METHANOL: ITS SYNTHESIS, USE AS A FUEL, ECONOMICS, AND HAZARDS
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.
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Corporate Authors:
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Heat Transfer Laboratory
Minneapolis, MN United StatesEnergy Research and Development Administration
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Hagen, D L
- Publication Date: 1976-12
Media Info
- Pagination: 186 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Alcohol fuels; Analysis; Biomass; Boilers; Carbon dioxide; Carbonates; Combustion; Costs; Diesel engines; Economic factors; Economics; Energy; Environmental impacts; Fermentation; Food; Fossil fuels; Fuel cells; Fuels; Hazards; Living things; Methanol; Motor fuels; Otto cycle engines; Performance tests; Process control; Production; Production methods; Reviews; Safety; Turbines
- Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis
- Old TRIS Terms: Biological effects; Biosynthesis; Boiler fuel; Chemical preparation; Combustion products; Critical circles; Economic considerations; Otto cycle; Performance testing
- Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Environment; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00168643
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
- Report/Paper Numbers: Thesis
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Dec 27 1978 12:00AM