ASTM D2693-22

Standard Specification for Ethylene Glycol

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the properties and requirements for ethylene glycol for use in the preparation of surface coatings. The material shall be appropriately sampled and tested, and shall conform to the following specified requirements: apparent specific gravity; color (Pt-Co units); distillation range (initial boiling point and dry point); water content; acidity as acetic acid; diethylene glycol content; and iron content.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers ethylene glycol for use in the preparation of surface coatings.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this standard; for purposes of determining conformance with this standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.  
1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, consult the supplier's Material Safety Data Sheet.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2021
• ICS: 87.060.30 - Solvents
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.35 - Solvents, Plasticizers, and Chemical Intermediates

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E202-12 - Standard Test Methods for Analysis of Ethylene Glycols and Propylene Glycols
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5386-10 - Standard Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM D5386-05 - Standard Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1209-05 - Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1209-05e1 - Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E29-04 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM D5386-04 - Standard Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2004
• Refers: ASTM E29-02e1 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM D1209-00 - Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Refers: ASTM D5386-93b(2000)e1 - Standard Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2000
• Refers: ASTM E29-93a(1999) - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM D2693-22: Standard Specification for Ethylene Glycol provides a comprehensive framework for the quality and properties of ethylene glycol intended for use in the preparation of surface coatings. Published by ASTM International, this standard ensures the chemical consistency, purity, and performance of ethylene glycol to meet industry requirements. Compliance with this specification helps manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users maintain quality assurance and regulatory conformity in coating applications.

Key Topics

ASTM D2693-22 addresses several critical parameters for ethylene glycol used in surface coating formulations. The standard outlines requirements and testing methods for the following characteristics:

• Apparent Specific Gravity: Ensures consistency in density at specified temperatures.
• Color (Pt-Co units): Sets a maximum limit for color, measured in platinum-cobalt units, to guarantee visual quality.
• Distillation Range: Defines the initial boiling point and dry point limits to confirm purity and composition.
• Water Content: Specifies the maximum allowable water content to reduce contamination risk.
• Acidity (as Acetic Acid): Limits the level of acidity to maintain product stability and compatibility.
• Diethylene Glycol Content: Restricts the presence of this impurity to ensure the efficiency of surface coatings.
• Iron Content: Sets a maximum limit to avoid negative impacts on final product quality.

The document references additional ASTM test methods and practices for sampling (ASTM E300), analysis (ASTM E202), and specific property measurements (e.g., ASTM D1209, D4052, D5386).

Applications

This specification is primarily used by manufacturers and suppliers of surface coatings, ensuring that ethylene glycol meets stringent technical requirements vital for product performance and regulatory compliance. Typical applications include:

• Paints and Surface Coatings: Ethylene glycol serves as a key ingredient in water-based and solvent-based coatings, providing essential physical properties such as viscosity, gloss, and drying time.
• Quality Control and Procurement: The standard specification assists quality assurance teams in purchasing and verifying ethylene glycol for industrial processes.
• Formulations Development: Chemists and formulators rely on ASTM D2693-22 to select materials that will perform optimally in their specific coating systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures materials comply with international trade and safety standards, supporting conformity with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines.

Related Standards

Several related standards support and complement ASTM D2693-22, ensuring a holistic approach to quality in ethylene glycol and coating applications:

• ASTM E202: Test Methods for Analysis of Ethylene Glycols and Propylene Glycols
• ASTM E300: Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
• ASTM D1209: Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• ASTM D4052: Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• ASTM D5386: Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus Colorimetry
• U.S. Federal Specification PPP-C-2020: Packaging requirements for chemicals

Practical Value

Using ASTM D2693-22 for ethylene glycol in surface coatings helps companies uphold industry best practices, ensure product consistency, and meet market expectations for performance and safety. The standard is integral for operations in paints, coatings, and chemical supply chains, where maintaining precise chemical properties directly impacts product reliability and customer satisfaction.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the standard, visit ASTM International.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2693 −22
Standard Specification for
Ethylene Glycol
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2693; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E202 Test Methods for Analysis of Ethylene Glycols and
Propylene Glycols
1.1 This specification covers ethylene glycol for use in the
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
preparation of surface coatings.
2.2 U.S. Federal Specification:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
PPP-C-2020 Chemicals, Liquid, Dry, and Paste: Packaging
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
of
standard.
1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this
3. Properties
standard; for purposes of determining conformance with this
3.1 Ethylene glycol shall conform to the following require-
standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be
ments:
rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit
Apparent specific gravity
used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with
20/20 °C 1.1151 to 1.1156
the rounding-off method of Practice E29.
or
25/25 °C 1.1129 to 1.1134
1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, consult
Color, Pt-Co units, max (Note 1) 15
the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet. Distillation range, 760 mm Hg
Initial boiling point, °C, min 193
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Dry point, °C, max 204
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Water, wt %, max 0.2
Acidity as acetic acid, wt %, max 0.005
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Diethylene glycol, wt %, max 1.0
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Iron, ppm, max 1.0
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
NOTE 1—Instrumental Pt-Co color determined by Test Method D5386
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
has been shown to have no statistically significant difference from Pt-Co
color determined by Test Method D1209. However, it is not known
whether ethylene glycol was part of the sample set included in the
2. Referenced Documents
interlaboratory study.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1209 Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-
4. Sampling
Cobalt Scale)
4.1 The material shall be sampled in accordance with
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
Practice E300.
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
D5386 Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus
5. Test Methods
Colorimetry
5.1 The properties enumerated in this specification shall be
E29 Practice for
...