Methanol

Chemical Name: Methanol, Chemical Purpose: Product stabilizer and/or winterizing agent, Product Function: Corrosion inhibitor.

In 2013, the breakdown of total methanol use was formaldehyde, 31%, MTBE, 11%, acetic acid, 10%, and all other includes chloromethane, methyl methacrylate, methylamine, dimethyl terephthalate, solvents, glycol methyl ethers, antifreeze in windshield wipers, and drilling muds and fuels.

Dehydrator of natural gas, fuel for utility plants (methyl fuel), feedstock for manufacture of synthetic proteins by continuous fermentation, source of hydrogen for fuel cells, home-heating-oil extender.

Methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source. It also occurs naturally in humans, animals, and plants. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, fermented beverages, and diet soft drinks containing aspartame are the primary sources of methanol in the human body.

A recycle system that gives high overall conversions is feasible because product methanol and water can be removed from the loop by condensation. The makeup synthesis gas is compressed, mixed with recycled gas, and preheated against the converter effluent gas before entering the converter. The converter effluent is first used to heat the saturator water or boiler feedwater before being returned to the loop interchanger and then on to a cooler, which condenses the crude methanol-water mixture. Noncondensable gases are disengaged in a catchpot for recycle. A purge is taken from this recycle to remove excess hydrogen, methane, and other inerts. The crude methanol mixture is sent forward to the distillation section for the final purification.