Renewable Energy - Methanol Safety for Industry - Biogas-Plant-16-6-DL-36339-2021 — Renewable Energy - Methanol Safety for Industry
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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

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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

Storage of feedstock

Handling the raw materials used in the production of Methanol

Possible hazards: CO₂, H₂

Methanol production

Processing and manufacture of Methanol;

Production is carried out in two steps. The first step is to convert the feedstock into a synthesis gas consisting of CO, CO₂, H₂O and H₂ This is usually accomplished by the catalytic reforming of feed

Possible hazards: NH₃, CH₃OH, H₂, CO, CO₂

Handling, transportation and storage of Methanol

Care and attention needs to be made when handling Methanol due to its toxic and explosive nature.

Possible hazards: CH₃OH, Fire

Uses of Methanol

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.

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 ...

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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 ...

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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.

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Dräger PIR 7200

The Dräger PIR 7200 is an explosion proof point infrared gas detector for continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide. Designed for the industrial use, the transmitter offers drift-free optics. And due to its robust product design the PIR 7200 can be operated even in harsh environments.

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Find the full range of Dräger FGDS products

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.

Dräger Pac^® 8000

With the robust Dräger Pac^® 8000, you'll be well equipped for tough conditions: this non-disposable, personal single-gas detection device is a reliable and precise instrument, which detects hazardous concentrations of 29 different gases, including special gases like NO₂, O₃ or COCl₂. Measured data ...

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Dräger X-am^® 5800

The X-am^® 5800 multi-gas detector measures up to six gases and is equipped with a particularly shock-resistant CatEx sensor. With the Dräger Gas Detection Connect software, it offers live data transmission and powerful asset management. Designed for personal monitoring, the X-am^® 5800 offers you the highest level of safety at a low cost of ...

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Dräger X-am 8000

Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: The 1 to 7 gas detector detects toxic and flammable gases as well as vapours and oxygen all at once – either in pump or diffusion mode. Innovative signalling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.

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Dräger X-act^® 7000

The innovative Dräger X-act^® 7000 analysis system consists of Dräger MicroTubes and an opto-electronic analysis device that lets you precisely measure gases in the low ppb range. It gives you precise results right on site, replacing slow, expensive lab analyses. It's extremely easy to use: insert the Dräger ...

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X-pid 9500 / X-pid 9500+

The selective PID gas measurement device is ideal for users who frequently test for hazardous toxic substances. Butadiene, carbonates and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carcinogenic even in the smallest concentrations. Selective measurement is necessary because other gases and vapours are often also present. The gas measurement ...

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Find the full range of Dräger Portable Gas Detection products

Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during operational and maintenance works. Escape respiratory devices must be available in case of emergencies.

As methanol is a low-boiling substance, suitable AX filters or self-contained breathing apparatus must be used when handling methanol.

Intrinsically safe, it should be noted that due to the explosive nature of methanol, breathing equipment should be inherently antistatic.

Dräger X-plore^® 6300

The Dräger X-plore^® 6300 is the efficient yet low-cost full face mask intended for price-conscious users not wishing to compromise on comfort or quality. This full face mask is the successor to the Panorama Nova^® Standard, a mask which has proven itself over decades of use worldwide – redesigned and improved with fresh ...

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Dräger X-plore 9x00 and PAS X-plore

The Dräger X-plore 9x00 series is designed for light-duty industrial applications and provides comfortable and reliable respiratory protection. Thanks to such features as the unique safe-flow reducer and auto-test function, wearers can enjoy more operating convenience, safety and flexibility.

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Dräger Saver CF

The Dräger Saver CF constant flow Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus allows safe, effective and uncomplicated escape from hazardous environments. Simple to put on and featuring automatic operation, this hood-based, constant flow breathing device can be used with minimal training.

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Dräger PAS^® Colt

Combining versatility, ease of use and the latest in breathing apparatus design, Dräger’s PAS^® Colt is among the most technologically advanced short duration and emergency escape units available.

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Find the full range of Dräger Breathing Protection & Escape products

Due to the hazards and special characteristics of methanol especially its ability to be absorbed by the skin protective clothing has to be chosen carefully.

