Methanol

Brief Overview

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol with the chemical formula CH₃OH, is a widely used organic solvent. As the simplest alcohol, methanol is light, colourless and volatile. It is also a flammable liquid with a special odour similar to drinking alcohol. Due to its toxicity, methanol can cause metabolic acidosis and even death.

Manufacturing Process

Methanol can be produced from many kinds of feedstocks in a series of reactions. Methanol is obtained in two stages. Feedstock natural gas is first converted into a synthesis gas stream including CO₂, CO, H₂O and hydrogen in a typical plant. Catalytic reforming of feed gas and steam helps to make the reaction happen. The next stage involves catalytic synthesis of methanol from the synthesis gas.

Paint Industry

As a common solvent, methanol has a broad range of applications. The largest one is to produce other chemicals. It is a key component to synthesize or dissolve hundreds of chemicals that are necessary in our lives. Methanol is usually converted into acetic acid, formaldehyde, and olefins. It is also an essential material in paint industry methanol to produce paints and other important components.

Water Treatment Industry

In wastewater treatment plants, a small amount of methanol is added to provide a carbon food source for the denitrifying bacteria. It converts nitrates to nitrogen to reduce the nitrification of sensitive aquifers.

Fuel and Energy Industries

Methanol is used on a limited basis to fuel internal combustion engines. When produced from wood or other organic materials, the resulting organic methanol is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based hydrocarbons. Low levels of methanol can be used in existing vehicles, with the use of proper co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors.