I. Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry

1. Natural Gas Dehydration

• Key Dehydrant: Used in large-scale natural gas processing plants to remove water vapor and prevent hydrate formation (e.g., in pipelines and refining systems).

• High Efficiency: TEG’s low volatility and high water absorption capacity make it preferable to monoethylene glycol (MEG) for deep dehydration (dew point depression up to -46°C).

2. Crude Oil Processing

• Antifreeze and emulsifier in oilfield fluids to prevent ice crystal formation in low-temperature environments.

II. Cooling and Heat Transfer Systems

1. Industrial Coolants

• Component of high-temperature heat transfer fluids in solar thermal systems, industrial boilers, and chemical reactors (operational range: -70°C to 280°C).

• Mixes with water to form antifreeze solutions for automotive and aerospace cooling systems (e.g., aircraft hydraulic fluids).

2. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

• Humidifier and dehumidifier in HVAC systems, regulating moisture in air streams.

III. Polymer and Chemical Industry

1. Polyester and Polyurethane Synthesis

• Polyol Intermediate: Used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), unsaturated polyester resins, and polyurethane foams (improves flexibility and thermal stability).

2. Plasticizers and Solvents

• Plasticizer in PVC and cellulose-based plastics to enhance flexibility; solvent for dyes, inks, and pesticides.

3. Polyether Production

• Precursor for synthesizing polyether polyols, which are critical in manufacturing flexible foams (e.g., furniture, automotive seats).

IV. Cosmetics and Personal Care

1. Humectant and Solvent

• Added to creams, lotions, and hair care products to retain moisture and improve texture (e.g., prevents drying in mascara and lip balms).

• Solvent for fragrances and essential oils in perfumes and colognes.

2. Pharmaceutical Excipients

• Carrier for oral and topical medications (e.g., cough syrups, skin creams) due to its low toxicity and compatibility with active ingredients.

V. Agriculture and Food Industry

1. Agricultural Chemicals

• Solvent and stabilizer in pesticide formulations (e.g., herbicides, fungicides), enhancing spray uniformity and efficacy.

2. Food Processing

• FDA-Approved Additive: Used as a humectant in baked goods, candies, and frostings (e.g., prevents sugar crystallization in ice cream).

• Antimicrobial agent in food packaging materials (e.g., biodegradable films).

VI. Textile and Leather Industry

1. Textile Processing

• Humectant and softener in textile dyeing and finishing to prevent fibers from drying and cracking (e.g., synthetic fibers like nylon).

2. Leather Tanning

• Plasticizer in leather treatment to improve flexibility and prevent brittleness in finished products.

VII. Paint, Ink, and Adhesives

1. Paints and Coatings

• Film-Forming Agent: Improves flow and leveling in water-based paints (e.g., acrylic emulsions); prevents rapid drying and cracking.

• Solvent in alkyd resins and epoxy coatings.

2. Inks and Adhesives

• Humectant in water-based inks (e.g., for printing newspapers, packaging) to prevent nozzle clogging; plasticizer in pressure-sensitive adhesives.

VIII. Specialized Industrial Applications

1. Lubricants and Metalworking Fluids

• Component of high-temperature lubricants for bearings and gears; rust inhibitor in metal cutting fluids.

2. Explosives and Pyrotechnics

• Stabilizer in dynamite and propellants (e.g., reduces sensitivity to shock and heat).

3. Nuclear Industry

• Heat transfer medium in nuclear reactor auxiliary systems due to its radiation resistance.

IX. Environmental and Renewable Energy

1. Biofuels Production

• By-product in biodiesel synthesis (from glycerin refining); can be converted into value-added chemicals like acrylic acid.

2. Wastewater Treatment

• Adsorbent for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants in industrial effluents.

Safety and Regulations

• Toxicity: Low toxicity (LD50 in rats: ~3000 mg/kg), but prolonged skin contact may cause irritation.

• Regulatory Status: Listed as safe for food contact by FDA (21 CFR §172.820) and approved for cosmetic use by EU REACH.