Ethylene – Specialty Gas
Ethylene C2H4 gas is a critical component in the petrochemical industry, serving as a key building block for a wide range of chemicals and plastics.
It is extensively used in the production of synthetic fibres, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are essential in textiles and packaging.
Additionally, ethylene acts as a primary feedstock for the synthesis of numerous chemical intermediates, supporting the manufacture of various industrial and consumer products.
| Property | Value | Unit / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Ethylene | – |
| Chemical Formula | C2H4 | – |
| EINECS | 200-815-3 | – |
| CAS Number | 74-85-1 | – |
| Molecular Weight | 28.054 | g/mol |
| Flammability Range in Air | 2.7–36.0 | % by volume |
| Boiling Point | -103.68 ℃ / -154.60 ℉ | at 1.013 bar / 14.5 psi |
| Density | 1.194 kg/m³ / 0.073 lb/ft³ | at 15 ℃ / 70 ℉, 1 atm |
Purity & Packaging Options
DSW offers Ethylene in multiple grades to match your process requirements:
- Industrial Grade: 99.5%
- Polymer Grade: 99.9%
- High Purity: 99.99% and above
Available in various cylinder sizes, each clearly labelled with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Compliant with CE, ISO, and ADR regulations.
Process
Ethylene is produced by passing ethyl alcohol vapors over dehydrating catalysts at 360-470 °C. The pyrolysis of ethane may also produce it.
The cracking of petroleum is another source.
Ethylene gas Applications
1. Chemical and Petrochemical Production
Ethylene serves as a primary building block for producing numerous downstream chemicals and intermediates, including:
- Ethylene oxide (epoxyethane)
- Ethylene glycol (ethanediol)
- Vinyl chloride (chloroethene)
- Polyethylene (PE) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Styrene (phenylethene)
- Acetaldehyde, acetic acid, ethanol and ethoxyethane
- Chloroethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, vinylidene chloride (1,1-dichloroethene)
These products are essential for manufacturing plastics, packaging materials, automotive components, coatings and consumer goods.
2. Polymer & Plastic Manufacturing
Ethylene is the core raw material for polyethylene production, the world’s most widely used plastic, supporting:
- Packaging films and bottles (PET)
- Injection moulded parts
- Pipes, containers, insulation materials
3. Calibration and Laboratory Use
High-purity C₂H₄ gas is used as a calibration gas in:
- Automotive exhaust analysis
- Oil and gas detection systems
- Chemical process monitoring
4. Agriculture and Food Industry
Ethylene gas in cylinders is used for:
- Fruit ripening (banana, mango, avocado, citrus)
- Crop growth stimulation by soil injection
To ensure safety in ripening chambers, a diluted mixture of ethylene in nitrogen is recommended due to flammability.
5. Refrigeration and Cooling Systems
Ethylene is used as a refrigerant gas (ASHRAE R-1150) in petrochemical refrigeration circuits.
6. Special and Medical Uses
Ethylene has historical use as an anaesthetic in certain medical applications (still used in specific markets).
Datasheet / Safety PDF:
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.