Methanol (chemical formula CH4O or CH3OH) is the simplest alcohol, has the lowest carbon content and highest hydrogen content of any liquid fuel, and is a liquid between −93°C and +65°C at atmospheric pressure. It is a basic building block for hundreds of essential chemical commodities that contribute to our daily lives, such as building materials, plastic packaging, paints and coatings.
There are various production methods available from several different feed-stock resources including methanol from natural gas, methanol from coal and also methanol from biomass. Additionally, from renewable resources like black liquor from pulp and paper mills, forest thinning or agricultural waste, and even directly from CO2 that is captured from power plants. Using renewable fuels leads to a common categorization of brown, grey, blue or green methanol, indicating in decreasing order the carbon footprint of methanol production.
Power-to-X produces synthetic fuels for immediate application: e-Methane, e-Methanol, e-Diesel, e-Gasoline or e-Jet fuel – ready for instant use. They can be blended gradually with fossil fuels until they fully replace fossil fuels as a primary energy source. Existing infrastructure such as gas pipelines, gas stations, or storage facilities can be used as well as existing and low-cost consumer applications, powered by e-Fuels.
Care and attention needs to be made when handling Methanol due to its toxic and explosive nature.
Possible hazards: CH3OH, Fire
Methanol is toxic if inhaled. If inhaled will target certain organs and cause long term damage. Symptoms include cough, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and visual disturbance.
Stationary gas warning equipment and also personal protective equipment are neverthless necessary to ensure the safety of all employees.
Methanol is ignite at ambient temperatures in enclosed spaces, suc as fuel tanks. This is in sharp contrast to gasoline, which produces such a large volume of vapor that the concentration can readily exceed the upper flammability limit.
Tanks storing Methanol are isolated from all foreseeable ignition sources. Methanol is therefore considered to present explosion hazards in confined spaces.
Methanol liquid and vapours are extremely flammable.
Methanol is potentially explosive if vapour is released and it is in contact wiht an ignition source. Methanol is also water soluble.
The routes of exposure for Methanol include contact with the eye or skin, inhalation and ingestion.
Methanol vapour is heavier than air. It can accumulate in low lying areas and in confined spaces. It is very toxic to human health.
Feedstock for Chemical Industry, Hydrogen carrier, fuel for Power Generation, Mobility
Possible hazards: NH3, CH3OH, H2, CO, CO2, NO, NO2, H2S, SO2, HCHO, Fire etc.
Due to the highly explosive and the toxic nature of Methanol, care needs to be taken when working in areas where it may be present. It is important where to take readings – as Methanol can be either lighter or in some situations, heavier than air.
Dräger has advantages with its IR detectors and the unique Dräger OV sensor for TOX- measurement offers significant advantages over the more expensive PID sensors.
Every vessel is different. From our extensive experience in the Methanol economy, we know that fixed fire and gas detection systems are only as effective as the planning which goes in to them. To that end, we work in close collaboration with our customers to provide guidance through the complete process – from consultation through design, realisation and implementation. So, you can achieve the best possible solution for your specific needs.
Leak detection and personal air monitoring while working in Methanol production, storage and transportation environments are the main applications for portable gas detectors. In addition, clearance measurement must be carried out prior to maintenance work using mobile detection and monitoring devices.
Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during operational and maintenance works. Intrinsically safe, care should be taken that breathing equipment should be inherently anti-static due to the explosive nature of Methanol.
Appropriate respiratory devices must be available in case of incidents and emergencies.
Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during operational and maintenance works. Care should be taken that breathing equipment should be inherently anti-static due to the explosive nature of Methanol.
Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for the safe handling of hazmats. One click and you’ll receive relevant information and specific recommendations of safety equipment for more than 1,500 hazardous substances in its database.
Methanol: find out moreLink to VOICE databaseBeurtschipperstraat 1
3194 DK Hoogvliet
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 10 295 2740
sales-mo.sd.nl@draeger.com