Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Glycol Production Process

Process Objective
Convert ethylene into high-purity ethylene oxide and downstream
glycols with maximum selectivity and long catalyst life.
Main Products
Ethylene Oxide (EO), Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG),
Di-Ethylene Glycol (DEG), and Tri-Ethylene Glycol (TEG).
Commercial Applications
Polyester, PET, antifreeze, resins, solvents,
surfactants, and industrial chemicals.

Ethylene Oxide (EO) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) production is a core
operation in modern petrochemical complexes, supplying essential
intermediates for polyester, antifreeze, resins, solvents, and
industrial chemicals.

The primary objective of EO/EG production units is to efficiently
convert ethylene into high-purity ethylene oxide and downstream
ethylene glycols while ensuring safe operation, high on-stream
availability, and competitive production economics.

EO and EG plants are typically designed as integrated units,
allowing direct conversion of ethylene oxide into
Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG), Di-Ethylene Glycol (DEG),
and Tri-Ethylene Glycol (TEG).

Commercial plants focus on maximizing selectivity, minimizing
by-product formation, and achieving long catalyst life cycles.

Production Process Overview

Step 1
Catalytic oxidation of ethylene to produce ethylene oxide.
Step 2
Controlled hydration of EO to produce MEG, DEG, and TEG.
Step 3
Separation and purification to commercial-grade products.

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

Technology Base
Proven licensed EO/EG technologies.
Engineering Scope
Reactor design, catalyst systems, and heat integration.
Commercial Benefit
Reliable, scalable, and globally accepted process packages.

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

Major Technology Providers:

  • 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

Catalyst Type
Silver-based catalysts supported on alumina.
Performance Goal
High selectivity and stable long-term operation.
Supply Support
Licensor-approved sourcing and logistics.

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

Primary Feedstock
High-purity ethylene (C₂H₄).
Process Utilities
Oxygen, CO₂, demineralized water, and caustic soda.
Supply Formats
Bulk, ISO tanks, IBC containers, and steel drums.

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) – reaction moderation
  • Demineralized Water – EO hydration
  • Caustic Soda (NaOH) – neutralization and cleaning

Major Global Chemical Brands:

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

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