Triethylene Glycol (TEG) is a liquid that can be used for various purposes. It is an odorless and clear liquid. However, TEG can develop impurities over time. To deal with the problem of impurities, you'll either need to purchase more TEG from a supplier or you will need to hire a TEG recycling service.
What is TEG Recycling?
TEG can be recovered and recycled from various units, including tubes, burners, contractors, exchangers, separators, pumps, columns, and condensers. The spent TEG needs to be evacuated from these units and hauled to a location where it can be turned into something more useful. The recovered TEG is processed through vacuum distillation to remove impurities.
Benefits of TEG Recycling
Recycling glycol can be very useful because glycol can be expensive to purchase. You will also have to pay for the disposal of contaminated glycol. While you will still need to purchase some TEG from a TEG supplier, you may experience downtime as you purchase new glycol. Also, you will need to clean your storage units so that the new glycol that you purchase is not re-contaminated. This requires the use of steam cleaners and chemical agents.
When you recycle TEG, you will not have to make as many TEG purchases. You will be able to lower the dew point. You'll be able to reduce VOC and BTEX emissions. You'll also be able to reduce waste almost at the rate of 100%.
The TEG Recycling Process
A recycling service pumps the glycol into the unit through an inlet. The glycol is heated while also having a vacuum applied. The recycling process increases capacity, purity, and yield. The vacuum distillation can increase the relative volatility of certain components. The higher the relative volatility is, the more separable the components are. This is done through fewer theoretical stages.
The recycling process prevents the product from degrading and prevents polymer formation because of reduced pressure. This leads to a lower bottom temperature and a reduced mean residence time.
TEG Impurities That Must Be Removed
There are several impurities you'll want to remove from TEG. These include:
TEG dehydrators are very helpful when reducing hydrate formations in pipelines because they are very economical. They can also be operated worry-free. But regardless of whether you purchase more TEG or recycle your TEG, you'll want to make sure that impurities do not form in your TEG.
For more information on how to prevent TEG impurities, talk to a TEG supplier in your area.