PRODUCTION OF METHANOL FROM COAL FOR FUEL USE

Methanol-from-coal technology exists. The gasification step is used in several alternate processes; the methanol synthesis step is also used in several alternate processes in this country and elsewhere. Combining these steps with the ancillary operations is within normal industrial practice. The economics of the overall process is sufficiently attractive that industrial exploitation is highly probable, but not before the 1980's. Rapid, large-scale exploitation of methanol requires government inducements and assistance. A methanol-SNG dual-product plant appears the most economically and thermodynamically attractive. Methanol from a demonstration plant based on existing technology can be expected to cost in the range of $1.56 to $3.08/10 exp 6 Btu. In comparison, the average cost of premium-grade gasoline at the refinery is currently in the range of $2.00 to $3.00 10 exp 6 Btu (25 to 37 cents gal). Methanol can be used in motor vehicles in either pure form or as blends with gasoline. Sufficient data exists to support the feasibility of using methanol in automobiles. In fact, limited emissions data suggest that methanol may provide a very effective means of achieving established Federal emissions goals. A comprehensive vehicle-application R and D program should be initiated promptly. Utility applications of methanol may be equally attractive from a resource standpoint, and easier to verify. (ERA citation 01:023012)

• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Livermore

  Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  Livermore, CA  United States  94550

  Energy Research and Development Administration

  20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Jaffe, H
  • Endelman, F
  • Hightower, JRJ
  • Berger, B
  • Crothers, W
• Publication Date: 1974-12-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 42 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Catalysts; Coal; Coal gasification; Feasibility analysis; Gasification; Liquid fuels; Methanol; Motor fuels; Petrochemicals; Production; Synthetic fuels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Comparative analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Uses
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146702
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM