MEOH (Methanol)
Description
Methanol is a colorless alcohol, hygroscopic and completely miscible with water, but much lighter (specific gravity 0.8). It is a good solvent, but very toxic and extremely flammable. This simple single carbon alcohol is a volatile solvent and a light fuel.
Properties
| Unit | Quantity |
|---|
| Molecular weight | g/mol | 32.04 |
| Boiling point at 1.0 atm | °C | 64.5 |
| Vapor pressure at 20°C | kg/cm2 | 0-128 |
| Freezing point | °C | -975 |
| Net heating value | million BTU/Ton | 1883 |
| Vapor density | air = 1 at 15°C | 1.11 |
| CAS number | 67-56-1 |
| IUPAC name | Methanol |
Specifications
| Unit | Quantity / Description | Test Method ASTM |
|---|
| Purity | wt % | 99.85 min | ASTM E-346 |
| Water | wt % | 0.1 max | ASTM E-203 |
| Acetone & aldehydes | wt % | 0.003 max | ASTM D-1612 |
| Ethanol | wt % | 0.01 max | ASTM 3-346 |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | wt % | 0.003 max | ASTM D-1613 |
| Appearance & hydrocarbons | wt % | free of opalescence, suspended matter & sediment | visual check |
| Carbonizable Substances, color | - | not darker than Color Standard No. 30 ofASTM D-1209 Platinum - Cobalt Scale | ASTM E-346 |
| Color | - | not darker than Color Standard No. 5 of ASTM D 1209 Platinum - Cobalt Scale | ASTM D-1209 |
| Odor | - | Characteristic, non-residual | ASTM D-1296 |
| Distillation range | at 760 mm Hg. | not more than 1°C and include 64.4°C +/- 0.1°C | ASTM D-1078 |
| Specific gravity 20°C/20°C | 20°C/20°C | 0.7928 max | ASTM D-4052 |
| Non-volatile content | GM/100 ml | 0.001 max | ASTM D-1353 |
| Permanganate test | - | no discharge of color in 50 minutes | ASTM D-1363 |
Note
ASTM : American Society for Testing and Materials
Hazards and safety
Methanol is extremely flammable, producing a bluish flame. Blindness and death may result from swallowing more than 10 grams, and it can be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts.
| Unit | Quantity |
|---|
| Threshold limit value | ppm | 200 |
| Ignition temperature | °C | 464 |
| Flash point | °C | 10 |
| Flammable limits | vol % in air | 6-36.5 |
| UN or ID No. | | 1230 |
Applications
Formaldehyde production is the largest market for methanol, followed by the fast growing market for MTBE. It is also used to produce acetic acid, fuels, solvents and methyle derivatives.
Storage and handling
Storage tanks for methanol are made of carbon steel. Outdoor storage is preferred, with the following safety precautions: keep away from ignition sources and excessive heat; wear goggles; rubber gloves; chemical cartridge respirator; aprons and boots.
Packaging
Methanol is shipped in steel tanks by large chemical vessels, under regulations for highly flammable liquids. Each shipping container must bear the label “Flammable Liquid”, and each tank car must bear a “Dangerous and Poisonous” placard.
Operating companies
Saudi Methanol Company (AR-RAZI).
National Methanol Company (IBN SINA).
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC).