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Trinidad is one of the largest methanol producers in the Western Hemisphere with a net installed capacity of over 6 million metric tons. But, what is methanol and can you identify its varied uses and the impact that it has on our lives?
Well, for the uninitiated, methanol is the simplest alcohol and has a chemical formula of CH3OH. It is clear and colorless but has a characteristic pungent odor. It is a volatile and flammable liquid and may be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. Hence, it is certainly not a drinking alcohol but rather an extremely versatile industrial chemical used in the manufacture of a wide range of raw materials used to make a wide variety of products such as plastics, solvents, dyes, glues, wood products, polyester fibers and fabrics of clothing.
The table below shows some products which use methanol
as a raw material.
TRADITIONAL DERIVATIVES:
• Formaldehyde is and continues to be the single largest consumer of methanol in the world. Accounting for about 36% of estimated methanol demand, it is used in resins for buildings materials and the wood products and in the construction of housing, commercial and industrial structures, laminates in the furniture industry and engineering plastics in the automotive industry to name a few.
In addition, formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of:
o Glues and adhesive in pressed wood products (particleboard, hardwood plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF))
o Preservatives in some paints, coatings, and cosmetics
o The coating that provides permanent press quality to fabrics and draperies
o The finish used to coat paper products
o Certain insulation materials (urea-formaldehyde foam and fiberglass insulation).
• Acetic acid represents 11% of total demand. Vinyl acetate (VAM), a derivative of acetic acid, is used in the manufacture of paints, adhesives, film, paper and textiles and is the largest and fastest growing consumer of acetic acid.
• MTBE still accounts for approximately 13% of world methanol consumption despite its limited consumption in the US. MTBE demand in other regions such as South America, the Middle East and Asia continue to be strong.
EMERGING USES:
To support investments in new methanol capacities which are being constructed in low-cost gas regions, methanol producers are also working towards creation of new markets.
Dimethyl Ether (DME) - methanol consumption in DME continues to grow, particularly in China, where DME is being used as a substitute for LPG.
Gasoline/Fuel Blending – methanol consumption in gasoline blending, especially in China, has grown significantly over the last few years, with this use accounting for approximately 7% of world methanol consumption.
Methanol to Power (MTP) – is a research project currently being carried out and funded by MHTL in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The project investigates the feasibility of using methanol instead of natural gas in a modified gas turbine to produce electricity. MHTL’s
Methanol to Power Project and its Demonstration Power Plant was commissioned on July 25th 2007.
Fuel cell technology - methanol is used as a source of hydrogen for fuel cells for use in transportation, stationary power generation and portable power applications. Initial growth is anticipated in the portable power markets.
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