Dräger CPS 5800

The Dräger CPS 5800 is a limited-use chemical protective suit for industrial applications and operations on board that involve a gaseous, liquid or solid hazardous substance.

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Dräger CPS 5900

The Dräger CPS 5900 is the ideal disposable, gas-tight chemical protective suit for hazmat incidents. Where complete protection against hazardous gases, liquids and particles is of the utmost priority, this lightweight garment is the suit of choice.

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Dräger CPS 7800

The reusable gas-tight Dräger CPS 7800 provides excellent protection against gaseous, liquid, aerosol and solid hazardous substances even in explosive areas. Due to its innovative material and the new suit design it offers increased flexibility and comfort when entering confined spaces and working with cryogenic substances.

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Dräger CPS 7900

Tailor-made for use under extreme conditions: The gas-tight Dräger CPS 7900 provides excellent protection against industrial chemicals, biological agents, and other toxic substances. Its innovative material qualifies the CPS 7900 equally well for work in explosive areas and for handling cryogenic substances.

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Find the full range of Dräger Protective Clothing solutions

Consultancy in handling Methanol safety challenges is a matter for Dräger safety engineers. Experts review existing concepts to identify potential for improvement and establish sustainable safety. They provide conceptual support, assess your risks and define measures together with you.

Broad portfolio of services

We support you with a broad portfolio of services: from maximising uptime, installing and supporting our solutions, managing your portfolio, training your staff and leveraging the power of data to increase efficiency, reduce risks and drive outcomes.

Safety Services Overview

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.

Methanol - find out more

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?

Our white papers on three of the main CleanTech energy carriers give you a quick overview of their key safety challenges and solutions to handle them.

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How to choose the right emergency escape devices

OilAndGas-Emergency-Escape-Infographic_en-master-9-11.jpg

Life-threatening emergencies can occur at any moment in all kinds of industries. Proper risk analysis and safety planning should consider every possible emergency scenario. Use this emergency escape chart to help you plan.

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Got a question? Get in touch

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Watch our informative videos to learn how early warning systems can protect lives and assets in nature and in hydrogen plants.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection

In the wild, an early warning can mean the difference between life and death. In a hydrogen plant, where safety is crucial, ultrasonic early warning provides additional protection. The Dräger Polytron(R) 8900 UGLD uses an ultrasonic acoustic sensor to detect hydrogen gas leaks.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: Gas Detection

In the wild, extraordinary senses separate those who survive and those who do not. An extraordinary sense of ‘smell’ is essential to everything running smoothly in hydrogen plants. The Dräger Polytron 8200 is able to ‘smell’ gases, even at very low concentrations and trigger an early warning as soon a dangerous concentration, even a small one, is detected.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: UV Radiation Detection

In nature early warning of impending danger is key to survival. The ability to detect UV radiation enables early warning systems in hydrogen plants. Hydrogen flames are barely visible. The Dräger Flame 1750 H2 detector uses a Triple IR sensor to "see" hydrogen flames which would not otherwise be detected.

Dräger X-am 8000 - Clearance Measurement

Dräger Clearance Measurement

Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: The Dräger X-am® 8000 measures up to seven toxic as well as flammable gases, vapours and oxygen all at once — either in pump or diffusion mode. Innovative signalling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.

Got a question? Get in touch

Get in touch

Watch Dräger experts give educational talks and webinars, created to support the energy transition decarbonising our future.

Managing your hydrogen facility means also handling the safety risks. Detection technologies help you deal with these challenges. Our Gas Detection experts give you an overview of possible technologies and solutions and will answer every question you have. Register below and receive the recordings and you'll see our expert talks on:

Hydrogen Plant Safety: with a Detection Matrix
Explosion protection for hydrogen applications with gas detection
Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection: Hydrogen Plant Safety at the Speed of Sound
Flame Detection: Protection from Invisible Hydrogen Flames

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We've looked externally for the latest useful research and findings into sustainable Clean Energy and its place in the future clean technology environment. Click the links below to find out more.

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