Description
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGMBE)
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGMBE), also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a clear, colorless liquid solvent with a mild ether-like odor. It is widely used in the oil & gas industry as a mutual solvent and surfactant carrier in well stimulation treatments, acidizing operations, and completion fluids. EGMBE reduces surface and interfacial tension, enhances fluid contact with formation surfaces, and prevents emulsion formation during acid treatments. Its unique mutual solubility in both water and oil makes it an essential component in many oil field chemical formulations.
Product Overview
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGMBE), also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a clear, colorless liquid solvent with a mild ether-like odor. It is widely used in the oil & gas industry as a mutual solvent and surfactant carrier in well stimulation treatments, acidizing operations, and completion fluids. EGMBE reduces surface and interfacial tension, enhances fluid contact with formation surfaces, and prevents emulsion formation during acid treatments. Its unique mutual solubility in both water and oil makes it an essential component in many oil field chemical formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.17 g/mol |
| Density (25°C) | 0.898 – 0.902 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 171°C at 1 atm |
| Flash Point | 60°C |
| Viscosity (25°C) | ~3.0 mPa·s |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water and most organic solvents |
| Purity | ≥ 99% |
Applications
Acidizing & Stimulation
Mutual solvent to prevent emulsions and improve acid contact
Well Cleanup Operations
Removes oil and water blocks from near-wellbore formation
Completion Fluids
Surfactant carrier and wettability modifier
Fracturing Fluids
Anti-sludge and emulsion prevention agent
Industrial Cleaning
Solvent in industrial and oilfield cleaning formulations
Safety Information
Handling Precautions
- Flammable liquid — keep away from ignition sources, sparks, and open flames
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin; avoid prolonged inhalation of vapors
- Use appropriate PPE — chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and oxidizing agents
- Recommended storage temperature: 5°C – 35°C
- Shelf Life: 2 years from date of manufacture
First Aid Measures
- Eyes: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes; seek urgent medical attention
- Skin: Remove contaminated clothing; wash with soap and water for 15 minutes
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention
⚠ Flammable liquid — GHS Category 3
⚠ Moderate irritant and potential health hazard with prolonged exposure
⚠ Handle strictly in accordance with GHS safety guidelines
⚠ Moderate irritant and potential health hazard with prolonged exposure
⚠ Handle strictly in accordance with GHS safety guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a mutual solvent and why is EGMBE used as one?
A mutual solvent is a chemical that is miscible with both water and oil. EGMBE is used in oilfield applications because it can dissolve and disperse both water-based and oil-based residues in the formation, preventing emulsion formation and improving fluid contact with the rock surface during acidizing and stimulation treatments.
Q2. How does EGMBE prevent emulsions during acid treatments?
During acidizing, the reaction between acid and formation fluids can create stable emulsions that block the formation. EGMBE reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, preventing emulsion formation and ensuring cleanup of spent acid and formation fluids.
Q3. Is EGMBE compatible with hydrochloric acid (HCl) systems?
Yes. EGMBE is widely used in HCl-based acidizing systems as a mutual solvent and anti-sludge agent. It is compatible with standard acid corrosion inhibitors and other acid additives.
Q4. What is the recommended dosage of EGMBE in acidizing treatments?
Typical dosage ranges from 5 to 10% by volume of the acid treatment fluid depending on the formation type, crude oil characteristics, and treatment objectives.
Q5. Is EGMBE hazardous to handle?
EGMBE is a flammable liquid and a moderate health hazard with prolonged exposure. It must be handled with full PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation in accordance with GHS safety standards.
Q6. What is the shelf life of EGMBE?
EGMBE has a shelf life of 2 years when stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment away from heat, ignition sources, and oxidizing agents.
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