Methanol Basics

Understand methanol basics to utilize the alternative fuel at your business

Methanol, also known as wood grain alcohol, is becoming increasingly useful as an alternative fuel. Buying methanol for your business can be beneficial in a number of ways, however, handling and storing the chemical can pose a number of dangers. Informing yourself and employees about methanol and its characteristics is critical for safe and successful business operations.

Before your business makes the decision to purchase methanol from a known vendor, buy methanol online, offer methanol for sale, utilize a methanol injection or methanol gas, consider the following ways to familiarize yourself with methanol basics:

1. Learn about basic information on methanol for cars.

2. Review safety guidelines to understand how to properly handle and store methanol.

3. Understand current and historical markets and methanol buy and sale trends.

 

Obtain methanol fuel information

Educate yourself about methanol and its uses, including its applicability as an alternative fuel source. There are a number of benefits and potential risks associated with methanol; therefore, if your business will be utilizing methanol it is important to be informed about its chemical and physical properties.
Try: The U.S. Department of Energy provides useful methanol information concerning basic methanol production and benefits. AnzacFuelTech also provides a methanol fact sheet highlighting its use as an alternative fuel.

Learn how to safely handle and store methanol at your business

Reviewing handling guidelines pertaining to the use and storage of methanol is vital for a safe and healthy workplace and workforce. Avoiding accidents is not only critical for worker security but for business liability as well. Before choosing where to buy methanol, provide employees with informational resources to keep everyone safe. Ensure an accident-free workplace by reading through safety guidelines and making sure employees do so as well.
Try: Utilize the resources available at the Methanol Institute to view a methanol safe handling manual, methanol safe handling fact sheets and special reports. Visit the National Biodiesel Board and type "methanol" into the search bar to access safety and handling guidelines.

Use past and present market data to understand methanol production and supply trends

Before starting a methanol endeavor at your business be sure to understand supply and demand information as well as its cost. Review such information and trends with online resources to ensure you are up-to-date. Current and historical data will be beneficial to your business and its methanol needs.
Try: ICIS offers international pricing information and provides you with links to methanol uses and outlook, process technologies and methanol suppliers. View past and present pricing information provided by Methanex. Review world methanol supply and demand from 1990 to 2010 and compare prices versus operating rate at Cetiner Engineering Corporation.

 

• While understanding safety and handling guidelines is useful for your business, be sure suppliers are following the same guidelines before making a methanol purchase.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---