Ethylene oxide is an achromatic methane with a sugary, nauseating aroma reminiscent of urethane. The substance is heavier than oxygen. It hardens at a temperature of 115 ° C, and at a temperature of + 12 ° C it coagulates into a transparent mobile mixture with a burning aftertaste. The substance is easily soluble in water, ethyl alcohol and other basic substances. In synthesis with oxygen, it becomes explosive.
Historical information
Ethylene oxide was discovered in 1859 by the French scientist, organic chemist Charles Adolf Wurz. He was the first to study this compound and its qualitative characteristics by measuring the temperature at which ethylene oxide begins to boil. Initially, the scientist believed that ethylene oxide, in its physicochemical parameters and characteristics, resembles an organic base. This erroneous opinion lasted until 1896, until other researchers (Bredig and Usov) found 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. It was used by many scientists. But in 1931, Charles's compatriot, the chemist Theodore Emile Lefort, created a new method of oxidizing ethylene directly, using a silver enzyme. This method, created at the end of the 20th century, is used at present.
The Big Four for Ethylene Oxide Production
The first scientist who created ethylene oxide by oxidizing a substance using oxygen and a silver accelerator was Emil Lefort. He also patented this method in 1931. The method of producing ethylene oxide was repeatedly modified and acquired various options in industrial production.
The first company to implement an industrial method for the direct oxidation of ethylene since 1995 is UCC (Union Carbide Corporation). It uses a process called "Meteor", which is characterized by high productivity, low investment. The company was founded in 1917 by Richard Wells. The plant of ethylene oxide and glycols operates and sow day. This corporation bought out a patent, which in modern times is its property, and finds its application only at enterprises owned by it, as well as occupying more than 25% of its capacity worldwide.
The second company using a similar method, but more widespread in the world thanks to a licensed type system, is a 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 A subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, founded in 1907. The method of this enterprise differs from other manufacturers in the overestimated requirements for the production of ethylene oxide and the long life of the desiccant (more than 3 years). The company covers more than 45% of global production capacity.
Fourth manufacturer - Japanese company Japan Catalytic Chemical Co. She uses a licensed method similar to the Scientific Design method, established to organize a single complex combining the production of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols. The Japanese corporation was founded in 1951.
Ethylene oxide is the largest organic product in terms of production in the global chemical industry. However, it is inferior to some substances, such as ethylene, propylene, ethanol, methanol, benzene, vinyl chloride, styrene, toluene, etc. The production of ethylene oxide still remains in second place after polyethylene in importance and amounts to only 14%. This element is used for the production of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, copolymers with propylene oxide, surface-active substances, oil demulsifiers, fumigants.
Substance transportation
The transportation process is carried out using containers, cylinders and tanks. Ethylene oxide is stored 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 toxic substance that has irritating, intoxicating and fairly toxic properties. With ease, being a gas, it penetrates clothing and shoes, causing a sharp allergic reaction, and if it gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes, it burns.
Signs of Ethylene Poisoning
Ethylene is used everywhere in the production of various beauty, health and other products. Most often it is added to:
- varnishes;
- paints;
- solvents;
- antifreezes;
- soap and detergents;
- cosmetics and perfumes;
- antibiotics and more.
Ethylene oxide sterilization is often used by humans for gas type disinfection. We come across this poisonous substance daily. Often there are emergency situations associated with poisoning with ethylene oxide. Consider the signs of poisoning and treatment methods.
Ethylene oxide intoxication
Symptoms of acute intoxication are:
- headache and dizziness;
- sweet taste in the mouth;
- nausea and vomiting;
- facial redness;
- general weakness;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- facial paralysis;
- weak reaction of the pupils to the light;
- cramps
- enlarged liver and impaired function.
Colossal poisoning
Chronic poisoning is such symptoms:
- constant complaints of a client about a headache;
- joint pain
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- tremor of fingers of arms extended forward;
- sweating and glaciation of the limbs;
- decrease in sensitivity, etc.
When it comes to the surface of the skin, it causes dermatitis with ulcers, and is also accompanied by an increase in temperature and a high level of white blood cells in the blood.
First aid to the injured. Treatment
If the patient had the imprudence to get into his eyes with an ethylene-based product, it is necessary to rinse the eyes thoroughly and for a long time with plenty of clean water, then consult a doctor.
If this reagent gets on the skin, urgently need to clean the surface with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. After abundantly wash 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;
- oxygen inhalation;
- vitamins B1, B6, B12 and calcium;
- heavy alkaline drink;
- glucose-based droppers with ascorbic acid;
- caffeine and cordiamine.
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization
Ethylene oxide is very popular as a sterilization agent. The first time ethylene oxide was used as a disinfecting gas 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 products that were sensitive to high temperatures, humidity and toxicity. Since ethylene oxide is a poisonous gas, sterilization is carried out in tightly closed chambers.
This method of disinfection is considered the best of all known methods. Processing tools in this way consists of three steps:
- First, the tools are blown with air, changing the temperature and humidity.
- The packaging is filled with ethylene oxide gas and wait a while for the medical instruments to be sterilized.
- Degassing is carried out to remove residual aggressive gas from the packaging.
Hydration of ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide is mainly used in the creation of a variety of ethylene glycols. The 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, the second method is used, applying pressure, since it is difficult to subsequently clear some acids from the resulting substance, and additional cleaning methods have to be applied.
After hydration, ethylene glycol is obtained - the simplest dihydric alcohol. The consistency resembles oil. Ethylene glycol odorless and color, has a sweet 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 death.
In addition to the fact that ethylene glycol is used to create detergents, it is also part of other products:
- antistatic agents;
- polishes;
- means of icing;
- added to the cooling systems of computers and cars;
- in a small amount used in shoe creams;
- using it to make explosives.
The effect of ethylene glycol on the body
Ethylene glycol is often used in the processing of rooms or buildings with a large area, and as a result of applying the funds intended for washing, inhalation of vapors occurs. If used improperly, the substance can enter the mouth, but this is not enough for poisoning. Most likely to get poisoned are those who for a long time have to deal often with substances containing ethylene glycol. This category includes drivers and workers in chemical plants.
Signs of Poisoning
- The initial period lasts 12 hours and is manifested by slight intoxication of a person. Occasionally, headache, nausea, periodic vomiting, mild weakness are manifested. In this case, a light sweetish aroma may come from a person. But overall health is normal.
- After twelve hours of imaginary well-being, there is a feeling of movement in the space of your own body, headache, nausea and a violation of sodium-calcium metabolism, vomiting. The abdomen and lumbar muscles begin to prick sharply.
- A little later, signs of central nervous system damage manifest themselves: loss of consciousness, fever, cramps.
- On the fifth day, renal failure, pulmonary edema develops, heart function is impaired, and blood pressure decreases.
- Death occurs within a week due to heart failure, pulmonary edema, and kidney and liver problems.
Mild poisoning occurs after inhalation of the vapor and is characterized by dizziness, nausea and weakness. To save the victim, you must go to the hospital before they expire 12 hours after poisoning.