Methanol: CH₃OH
Methanol has long been recognized as a valuable chemical intermediate and fuel alternative. Methanol, while having a lower btu value when compared to gasoline, contains oxygen and increases gasoline efficiency as an oxygenate additive. The octane rating of methanol is 110. So while a lower btu might equate to a lower energy output, the presence of methanol greatly improves the burning efficiency of other fuels. Methanol is also finding use as a fuel in fuel cell operations as a hydrogen source.
Methanol: As a Transportation Fuel
In light of the growing volume of ethanol being used as a fuel supplement it is logical to believe methanol can also supplement gasoline fuel use. Actually methanol use as a fuel supplement is a very well tested alternative.
>> More about Methanol as a fuel supplement
Dimethyl Ether (DME) is beginning to get a lot attention as a potential alternative fuel to supplement or replace diesel. DME is a cleaner burning fuel and is made directly from methanol in a catalytic reaction.
Crude Oil : How does a barrel of crude break down?
Given our dependency upon refined fuel products from crude oil, many will find it interesting to see exactly how a barrel of oil breaks down into various components. A barrel of oil is 42 U.S. gallons. Each barrel contains a series of components that end up in the commercial market.
Gasification & Pyrolysis
Gasification and pyrolysis are two thermal processes designed to work with biomass feedstocks. Gasification creates a synthesis gas that can go on into methanol production process. Pyrolysis produces a valuable biochar that is used in agricultural soil amendment.
>> More about Gasification & Pryolysis