Methanol is industrially the most important alcohol
—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.
Safety solutions for methanol applications
Read on to find out more.
Methanol Hazards
—Methanol liquid and vapours are extremely flammable.
Methanol is potentially explosive if vapour is released and it is in contact with 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.
Toxicity
Methanol is toxic. It affects specific organs and the central nervous system, which can lead to long-term damage or death. Symptoms may include coughing, headache, dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision.
Flammability
Methanol is a highly flammable gas and can be ignited at concentrations between 6% by volume (LEL) and 50% by volume (LEL). Spontaneous ignition occurs at 440°C. At 9 °C, the flash point is relatively low. Above this temperature, vapours may form a flammable mixture with air.
Pale flame
Methanol burns with a barely visible bluish flame. Flame detectors are therefore necessary and provide early warning.
Propagation
Methanol is slightly denser than air (32 versus 28 grams per mole). The vapour often follows the movement of air. But if methanol is warmer than the surrounding air, it will rise. If it is cooler, it sinks and accumulates near the ground. Sensor positioning should, therefore, be individual, taking into account local conditions such as ventilation systems.
Skin resorption
Methanol is easily and quickly absorbed via all routes of exposure, including the skin. It spreads rapidly through the body and leads to symptoms of poisoning.
Hazards found in different application areas for Methanol
Recommended Plant & Personal Safety Solutions
—Get an overview of mobile and fixed gas detection solutions for methanol detection as well as personal protective equipment and Dräger Services.
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Every industrial plant 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.
Dräger Polytron® 8700 IR
The Dräger Polytron® 8700 IR is an advanced explosion proof transmitter for the detection of combustible gases in the lower explosion limit (LEL). It uses a high performance infrared Dräger PIR 7000 sensor, which will quickly detect most common hydrocarbon gases. Besides a 3 wire 4 to 20 mA analogue output with relays, it also offers HART®, Modbus …
and Fieldbus making it compatible with most control systems.
Dräger Polytron 8100 EC
The Polytron 8100 EC is Dräger’s top of the line explosion-proof transmitter for the detection of toxic gases or oxygen. It uses a high performance plug and play electrochemical DrägerSensor to detect a specific gas. Besides having a 3-wire 4 to 20 mA analog output with relays, it also offers HART®, Modbus and Fieldbus protocol, making it compatibl…
e with most control systems.
Dräger Flame 1500 (IR3)
The Dräger Flame 1500 flame detector uses its triple IR sensor to detect hydrocarbon fires even at great distances. It offers you high reliability against false alarms.
Dräger PIR 7200
Find the full range of Dräger FGDS products
VOICE Hazardous Substances Database
—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 is the simplest alcohol, has the lowest carbon content and highest hydrogen content of any liquid fuel. 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.
It is also a transport fuel and more recently a hydrogen carrier for fuel cells.
For a full list of substance properties, click the link below.
Find out more from VOICE
Resource Centre
—Discover Dräger’s collection of resources to enhance your understanding of the methanol safety landscape effectively.
What's New?
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Methanol in the hydrogen economy - energy carrier with challenging hazards
Hydrogen - safety for the energy source of the future
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Other Dräger Clean Energy Solutions
—Follow the links below to find out more about our range of safety solutions in the Clean Tech area.
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Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage
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