Methanol: its synthesis, use as a fuel, economics, and hazards. [609 references]
The synthesis of methanol using existing and proposed means of production and sources of feedstocks is reviewed. Conventional methods of producing methanol are surveyed. Proposed methods of fermentation, electro-, and radiation-synthesis are discussed. Conventional production technology from synthesis gas is examined in detail. The range of possible sources of feedstocks from fossil fuels to biomass, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and carbonates are portrayed along with renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. A survey of recent studies and research on methanol is given within the historical context. Fuel related properties are reviewed and compared with isooctane. Combustion emissions and their variation with temperature and fuel preparation are similarly compared. Uses of methanol as a combustion fuel and recent tests in boilers, turbines, conventional and stratified charge Otto engines, and diesel engines are discussed emphasizing comparative efficiencies. Current developments on the uses of methanol directly and indirectly in fuel cells and as a feedstock for single cell protein are examined. Historical prices of methanol are presented along with major causes for the fluctuations. The costs of synthesizing methanol are presented including overall production costs from organic feedstocks. Proposed costs of producing methanol from electrolytic hydrogen and carbon dioxide are also given. Fiscal and physical causes for inflation are discussed along with the costs of storage, transportation and conversion. The numerous biological, physical, and chemical hazards of using methanol as a fuel are discussed together with safety precautions and treatment. 609 references.
- Research Organization:
- Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA); Energy Research and Development Administration, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7113633
- Report Number(s):
- NP-21727
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
ALCOHOL FUEL CELLS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
BOILER FUEL
DIESEL ENGINES
FUELS
METHANOL
SYNTHESIS
USES
OTTO CYCLE
TURBINES
BIBLIOGRAPHIES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOMASS
BIOSYNTHESIS
BOILERS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBONATES
CHEMICAL PREPARATION
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FERMENTATION
FOOD
FOSSIL FUELS
HAZARDS
PRODUCTION
REVIEWS
SAFETY
ALCOHOLS
BIOCONVERSION
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINES
FUEL CELLS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
TESTING
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
TURBOMACHINERY
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294000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Fossil Fuels
300501 - Fuel Cells- Design & Development
330800 - Emission Control- Alternative Fuels