Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless syrupy liquid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Since it is a liquid it can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams. Ethylene glycol is the most important glycol commercially available and is manufactured on a large scale in the United States. It is used as an antifreeze and coolant, in hydraulic fluids, and in the manufacture of low-freezing dynamites and resins. It has a specific gravity of 1.1.
HDPE is the most economical tank material for Ethylene Glycol, rated Excellent. Polypropylene, nylon and PVDF (Kynar®) are also rated Good or better.
How Ethylene Glycol works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.
| Material | Relative cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE $ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
| Polypropylene $$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
| Nylon $$$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
| PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
How Ethylene Glycol works with the plastics used for tank fittings.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | A Excellent |
| PVC | A Excellent |
| CPVC | A Excellent |
| Polypropylene | A Excellent |
| PVDF | A Excellent |
How Ethylene Glycol works with gasket and O-ring materials.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | A Excellent |
| EPDM | A Excellent |
| Viton® | A Excellent |
How Ethylene Glycol works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | B Good |
| Hastelloy | B Good |
| Titanium | A Excellent |
| Aluminum | — No Data |
Storing this chemical in PVDF?
PVDF tanks from 25 to 5,000 gallons with fittings installed. Confirm concentration and temperature with us before you order.
Send the chemical, concentration, temperature and size. We’ll match the tank and fittings and send a quote.