1. Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Ethylene Oxide (EO) is a colorless, highly reactive, flammable, and toxic gas, which liquefies under pressure or at low temperatures. This strategic substance is the vital intermediate link between base petrochemicals and finished products, serving as the primary raw material for the production of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) for polyester fibers and PET bottles, as well as ethoxylates for detergents and a sterilizing agent for heat-sensitive medical equipment.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Industrial Grade | Sterilization Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99.8 | ≥ 99.99 | % |
| Water | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.005 | % |
| Aldehydes (as Acetaldehyde) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 10 | ppm |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 5 | ppm |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 5 | ppm |
| Non-Volatile Residue | ≤ 10 | ≤ 5 | mg/kg |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 5 | Pt-Co |
3. Features & Benefits
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Extremely High Reactivity: A high-energy epoxide ring that easily opens with water, alcohols, and amines to create ethoxylate chains.
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Exceptional Purity (Sterilization Grade): Free from any toxic impurities and odor, which is vital for sterilizing medical devices and implants.
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Penetrating Sterilant Power: A gas that at low temperatures and pressures penetrates deeply into medical packaging and destroys all pathogens.
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Primary Feedstock for the Glycol Chain: The base for producing a vast range of products, from antifreeze to textile fibers.
4. Industrial Applications
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Petrochemicals & Polymers: The production of MEG, DEG, and TEG.
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Detergent & Surfactant Industry: The production of ethoxylated alcohols and nonylphenol ethoxylates.
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Pharmaceutical & Medical Industry: Gaseous sterilization of syringes, catheters, bandages, and single-use equipment.
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Food Industry (in permitted regions): Reducing the microbial load of spices and dried fruits.
5. Safety & Handling
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): This gas is highly toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and extremely flammable and explosive. The Arnico MSDS is mandatory and vital.
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Storage Conditions: Store in stainless steel tanks under an inert nitrogen blanket, completely away from heat, sparks, acids, and bases. It requires multi-layered safety systems and an emergency scrubber.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The use of full solvent-resistant clothing (Tychem), a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and continuous environmental monitoring is mandatory.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico Ethylene Oxide shipments are accompanied by a precise Certificate of Analysis (COA).
