Three TEG Ordering Mistakes
Using TEG, or tri-ethylene glycol, might be standard in your college research lab or industrial facility. When you've been singled out to be the responsible party for placing orders, the task can seem simple. You might, of course, want to re-evaluate how those orders happen. You may be interested in trimming the budget or ordering in bulk. However, beware these mistakes; they could disrupt the work of your institution researchers or facility employees.
Ordering from Foreign Suppliers
You might be very excited to find a big cost savings for TEG containers. You may feel proud of yourself for finding something cheaper than the last person ordering did. However, if you're finding costs that are markedly lower, you have to double-check the source. Some foreign sources of tri-ethylene glycol are indeed more affordable. Still, ordering from your own country is preferable. That's because the low costs could become higher once you have to pay customs fees and other taxes. You might also have to go and retrieve your TEG order because it's being held for inspection or other reasons. Order domestically and stay away from all those issues.
Ignoring Concentration
TEG is sometimes used to dehydrate certain products. To do so, it will need to be of a certain dilution or concentration to start with. Your workers or researchers should be able to speak knowledgeably about the concentration they need; ask before ordering.
Failing to Experience Customer Service
Ordering without problems could make you completely forget about the TEG supplier until you receive the wrong materials or the wrong number of tri-ethylene products. Calling customer support at that point, only to learn they aren't friendly or helpful, will make a stressful situation even more frustrating. Therefore, never consider ordering until you've called and talked to reps in a supplier's customer service department. If you can't speak with someone directly, you might order elsewhere.
Because the liquid is generally not hazardous or dangerous at room temperature, you might not have anyone checking specifically for your TEG deliveries. However, spills are still possible. In addition, very high temperatures--like a hot, stuffy storeroom--can cause the liquid to begin decomposing. That will render it less effective. Therefore, ensure that you or someone you trust can take deliveries and store the TEG materials somewhere slightly cool and out of the way.
TEG work can happen seamlessly if these ordering mistakes never happen. Peers and managers should be able to give input that might make TEG ordering better too.