[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of methanol, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, methanol has what nature

Methanol properties

Methanol (CH-OH), also known as wood alcohol, is a simple alcohol organic compound. It is a colorless and transparent liquid at room temperature and pressure, with strong volatility and toxicity. Methanol has a boiling point of 64.7°C, a melting point of -97.6°C and a density of 0.7918g/cm³. It can be miscible with water, alcohol, ether, ketone and other organic solvents. Methanol has a high energy density with a calorific value of about 22.7 MJ/kg. In the combustion process, methanol can be completely burned to produce carbon dioxide and water, less pollution, so it is regarded as a clean energy.

Methanol use

Methanol is widely used in the chemical industry and is an important raw material for many chemical products. It is the basic material for the synthesis of formaldehyde, acetic acid, methylamine, dimethyl ether and other chemicals. In terms of fuel, methanol is used as a fuel to replace gasoline and as a component of blended fuels. It is also used to make biodiesel and as a fuel for industrial boilers and kilns. Methanol also has important applications in pharmaceutical, agriculture, coatings, plastics and other industries. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, methanol is commonly used as a solvent and an intermediate.

Methanol upstream and downstream feedstock

Upstream raw materials

The production of methanol mainly depends on raw materials such as natural gas, coal and biomass. When natural gas is used as a feedstock, it is converted to synthesis gas (CO and H₂) by steam reforming, which in turn produces methanol through a catalytic reaction. The coal-to-methanol process is to gasify coal to produce syngas, and then produce methanol through a synthesis reaction. Biomass to methanol uses biomass pyrolysis or gasification to produce syngas, followed by methanol synthesis.

Downstream Products

Methanol has a wide range of downstream products, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, dimethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and so on. Formaldehyde is an important derivative of methanol and is widely used in the production of adhesives, coatings and resins. Acetic acid is used in the production of food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Dimethyl ether and MTBE are important fuel additives, the former can be used as a clean alternative to diesel fuel, the latter is used to improve the octane number of gasoline. Methanol is also an important raw material for the synthesis of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and other polymer materials.

Methanol storage method

Methanol has strong volatility and toxicity, so special attention should be paid to safety during storage. Methanol should be stored in a cool, ventilated special storage tank, usually made of carbon steel or stainless steel, and must have anti-corrosion and anti-leakage functions. The tank area shall be well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of methanol vapour. Fire fighting equipment and emergency treatment equipment shall be provided to deal with possible fire and leakage accidents. During transportation, methanol should use special tankers or canned containers to ensure good sealing and avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Methanol Market Analysis

The methanol market is affected by a variety of factors, including raw material prices, technological advances, and environmental policies. In recent years, with the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the development of clean energy and low-carbon economy has promoted the growth of methanol demand. The fluctuation of natural gas price has a direct impact on the production cost of methanol, and the maturity and promotion of coal-to-methanol technology also provides more choices for market supply. The global methanol market is highly competitive, and China is the world's largest producer and consumer of methanol, with a dominant market share. Other major producers include the United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Development

Methanol is considered to be a relatively clean energy source. After combustion, it mainly produces carbon dioxide and water, which is less polluting to the environment. Carbon emissions from the production of methanol are also improving, reducing the carbon footprint of methanol production through carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Methanol from biomass is considered to be a sustainable development direction because it uses renewable resources and can achieve carbon neutrality. As a toxic chemical, methanol needs to be strictly controlled and managed during its production and use to prevent harm to the environment and health.

Future Outlook

With the transformation of global energy structure and the development of low-carbon economy, the market prospect of methanol is broad. Technological advances will further reduce the cost of methanol production and improve its economy. The development of new technologies such as methanol fuel cells and methanol to olefins (MTO) has also expanded new areas for methanol applications. Policy support and environmental requirements will continue to promote the development of the methanol industry, especially in the field of transportation fuels and industrial fuels. In the future, methanol is expected to play a more important role in replacing traditional fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material and energy carrier, methanol is widely used in modern industry and clean energy field. Its production process is mature, the market demand is stable, and the future development potential is huge. The toxicity and volatility of methanol require strict compliance with safety regulations during production, storage and use. With the advancement of technological progress and environmental protection policies, the methanol industry will usher in more opportunities and challenges, and play an important role in the global energy transition and sustainable development.