Ethylene oxide: production, use

Ethylene oxide is an achromatic methane with a sugary, nauseating scent reminiscent of urethane. The substance is heavier than oxygen. Hardens at a temperature of -115 ° C, and at a temperature of +12 ° C it is rolled into a transparent mobile mixture having a burning taste. The substance readily dissolves in water, ethyl alcohol and other basic substances. In synthesis with oxygen it becomes explosive.

Historical background

Ethylene oxide was discovered in 1859 by French scientist, organic chemist Charles Adolf Wurz. He became the first of those who investigated this compound and its qualitative characteristics by measuring the temperature at which ethylene oxide boils. Initially, the scientist believed that ethylene oxide, in its physico-chemical parameters and characteristics, resembles an organic base. This erroneous opinion lasted until 1896, while other researchers (Bredig and Usov) did not find out that ethylene oxide is not an electrolytic substance.

For a long time, only one method of extracting ethylene oxide directly from ethylene itself was known. Many scientists used it. But in 1931, Charles's compatriot, chemist Theodor Emil Lefort, created a new way of oxidizing ethylene directly, using a silver enzyme. This method, created in the late 20th century, is still being used.

The Great Four for the production of ethylene oxide

Emil Lefort became the first scientist who created ethylene oxide by oxidizing a substance, using oxygen and a silver accelerator. He also patented this method in 1931. The method for obtaining ethylene oxide was repeatedly modified and acquired various variants in industrial production.

The first company that implemented the industrial method of direct oxidation of ethylene, beginning in 1995, is the company UCC (Union Carbide Corporation). Here we use a process called "Meteoric", which is characterized by high productivity, low capital investment. The company was founded in 1917 by Richard Wells. The plant of ethylene oxide and glycols acts and sow the day. This corporation has redeemed a patent, which in its present time is its property, and finds its application only in the enterprises belonging to it, as well as occupying more than 25% of the capacities around the world.

The second company, using a similar method, but more widespread in the world due to the licensed type system, Is Scientific Design Company, Inc. Since 1983, it has more than 95 projects, about 27% of global capacity and 80% of all licensed ethylene oxide production. The company was founded in 1946.

The third company using this method is Shell International Chemicals BV. The subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, founded in 1907. The way of this enterprise differs from other manufacturers, overestimated requirements for the production of ethylene oxide and the long life of the dessicant (more than 3 years). The company covers more than 45% of the world's production capacity.

The fourth manufacturer - Japanese company Japan Catalytic Chemical Co. It uses a licensed method similar to the method Scientific Design, established to organize a single complex that combines the production of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols. The Japanese corporation was founded in 1951.

Ethylene oxide is the largest organic product in the world chemical industry in terms of production volumes. However, it is inferior to some substances, such as ethylene, propylene, ethanol, methanol, benzene, vinyl chloride, styrene, toluene, etc. The production of ethylene oxide is still second only to polyethylene in importance and only 14%. This element is used for the production of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, copolymers with propylene oxide, surface active substances, oil demulsifiers, fumigants.

Carriage of substance

The transportation process takes place with the help of containers, cylinders and cisterns. Ethylene oxide is retained in tanks up to 3 thousand m ³ At a temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius, under a pressure of 7-19 kgf / cm ² . Ethylene oxide is a poisonous substance that has irritating, intoxicating and quite toxic properties. With ease, being a gas, it penetrates through clothes and shoes, causing a sharp allergic reaction, and if it gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes - burns.

Symptoms of ethylene poisoning

Ethylene is used throughout the production of various products for beauty, health and more. Most often it is added to:

• Varnishes;
• paints;
• Solvents;
• Antifreeze;
• Soap and detergents;
• Cosmetics and perfumery;
• Antibiotics and much more.

Sterilization with ethylene oxide is often used by man for gas-type disinfection. We encounter this poisonous substance every day. Often there are emergency situations associated with ethylene oxide poisoning. Consider the signs of poisoning and ways of treatment.

Intoxication with ethylene oxide

Symptoms of acute intoxication are:

• Headache and dizziness;
• Sweet taste in the mouth;
• nausea and vomiting;
• Redness of the face;
• General weakness;
• Heart rhythm disorder;
• Paralysis of facial muscles;
• Weak reaction of pupils to light;
• Convulsions;
• Enlargement of the liver and violation of its functions.

