Glycol (Ethylene Glycol, Ethylene Alcohol)

Glycols are alcohols with unique properties, such as a high boiling point and good water solubility, that makes them attractive in many industries. Common examples include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. 

Ethylene glycol, used in automotive antifreeze, lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of water to prevent engines from freezing or overheating. Propylene glycol is similar but is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Glycols are also used as precursors to other chemicals, including polyester resins. Glycols are moderately viscous, with 100% ethylene glycol ranging from about 7 cPs at 120ᵒF (49ᵒC) to 310 cPs at 0ᵒF (-18ᵒC), Propylene glycol is about 3-4 times as viscous.

Positive displacement pumps are ideal for transferring glycols and glycol solutions due to their ability to handle a wide range of viscosities and maintain a consistent flow rate, regardless of system pressure. These pumps work by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and displacing it through the pump's discharge, making them highly effective for handling liquids like glycols that may exhibit varying flow characteristics under different temperature conditions. Additionally, positive displacement pumps offer superior control over flow rates, which ensures precise handling and accurate metering of these substances within industrial processes.

Viking in the Process

Ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol are produced by reacting ethylene oxide with water. Propylene glycol is mainly produced from propylene oxide for food-grade use or from glycerol for industrial use. Viking pumps are used in the production processes and to transfer product to storage and packaging or transport. They are also used in downstream processes such as glycol blending for antifreeze or metering into recipes for food, pharma and cosmetic products.