Methanol

Methanol (CH3OH) is used in chemical-, timber-, pharmaceutical-, oil-, gas- and micro-biology. It is also used as a fuel and as a raw material for biodiesel production and treatment chemicals and other industries.

WHAT IS METHANOL?

Methanol is one of the most versatile compounds developed and is the basis for hundreds of chemicals, thousands of products that touch our daily lives, and is second in the world in amount shipped and transported around the globe every year. A truly global commodity, methanol is a key component of modern life and new applications are paving the way forward to innovation.

Applications for Pure Methanol

Transportation Fuel

Methanol is the most basic alcohol. It is easy to transport, readily available, and has a high octane rating that allows for superior vehicle performance compared to gasoline.

Wastewater Denitrification

Methanol is also used by municipal and private wastewater treatment facilities to aid in the removal of nitrogen from effluent streams.

Fuel Cell Hydrogen Carrier

Methanol is used as a key component in the development of different types of fuel cells – which are quickly expanding to play a larger role in our energy economy.

Biodiesel Transesterification

In the process of making biodiesel fuel, methanol is used to convert the triglycerides in different types of oils into usable biodiesel fuel.

Electricity Generation

Different companies are also exploring the use of methanol to drive turbines to create electricity.

Methanol as a precursor material

Here are just some types of materials that are made from methanol: plastics, synthetic fibers, paints, resins adhesives, solvents, insulation, refridgerants, windshield washer fluid, pigments and dyes

HEALTH & SAFETY

No matter how much methanol you use on a daily basis, it is important for everyone to know the hazards and safety precautions involved with handling methanol. We encourage you to review our methanol safety videos and safe-handling manual and share these resources with others that will be involved in the safe handling and transport of this essential chemical and fuel.

Methanol Safe Handling Manual – A comprehensive guide to methanol uses, precautions, and safety procedures.

Methanol Emergency Response – A fact sheet outlining the potential hazards of methanol.

Methanol Health Effects – A fact sheet outlining methanol’s impact on human health – www.methanol.org

Methanol

WHAT IS METHANOL?

Applications for Pure Methanol

HEALTH & SAFETY

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