Methanol

The world is currently consuming about 85 million barrels of oil a day, and about two-thirds as much natural gas equivalent, both derived from non-renewable natural sources. In the foreseeable future, our energy needs will come from any available alternate source. Methanol is one such viable alternative, and also offers a convenient solution for efficient energy storage on a large scale. In this updated and enlarged edition, renowned chemists discuss in a clear and readily accessible manner the pros and cons of humankind's current main energy sources, while providing new ways to overcome obstacles. Following an introduction, the authors look at the interrelationship of fuels and energy, and at the extent of our non-renewable fossil fuels. They also discuss the hydrogen economy and its significant shortcomings. The main focus is on the conversion of CO2 from industrial as well as natural sources into liquid methanol and related DME, a diesel fuel substitute that can replace LNG and LPG. The book is rounded off with an optimistic look at future possibilities. A forward-looking and inspiring work that vividly illustrates potential solutions to our energy and environmental problems.

Methanol: Science and Engineering provides a comprehensive review of the chemistry, properties, and current and potential uses and applications of methanol. Divided into four parts, the book begins with a detailed account of current production methods and their economics. The second part deals with the applications of methanol, providing useful insights into future applications. Modeling of the various reactor systems is covered in the next section, with final discussions in the book focusing on the economic and environmental impact of this chemical. Users will find this to be a must-have resource for all researchers and engineers studying alternative energy sources. Provides the latest developments on methanol research Reviews methanol production methods and their economics Outlines the use of methanol as an alternative green transportation fuel Includes new technologies and many new applications of methanol

Methanol - The Chemical and Energy Feedstock of the Future offers a visionary yet unbiased view of methanol technology. Based on the groundbreaking 1986 publication "Methanol" by Friedrich Asinger, this book includes contributions by more than 40 experts from industry and academia. The authors and editors provide a comprehensive exposition of methanol chemistry and technology which is useful for a wide variety of scientists working in chemistry and energy related industries as well as academic researchers and even decision-makers and organisations concerned with the future of chemical and energy feedstocks.

This work details the technical, environmental and business aspects of current methanol production processes and presents recent developments concerning the use of methanol in transportation fuel and in agriculture. It is written by internationally renowned methanol experts from academia and industry.

Owing to efforts and legislative action - initiated above all by the government of the United States - to use cleaner fuels and thus make a contribution towards a better environment, public attention is back again on using methanol in carbu rettor and diesel engines. Most prominent among the raw materials from which methanol can be produced is coal, whose deposits and resources are many times larger than those of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. This book deals with the production of methanol from coal. It describes both the individual steps that are required for this process and the essential ancillary units and offsites associated with the process itself . . It is not meant to inform the reader about the intricate details of the processes, which can much better be taken from the specialized literature that deals exclusively and in detail with them or from the well-known standard engineering books. Rather, this book is to give the reader an impression how manifold a field this is, how many process variations and combinations the designer of such plants has to consider in order to arrive at an optimum design in each particular case. Apart from the production of chemical-grade methanol, the book deals briefly also with fuel methanol production, i. e. with the production of alcohol mixes. One of the many possible routes from coal to methanol is illustrated by a process flow diagram, and a material and energy balance is compiled for this typical example.

This book details state-of-the-art fuel cell systems incorporating methanol reformers as the source of purified hydrogen (rather than compressed hydrogen). Beginning with an overview of PEM fuel cells, the book discusses the various technical approaches to methanol reforming and hydrogen purification. A unique theme carried throughout the discussion is the practical aspects of commercial applications that favor one technical approach over another. The reader gains an understanding of the chemistry, engineering, economics, and agency certification requirements that ultimately shape the optimal approach for methanol fuel cell systems targeting commercial applications.

Direct Methane to Methanol: Foundations and Prospects of the Process offers a state-of-the-art account of one of the most interesting and potentially commercial technologies for direct conversion of natural gas into valuable chemicals. The book thoroughly explains the complex and unusual chemistry of the process, as well as possible applications for direct methane to methanol (DMTM). It covers topics involving thermokinetics, pressure, direct oxidation of heavier alkanes, and more, and provides detailed appendices with experimental data and product yields. This book provides all those who work in the field of gas processing and gas chemistry with the theory and experimental data to develop and apply new processes based on direct oxidation of natural gas. All those who deal with oil and natural gas production and processing will learn about this promising technology for the conversion of gas into more valuable chemicals. Reviews more than 350 publications on high-pressure, low-temperature oxidation of methane and other gas phase hydrocarbons Contains rare material available for the first time in English Explains the reasons of previous failure and outlines the way forward for commercial development of the conversion technology Presents a deep theoretical knowledge of this complex conversion process

This easy-to-read work is a comprehensive review which focuses primarily on catalytic methanol synthesis. It includes a historic summary of the development of methanol synthesis technology, as well as extensive discussions on statistical experimental design, fabrication and operation of laboratory scale systems. This unique volume also discusses various new catalysts and processes, with special attention to the thermodynamics of methanol synthesis-especially in relation to the new liquid phase process. The comprehensive and practical approach to chemical and synfuel process development makes it an excellent reference in methanol synthesis, reactor design, and scale-up. Written as a practical guide to researchers who are involved in hands-on process research, this book is also a valuable asset to practicing chemical engineers and graduate students interested in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, catalyst development and process design.