Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

It is a colorless, practically odorless, poisonous, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste.

DEG is produced by the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. Depending on the conditions, varying amounts of DEG and related glycols are produced. The resulting product is two ethylene glycol molecules joined by an ether bond.

Diethylene Glycol is derived as a co-product with Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) and Triethylene Glycol (TEG).

The industry generally operates to maximize MEG production. MEG is by far the largest volume of the glycol products in a variety of applications. Availability of DEG depends usually on demand for derivatives of the primary product, MEG, rather than on DEG market requirements.

HELM AG sells approx. 460.000 tons of Ethylene Glycol per year, making it one of the biggest suppliers in Europe. The product range consists of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), Diethylene glycol (DEG) and Triethylene glycol (TEG). MEG makes up the bulk of these 460.000 tons, with 400.000 tons.

In its role as a services provider, HELM develops individual marketing- and supply-models for its partner in the chemical industry.

HELM has joint venture projects, off-take- and marketing-agreements with several sources in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Far East.

Our success is based on market knowledge, experience, investments and seek to add value to our partner.

In Turkey, besides 20.000 of MEG, HELM Kimya is distributing around 1.500 mt of DEG per year.

Examples of applications

DEG is primarily used as a feedstock in the manufacturing process of unsaturated polyester resins, poliol, polyurethane and plasticizers. It serves as a solvent in the production of industrial resins. Polyester resins are found mainly in textile products (sportswear, carpets, upholstery). Special types of fibres are also used in the automotive industry (seatbelts, airbags) and in the construction and transport sectors (ropes, tarpaulins).

Packaging

• Bulk in seagoing vessels / barges
• Bulk in flexi tank cars
• Bulk in road tank cars
• Bulk in iso tank containers

Other packaging solutions possible by agreement.

Special services associated with the product:

• HELM Kimya is serving DEG in Turkey ex Gebze (Istanbul area) or is organizing the product delivered to customer’s plant.