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Glycol Ethers Storage and Handling Guide

Refer to the Safety Data Sheets and space. However, if future


Transportation Equipment Data/Emergency compartmentation of the storage tank is
Response sheet for each glycol ether and likely, a horizontal tank is easier to modify
glycol ether acetate for the most recent than a vertical tank. Above-ground storage
storage and handling information for the is always recommended for ease of
product. installation, maintenance, gauging, and
piping arrangement. Storage tanks for
Storage of Glycol Ethers glycol ether products should meet the
The storage of glycol ethers presents no requirements of local, state, and federal
unusual problems. They are very stable regulations and guidelines for chemical
organic liquids that have relatively low storage. Flash points of glycol ether
freezing points. Heated storage is not products range from 88˚ F/31˚ C for
normally required. The exception is DOWANOLTM PM to >300˚ F/>149˚ C for
DOWANOLTM EPh and PPh, which freeze DOWANOLTM EPh6. For instance,
below 55˚ F (13˚ C). DOWANOL PM is classified as a flammable
liquid according to the Department of
Most glycol ethers do not present a Transportation (DOT) regulations, CFR 49.
significant flammability hazard at normal Other glycol ethers may be classified as
storage temperature. They have relatively flammable or combustible liquids or are not
low vapor pressures. The most volatile regulated by the DOT. It is important to
glycol ether products are DOWANOLTM PM, keep in mind, however, that while some
PnP, and PMA which have flash points of glycol ethers are not regulated by the DOT,
88˚ F, 118˚ F, and 108˚ F respectively. all glycol ethers have flammability limits
which should be taken into consideration
Storage Tanks: Material and Construction when a flammability hazard is being
The storage tanks used for glycol ethers and assessed. (Note: All local fire codes should
glycol ether acetates and blends of glycol be consulted when installing storage
ether products should be constructed of facilities for glycol ether products. Also, to
mild steel, carbon steel, or stainless steel. avoid the possibility of induced static
Storage vessels and piping constructed of electricity, which can cause accidental
aluminum and aluminum alloys should be ignition, all tanks, pumps, and transfer lines
avoided. Plastic tank linings are not used for glycol ether products should be
recommended, because these materials are fully grounded. Finally, fire hazards can be
often affected by glycol ether products. lessened by maintaining diking and by
removing all vegetation around storage
Either vertical or horizontal storage tanks tanks).
may be used. A vertical tank is more
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
economical to install and occupies less

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Figure 1: Horizontal Storage Tank for Glycol Ethers PVRV that contain moisture-absorbent
drying beds are also available in long-term
storage. Moisture pick-up by glycol ethers
and acetates can be further reduced by
nitrogen blanketing or padding of the
storage tanks. Nitrogen blanketing is
recommended for quality and safety
reasons.

Drum Recommendations
Glycol ethers may be stored in 55-gallon
drums made of mild steel. It is important to
remember to replace the drum cap securely
after each withdrawal, or the product will
To avoid the possibility of induced static gradually pick up moisture from the air.
electricity, ground all tanks, pumps, and
transfer lines used for glycol ether products, Avoid drums constructed of galvanized
and install a dip line as the product inlet line. metals that may bring glycol ethers,
Float-type gauges with tape indicators or especially Butyl CELLOSOLVETM or Butyl
differential pressure cells work well as level CARBITOLTM, in contact with zinc or tin since
indicators for glycol ethers and acetates. metal corrosion and discoloration can result.
Zinc is very reactive in contact with some
Pressure vacuum relief valves (PVRV) are glycol ethers; hydrogen may be produced.
recommended for storage tanks containing Copper and copper alloys, such as bronze
glycol ethers and glycol ether acetates and brass, will cause discoloration via
because they are hygroscopic. Breathers decomposition with all glycol ether
allow for slight changes in tank pressure, products.
thereby reducing moisture pick-up from the
outside air. The overpressure relief and the
breather should be mounted on a flame
arrestor.

Figure 2: Determining the Amount of Contents of


Partially Filled Drums

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Polyethylene and polypropylene storage Consequently, the installation of all fittings
drums may be used if water contamination and gaskets should be done carefully.
of the glycol ether or glycol ether acetate is Aqueous graphite suspensions are
not critical. Drums made of these materials preferred for pipe dope on screwed piping,
can provide adequate shelf life for the but they work best when all cutting oil has
product, but they will absorb water through been removed from the threads. Ball valves
the drum walls. Polyethylene storage drums with plastic seals and seats of Teflon1 resin
should be product-dedicated, because are strongly recommended. Butyl rubber or
glycol ethers and glycol ether acetates may EPDM can be used for gaskets and packing.
be retained in the walls of the drums over
time. Figure 2 can be used to determine the Cleaning and Maintenance
contents of partially filled drums without Sound maintenance procedures are vital to
removing the drum caps. proper storage and handling of glycol ether
products. Maintaining diking around all
Auxiliaries product storage tanks and removing all
Pumps, lines, valves and fittings of steel are vegetation from the area diminishes fire
adequate for use with glycol ethers. If rated hazards. The maintenance and prompt
at the appropriate pressure, polyethylene repair of the storage tanks and transfer
and polypropylene pipes are adequate; equipment piping and valves is critical for
however, glycol ethers should not be safeguarding product quality.
allowed to stand in these pipes. PVC- or
fiberglass-reinforced pipes are not Storage tanks should be thoroughly cleaned
recommended. Avoid equipment and dried before use. They should be
constructed of aluminum or aluminum equipped with 18-inch manholes and a
alloys, galvanized metals, and copper or bottom drain. Good results can be obtained
copper alloys. Bronze and brass fittings are by buffing and steaming the tank, then
acceptable for temporary or minimum washing with water and thoroughly air-
contact situations. drying. Avoid brushing or otherwise
mechanically disturbing the surface of the
Centrifugal pumps work well for storage tank after the tank has been dried.
systems, with packed pumps used for
intermittent service and mechanical seals To minimize the formation of rust, fill the
for continuous service. tank as soon as possible after cleaning. If
the cleaning is thorough, there will be less
All equipment must be free of moisture chance for discoloration, even upon
before operation. The chances of product extended storage.
deterioration and/or discoloration are
minimized when the equipment, including
pumps, lines, valves, fittings, and storage
vessels, cleaned thoroughly prior to use.

