Figure 15: Surface Tensions of
Figure 15
Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at 77F (25C)

Surface Tensions of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions at 77F (25C)

80

Surface Tension, dynes/cm

70

60

50

40

30

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

23

Properties

Properties
Figure 16: Electrical Conductivities of
FigureTriethylene
16
Aqueous
Glycol Solutions

Electrical Conductivities of Aqueous Triethylene Glycol Solutions

12

Electrical Conductivity, micromhoms/cm

10

10

20

70
80
50
60
30
40
Triethylene Glycol, Percent by Weight in Water

90

100

Note: The quality of the water used for dilution can significantly affect
Note: The quality of water used for dilution can significantly affect
the electrical conductivity.
electrical conductivity.

24

Properties

Health and
Environmental Information
Health Effects
See our current Material Safety Data Sheet
for the most current exposure limits, health,
first aid, and toxicology information.

Environmental Information
See our current Material Safety Data Sheet
for current toxicity information.

Biodegradation
For information concerning the biodegradability of triethylene glycol, please refer to
the latest Material Safety Data Sheet.

25

Health and Environmental Information

Storage and
Handling
This information is offered as a guide in
planning bulk storage facilities for glycols.
Glycols are generally considered to be stable,
noncorrosive chemicals with high flash
points. Under ordinary conditions, all of
these chemicals can be stored in mild steel
vessels. For long-term storage, or if trace
iron contamination and the development of
color are objectionable in any of the glycols,
a storage vessel lined with a baked-phenolic
resin, an air-drying epoxy-phenolic resin, or
a vinyl resin or a stainless steel or aluminum
tank is suggested. Zinc or galvanized iron
is not recommended, and copper or copper
alloys may cause product discoloration.

moderately high freezing point or become

relatively viscous at severe winter temperatures. However, excessive temperature can
cause undesirable degradation of glycols.
Automatic controls are suggested to limit the
temperature of the contents to 120F (49C).
In cold climates, it is generally desirable
to make provisions for draining the pump
and the transfer lines if they are outside
the building. If this is not feasible, it may
be necessary to insulate and steam trace or
otherwise heat the transfer lines to prevent
freezing of the product. Care must be taken
in such an application, because continued
exposure of glycols to high temperatures,
greater than 120F (49C), will result in
product degradation. Transfer piping of
mild steel is generally used.

It is not general practice to use an inert gas

in the vapor space of glycol storage tanks,
because all chemicals in this family have
high boiling points and the vapors in the
tanks are relatively nonflammable. However,
if extremely low water content is required,
consistent with a long storage period, a
nitrogen blanket can be used to exclude
atmospheric moisture and air. Blanketing
with nitrogen will also minimize low-level
oxidation, if necessary for the desired
application. The inert gas prevents air
oxidation in order to maintain product
within acidity specifications. Increased
acidity enhances iron pickup from steel
vessels. Alternatively, a desiccant unit can
be installed on the tank vent line to dry
incoming air.

Shipping Data
Triethylene glycol is not regulated by the U.S.
Department of Transportation; therefore,
it does not have a DOT Shipping Name,
Hazard Classification, DOT Warning Label,
or Identification Number.
Shipping Data For Triethylene Glycol
Weight per Gallon at 20C

9.36 lb

Coefficient of Expansion at 55C

0.00072

Flash Point, Pensky-Martens Closed Cup

350F

Net Contents and Type of Container

If above-ground outside storage is planned,

it may be necessary to install provisions for
heating tanks and lines. Many glycols have a

26

1-Gallon Tin Can

9.0 lb

5-Gallon DOT 17E, Pail

47 lb

55-Gallon DOT 17E, Drum

522 lb

Storage and Handling

Product Safety

When considering the use of triethylene

glycol in any particular application, review
and understand our current Material Safety
Data Sheet for the necessary safety and
health information. For Material Safety
Data Sheets and other product safety
information on Dow products, contact The
Dow Chemical Company sales office nearest
you. Before handling any products mentioned
in this booklet, you should obtain the
available product safety information from
the suppliers of those products and take the
necessary steps to comply with all precautions regarding the use of triethylene glycol.

suitability of the use. 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.
Dow requests that the customer read,
understand, and comply with the information contained in this publication and the
current Material Data Safety Sheet(s). The
customer should furnish the information in
this publication to its employees, contractors, and customers, or any other users of
the product(s), and request that they do
the same.

No chemical should be used as or in a food,

drug, medical device, or cosmetic, or in a
product process in which it may come in
contact with a food, drug, medical device,
or cosmetic until the user has determined the

27

Product Safety

Emergency Service

The Dow Chemical Company maintains an around-the-clock emergency service for its
products. The Chemical Manufacturers Association (CHEMTREC), Transportation
Canada (CANUTEC), and the Chemical Emergency Agency Service maintain an
around-the-clock emergency service for all chemical products.

Location

Dow Products

All Chemical Products

Phone Dow HELP:

(800) 822-4357 (toll-free)

Phone CHEMTREC:
(800) 424-9300 (toll-free)

Phone Mainland United States:

(800) 822-4357 (toll-free)

Phone CHEMTREC:
(800) 424-9300 (toll-free)

Phone Dow:
(519) 339-3711 (collect)

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(613) 996-6666 (collect)

Phone:
+31 115 694982

Phone CHEMTREC
(United States):
(703) 527-3887 (collect)

Phone National Chemical

Emergency Center (Culham-UK):
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(44)(0) 1865-407-333

Phone CHEMTREC
(United States):
(703) 527-3887 (collect)

Latin America, Asia/Pacific, South

Africa and any other location,
worldwide

Phone United States:

(800) 822-4357 (toll-free)

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(703) 527-3887 (collect)

If you are at sea, radio U.S. Coast

Guard, who can directly contact
Dow HELP or CHEMTREC

Phone Dow HELP:

(800) 822-4357 (toll-free)

Phone CHEMTREC:
(800) 424-9300 (toll-free)

Mainland United States

and Puerto Rico
Alaska and Hawaii
Canada
Continental Europe, Middle East,
North and Central Africa

United Kingdom and Ireland

DO NOT WAIT. Phone if in doubt. You will be referred to a specialist for advice.

28

Emergency Service

Sales Office

For additional information, contact our

customer service center:

The Dow Chemical Company

2040 Dow Center
Midland, MI 48674
www.dow.com
Phone: (800) 232-2436

29

Sales Office

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 February 2007

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

Form No: XXX-0207X CRCG