Production Process Overview

Ethylene Oxide Production

Ethylene oxide is produced by the catalytic oxidation of ethylene using oxygen or air in the presence of a silver-based catalyst. The reaction is carried out in a fixed-bed tubular reactor designed for high heat removal efficiency and stable long-term operation.

Commercial features:

• High ethylene conversion with controlled selectivity
• Continuous operation with optimized heat recovery
• Integrated recycle and purification systems
• Licensed and proven industrial technology

EO production units are designed to meet strict safety standards due to the reactive nature of ethylene oxide.

Ethylene Glycol Production

Ethylene glycol is produced by the controlled hydration of ethylene oxide, followed by separation and purification.

Key outputs:

• Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG)
• Di-Ethylene Glycol (DEG)
• Tri-Ethylene Glycol (TEG)

Commercial EG units are optimized to maximize MEG yield while allowing flexible DEG and TEG production based on market demand.

Licensed Technologies and Process Providers

EO/EG production is based on well-established licensed technologies supplied by globally recognized licensors.

Major technology providers include:

• Shell Global Solutions
• Scientific Design (a Linde company)
• Lummus Technology
• Technip Energies
• BASF

These licensors provide complete process packages including reactor design, catalyst systems, heat integration, and operational guidelines.

Catalysts

Catalysts are critical for achieving high selectivity and stable EO production.

Common catalyst systems:

• Silver-based catalysts supported on alumina
• Promoter-enhanced formulations for improved selectivity

Leading global catalyst suppliers:

• BASF
• Shell Catalysts & Technologies
• Scientific Design
• Johnson Matthey

OGSCM Group supports EO/EG producers by sourcing and supplying licensor-approved catalysts with full technical documentation and logistics support.

Chemicals

Feedstock and Process Chemicals

EO/EG production requires consistent supply of high-purity feedstock and auxiliary chemicals.

Key chemicals include:

• Ethylene (C₂H₄) – primary feedstock
• Oxygen / Air – oxidant for EO reactor
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – used for reaction moderation
• Demineralized Water – for EO hydration
• Caustic Soda (NaOH) – neutralization and cleaning

Standard Industrial Packaging and Supply Modes:

• Bulk pipeline or tank storage (ethylene, oxygen)
• ISO tanks
• IBC containers (1,000 L)
• Steel drums (200–220 L)

OGSCM Group supplies EO/EG process chemicals in approved industrial packaging formats with full safety and technical documentation.

Major Global Chemical Brands

EO and EG production chemicals and auxiliaries are sourced from internationally recognized manufacturers.

Key global brands include:

• BASF
• Dow
• Shell Chemicals
• SABIC
• INEOS
• LyondellBasell

OGSCM Group collaborates with approved global suppliers to ensure product consistency, regulatory compliance, and competitive commercial terms.

Main Equipment

Reactors and Process Vessels

EO reactors are typically multi-tubular fixed-bed reactors designed for efficient heat removal, while EG units include hydration reactors and distillation columns.

Well-known manufacturers and suppliers:

• L&T Heavy Engineering
• Doosan Enerbility
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
• Technip-approved fabricators
• Lummus-approved manufacturers

OGSCM provides sourcing and supply solutions for EO/EG reactors, absorption columns, distillation towers, and associated internals.

Heat Exchangers and Cooling Systems

Efficient heat removal and recovery are critical for EO reaction control and overall plant efficiency.

Leading suppliers:

• Alfa Laval
• Kelvion
• API Heat Transfer
• Hisaka
• Tranter

OGSCM Group supplies heat exchangers and critical spare parts suitable for EO and EG service.

Instrumentation

Reliable instrumentation is essential for safety and process control in EO/EG plants.

Major brands:

• Emerson
• Yokogawa
• Honeywell
• Endress+Hauser
• ABB

Valves

Valves used in EO/EG units must meet strict safety and material requirements due to oxygen and EO service.

Major manufacturers:

• Emerson (Fisher, Vanessa)
• Cameron (SLB)
• Flowserve
• L&T Valves
• Kitz
• Neway

OGSCM Group offers comprehensive procurement solutions for control, isolation, and safety valves required in EO and EG production units.