Glycol ethers and acetates are difficult to


contain, due to low viscosities, and prone to
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leak past defective fittings or packing. Trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

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To minimize air contact and possible Safe Handling
moisture pick-up after cleaning, the tank Develop, implement, and strictly enforce
may be purged with dry nitrogen prior to safe handling procedures and practices for
filling. The dry nitrogen is then displaced as workers in all operations involving glycol
the tank is filled, and a pad remains on top ether products. The viability of your storage
to help extend product quality. and handling program for these products
relies on close attention to worker safety
Strict maintenance schedules for cleaning, issues.
service, and replacement of auxiliary
equipment used for glycol ether products Customers are urged to develop, implement,
should be developed. Particular attention strictly enforce, monitor, and periodically
should be paid to packings, gaskets, and review and evaluate safe handling
other components of transfer equipment procedures and practices in all handling and
which may be affected by glycol ether and storage operations involving glycol ether
glycol ether acetate products. products.

Product Shelf Life The greatest potential hazards in working


The quality of glycol ether products can be with glycol ethers and glycol ether acetates
affected by storage conditions, temperature are skin and eye contact and vapor
and time. Product deterioration can take inhalation. Written procedures are highly
the form of lowered pH values and/or color recommended, detailing how workers
changes. should wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) for their tasks
To safeguard against this product and the hazard potential involved.
deterioration, develop product inventory
and use policies that put your glycol ether Consult the current Safety Data sheets for
inventory into production prior to the more detailed information on the safe
recommended shelf life limits noted in handling of glycol ether products.
Table 1.

Table 1: Product Shelf Life


Products Shelf Life Conditions of Temperature Deterioration
and Storage Characteristics
24 months – Normal conditions – Store Lowering of pH –
Drums below 90˚F. Material is possible rise in color on
hygroscopic; should be in prolonged standing.
DOWANOLTM PM, DPM, TPM, 6 months - Bulk closed containers. Aluminum
PnB, DPnB, TPnB, PnP, DPnP
Butyl CELLOSOLVETM, containers should be
Butyl CARBITOLTM, Methyl avoided.
CARBITOL, CARBITOL

24 months – Store below 110˚F. Develops yellow color.


DOWANOLTM PPh, EPh glycol Drums Aluminum containers should
ether products be avoided.
6 months - Bulk

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The disposal of glycol ethers must be Product Stewardship
carried out in strict accordance with all local, The Dow Chemical Company has a
state, and federal laws and regulations fundamental concern for all who make,
governing the disposal of chemicals. distribute, and use its product, and for the
environment in which we live. This concern
Suggested Precautions is the basis for our Product Stewardship
The following precautionary measures are philosophy by which we assess the health
suggested for operations where contact and environmental information on our
with glycol ethers is likely: products and then take appropriate steps to
protect employee and public health and the
 Wear suitable eye protection, such environment. Our Product Stewardship
as chemical workers’ goggles or program rests with each and every
safety glasses with side shields. individual involved with Dow products from
 Practice reasonable care, good the initial concept and research to the
housekeeping, and personal manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and
cleanliness to avoid skin exposure. disposal of each product.
 Avoid prolonged or repeated
breathing of vapors of glycol ethers, Customer Notice
especially if the material is hot. Also, Dow encourages its customers and
be sure that adequate ventilation is potential users of Dow products to review
provided for workers handling or their applications of such products from the
using glycol ethers and glycol ether standpoint of human health and
acetates. Customers are urged to environmental quality. To help ensure that
consult the most recent Safety Data Dow products are not used in ways for
Sheets for the current exposure which they are not intended or tested, Dow
guidelines. personnel will assist customers in dealing
 In the event of upper respiratory with ecological and product safety
irritation, use an air-purifying considerations. A Dow salesperson can
organic vapor respirator. arrange the proper contacts. Dow product
literature, including Safety Data Sheets,
First Aid Measures should be consulted prior to use of Dow
Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) products. These may be obtained from a
for the specific glycol ether product in Dow sales representative or sales office.
question for recommendations on
procedures for emergency first aid.

*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company


Form 110-00673-1016

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