Different Applications of Methanol in Several Industries

If you are in search of an eco-friendly, prevailing, and reasonably priced solution, look no further than Methanol, which is also called as methyl alcohol. It is a greatly multipurpose chemical extensively used in industries as well as in our everyday lives in various applications. Its effectiveness as a carrier of energy has made it ever more prevalent as a fuel in factories and in the generation of electricity. This highly potential chemical serves as an eco-friendly fuel source across the globe, and hence its demand is mounting globally as a favourable resource for a new epoch of clean energy.

From water purification to fuel, methanol has numerous uses. It is generally used in industries such as the automotive sector, wastewater treatment centres, power generation facilities, and in vehicles as fuel. Let us dive in and understand different uses of methanol in different industrial verticals.

1. Manufacturing Industries

Methanol is commonly used as a solvent in research laboratories. When it is converted into formaldehyde, it can also be used in the production of products like paints, plastics, and explosives. In addition, methanol can function as a solvent in the production of streptomycin, vitamins, cholesterol, and hormones. Also, it can be used on spray products in the making of car de-icers, glass windows, frosted door locks, and other iced-over areas.

2. Wastewater Treatments

Methanol is an eco-friendly solvent. Only a little quantity of methanol can do wonders in wastewater treatments. It possess the ability to convert dangerous nitrates to harmless nitrogen through a process termed denitrification. Nearly 200 wastewater treatment centres across the U.S. are making use of methanol in denitrification process.

3. As an antifreeze

Methanol possesses chemical properties that can reduce the freezing point of a water-based liquid and increase its boiling point, as a result, it is used as an antifreeze to prevent cleaning solutions from emancipation. Also, it plays a role of an inhibitor in pipelines of natural gas, particularly in cold weather facilities. It is injected in natural gas pipes or is entered in the pipeline by means of methanol drips for reducing the freezing point of water throughout the transportation of oil & gas. This chemical is one of the most cost-effective solution for averting the formations of hydrate.

4. Automotive Industries

In automotive industries, methanol is extensively used as a fuel source due to the high octane content in it that enhances the vehicles’ efficacy and increases their power and speed. Methanol has numerous physical properties that makes it a perfect transport fuel. Also, the use of methanol as fuel is economically advantageous, and act in accordance with clean air law requirements. Methanol can considerably reduce the emissions of toxins, which makes it an eco-friendly fuel option and also decrease the possibilities of vehicles explosion. Moreover, when used in gas turbines, methanol reduces the perilous nitrous oxide discharges by nearly 80%.

Will Methanol Endure to be a Key Player in Industries?

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for methanol dropped significantly owing to disruptions in supply chains, cessation of manufacturing units, as well as economic deterioration across several nations. Furthermore, the implementation of import-export restrictions that were imposed on foremost methanol producing nations such as the U.S. and China has reduced the availability of methanol. However, as the pandemic situation is relaxing, the global methanol market is gaining huge traction. As per a report by Research Dive, the global methanol market is foreseen to grow with a CAGR of 5.0% in the 2022-2030 timeframe, by surpassing a revenue of $54,630.4 million by 2030. This is mainly owing to the various uses of methanol in a wide range of industrial sectors. To sum-up, methanol will continue to serve several industries in future with its amazing properties.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.