Characteristics
Ethylene is a monomere manufactured by pyrolysis of oil fractions. It is a colourless, extremely combustible, easily inflammable gas, significantly narcotic gas with a characteristic odour. The liquefied product evaporates quickly and contact with it can cause frostbite. It displaces oxygen and poses a risk of suffocation.
Ethylene forms an explosive mixture with air.
The product is classified as hazardous pursuant to CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 CLP.
Identified uses
As a monomer for the production of polymers (PE and its copolymers), an intermediate product for the production of chemical substances, a technical gas for welding, cutting, etc., a component for the preparation of mixtures - e.g. calibration gases.
Specification
Ethylene |
% vol. |
min. 99,9 |
calculation
|
Propylene |
ppm vol. |
max. 50 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2505 |
Methane and ethane |
ppm vol. |
max. 1000 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2504 |
Acetylene |
ppm vol. |
max. 5 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2505 |
Ethylene oxide |
ppm wt. |
max. 1 |
SOP LP A1-17
|
Dienes |
ppm vol. |
max. 5 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2505 |
Oxygen |
ppm vol. |
max. 5 |
SOP LP A2-03
|
Hydrogen |
ppm vol. |
max. 10 |
ASTM D2504 |
Carbon dioxide |
ppm vol. |
max. 10 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2505 |
Carbon monoxide |
ppm vol. |
max. 10 |
ASTM D2504 ASTM D2505 |
Sulphur |
ppm vol. |
max. 1 |
ASTM D5453 |
Nitrogen |
ppm vol. |
max. 50 |
ASTM D4629 |
Water |
ppm wt. |
max. 10 |
SOP LP A2-01
|
Ammonia |
ppm vol. |
max. 1 |
SOP LP-A1-24
|
Alcohols (as methanol) |
ppm vol. |
max. 5 |
SOP LP-A1-11 |
Packaging, storage and transportation
Liquid ethylene is stored in storage tanks, made from stainless steel or aluminium alloys.
Gaseous ethylene is transported via pipeline. Deeply cooled liquid ethylene is transported in car pressure tanks.
All material data according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), as amended, are given in Material Safety Data Sheet of the manufacturer.
Notice
Every single ethylene road transport must be accompanied by safety and emergency instruction.