5 Things You Need to Know About Methanol

Methanol Can Be Used As a Fuel

Intended as an alternative to hydrocarbon fuel that can compete with gasoline used in internal combustion and other engines, methanol can be produced from materials like coal, coal bed methane, and coke oven gas. Methanol was first produced from pyrolysis of wood - thus its initial designation as "wood alcohol" - but now is made by using methane as its raw material. Although it's less common than ethanol fuel, it too burns as a lower temperature than gasoline.

Drawbacks of Using Methanol

Methanol can improve thermal efficiency in internal combustion engines as well as increase power thanks to a high-octane rating and high-heat vaporization. Still, its energy content is low and it consumes more fuel than hydrocarbon fuels. Because it produces extra water, it has a wet charge and also is prone to forming acid products during combustion, which can degrade parts like valves and cylinders. It, like ethanol, has been known to corrode fuel system components more quickly than hydrocarbon fuels. This is the reason why automobiles made to run on alcohol fuels like ethanol and methanol use alcohol-tolerant engine and fuel system components.

Methanol is Potentially Hazardous

One of the major issues with using methanol is that it's poisonous - and not just through oral consumption. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin and breathed into the lungs. Atmospherically and in the liver, methanol is oxidized into formaldehyde and formic acid, but a vehicle's catalytic converter can break down and dispose of these toxins once it attains an operational temperature. Methanol flames are low-lit and therefore difficult to see, one of the primary reasons why 15 percent gasoline is added to create E85 methanol motor fuel, a move that overcomes the safety issue of an invisible flame.

The Benefits of Using Methanol

Using methanol significantly reduces the emissions of some hydrocarbon-related toxins, including benzene and 1,3 butadiene. Because methanol burns at a lower temperature than gasoline, it's also less volatile.

Methanol is Used to Produce Biodiesel

Usually 12% volume of methanol is used to produce biodiesel. Because it's used for a variety of purposes, methanol can be bought from a variety of distributors, such as auto racetracks and petroleum distributors. Its price, which fluctuates with the price of natural gas, can vary from about $2 a gallon to $4 a gallon. If stored it should be labeled so it's not accidentally used as gasoline.

Jennifer Olvera, a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, has been writing professionally for over a decade. In addition to covering the "green scene" for publications such as Where Magazine and Crain's, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. She has regularly been published in Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Zagat, Citysearch.com, and Gayot.com.