Shell companies entered the Asian market with propylene glycols (PG). With the addition of PG capacity in Singapore and as part of the CSPCL complex in China, Shell chemicals companies have grown to become a recognized player in PG.
--
Propylene glycols is the collective name for monopropylene glycol (MPG), dipropylene glycol (DPG) and tripropylene glycol (TPG). Shell chemicals companies are only involved in the manufacture of MPG and DPG.
Process:
Propylene glycols are also derivatives of propylene oxide (PO), produced in a two-step process. The first step is the reaction of PO with water into a mixture of MPG and DPG and the second step is the distillation and purification of the mixture into its two separate components.
MPG is the largest volume propylene glycol. It is a colourless, viscous, odourless liquid. It is highly hygroscopic and miscible in all ratios with water, alcohols, esters, ketones and amines. It also has limited miscibility with halogenated hydrocarbons and is not miscible with aliphatic hydrocarbons. DPG is a colourless, hygroscopic liquid. It is miscible with water in any ratio and highly soluble in most organic solvents.
Industrial safety precautions:
- Though propylene glycols are not classified as flammable, they can burn. Hence in the process of producing propylene glycols, workers should remove all ignition sources such as flames (no smoking) and sparks.
- Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, contact with water and moist temperatures should be avoided as well.
- Contaminated clothing should be air-dried in a well-ventilated area before laundering.
- When handling product in drums, workers should wear safety footwear and use proper handling equipment should.
- Tanks must be clean, dry and rust-free.
- Containers should be kept tightly closed when not in use to prevent accidental contact or inhalation of propylene glycols.
No comments:
Post a Comment