The colossal poisoning

Chronic poisoning is such symptoms:

• Constant complaints of the client for a headache;
• Pain in the joints;
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• Tremor of fingers extended arms;
• Sweating and icy limbs;
• Reduced sensitivity, etc.

Upon contact with the skin, it causes dermatitis with ulcers, and is accompanied by an increase in temperature and a high level of leukocytes in the blood.

First aid to the victim. Treatment

If the patient has had a reckless eye contact with an ethylene-based remedy, rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of clean water for a long time, then consult a doctor.

If you get this reagent on the skin in an urgent way, you need to clean the surface with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. After a lot of washing the affected area of the skin with soap and water and treat with lanolin.

In more severe cases of poisoning, the patient needs:

• Fresh air;
• Peace and warmth;
• Inhalation with oxygen;
• Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and calcium;
• Copious alkaline drink;
• Droppers on the basis of glucose with ascorbic acid;
• Caffeine and cordiamine.

Sterilization with ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide is very popular as a means of sterilization. The first time ethylene oxide as a disinfecting gas began to be used in the forties of the last century. Due to the fact that the substance was in a gas-like form, it penetrated well into packages with medical instruments and killed microorganisms. This method was used for most agents that were sensitive to high temperatures, humidity and toxicity. Since ethylene oxide refers to toxic gases, sterilization is carried out in tightly closed chambers.

This method of disinfection is considered to be the best of all methods known to us. Processing tools in this way consists of three steps:

1. First, the instruments are blown with air, changing the temperature and humidity.
2. The packaging is filled with ethylene oxide gas and waiting for some time, so that the medical instruments have been sterilized.
3. Carry degassing to remove from the package the remains of aggressive gas.

Hydration of ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide application is mainly found in the creation of a variety of ethylene glycols. Hydration of ethylene oxide in a liquid state is carried out either in the presence of acid catalysts at a temperature of + 50-100 degrees, or under pressure without an accelerator at a temperature of +200 ° C. Most often, a second method is used, applying pressure, since it is difficult for some acids to subsequently purify the resulting Substance, and it is necessary to apply additional methods for cleaning.

After hydration, ethylene glycol, the simplest dihydric alcohol, is obtained. It resembles oil in consistency. Ethylene glycol is odorless and has a sweetish taste. It is a toxic substance that is used in detergents. Some unique people try to use it as a substitute for alcohol, which leads to a lethal outcome.

In addition to the fact that ethylene glycol is used to create detergents, it is also part of other products:

• Antistatics;
• Polishing;
• Means against icing;
• Add to the cooling system of computers and cars;
• In small quantities used in shoe polish;
• With the help of it make explosives.

The action of ethylene glycol on the body

Ethylene glycol is often used in the processing of premises or buildings with a large area, and as a result of the application of funds intended for washing, vapor is inhaled. With careless use, the substance can enter the mouth, but this is not enough for poisoning. Most likely to get poisoned by those who have long service often have to deal with substances containing ethylene glycol. This category includes drivers and workers of chemical plants.

Signs of poisoning

1. The initial period lasts 12 hours and is manifested by slight intoxication of a person. Occasionally, headache, nausea, periodic vomiting, mild weakness appear. At the same time, a light sweetish aroma can come from a person. But overall the state of health is normal.
2. After twelve hours of imaginary well-being, a sensation of movement in the space of one's own body, pain in the head, attacks of nausea and violation of sodium-calcium metabolism, vomiting. The abdomen and lumbar muscles begin to sharply prick.
3. A little later, there are signs of central nervous system damage: loss of consciousness, fever, convulsions.
4. On the fifth day, kidney failure, pulmonary edema develop, heart function is disrupted and blood pressure decreases.
5. Death occurs within a week due to heart failure, pulmonary edema and problems in the work of the kidneys and liver.

The mild poisoning is manifested after inhaling the vapor and is characterized by dizziness, nausea and weakness. To save the injured, you need to go to the hospital before it's 12 hours after the poisoning.