Hi Tom:
Sorry should have added the context. Intriguing as perhaps a better common
denominator than hydrogen itself. e.g. can be easily transported; can be
made from biogas; can power a fuel cell directly or indirectly; relatively safe
From: Tom
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 2:49 PM
To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org
What is it about the number of hydrogens per molecule that intrigues you?
Methane: CH4, Methanol: CH3OH both have 4 H's per molecule, as would Methanoic
Acid.
Ethane: C2H6, Ethanol: C2H5OH each have 6 H's per molecule.
Is there something about the number 4
itself, or is it the number of H's per Carbon atom?
Methane: 4:1 vs Ethane: 3:1 with a decreasing ratio as we increase the size
of the carbon chain.
Just wondering,
Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: "John Jaser" <j...@jaser.net>
Sent: 11/26/2014 12:58 PM
To: "sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org"
<sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org>
Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Methanol as a motor fuel
Methanol is super intriguing… the amount of hydrogen per molecule.
From: Darryl McMahon
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 12:06 PM
To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org
Jan, thanks for the quick response.
Not scaring me off. I have read something which suggests adding
methanol to gasoline has some potentially beneficial combustion effects.
Lower energy content was known and accepted. I generally use
synthetic lubricating oils anyway - better lube properties, longer life.
Don't know what the implications of methanol use are on synthetic
lubrication oils.
So, still curious. Not a front-burner issue for me. So 3 lines of
research at this point.
1) what are enviro pros/cons of using home-brew wood alcohol (methanol)
as gasoline substitute - mixed fuel
2) what are the consequences for engine life, performance? Engine will
not be optimized to methanol, but will be using a methanol-gasoline
blend. I understand the fuel computer on the 2002 Astro van will adjust
automatically to up to 50% ethanol blend (but have found nothing so far
regarding methanol blend). I am assuming the fuel computer is working
on oxygen and fuel energy ratios, and won't distinguish between ethanol
and methanol.
3) what does the home-brew operation entail? (if it is not based on a
sustainable biomass feedstock, then I'm not interested in pursuing it)
Many other projects have higher priority for me at this point. I'll
keep researching as time permits.
Darryl
On 26/11/2014 10:27 AM, Jan Warnqvist wrote:
> Darryl, methanol is already used as motor fuel in Indy Car and Speedway.
> Metanol is similar to ethanol, but more. It means that of all properties
> that ethanol has, methanol has more of them. Methanol is slightly more
> corrosive than water and has an oxygene content of 50% by weight. The
> flash point is slightly lower than for ethanol. Incomplete combustion of
> methanol generates formaldehyde and other toxic substances. It is also
> known that methanol can cause wear in excess in connection with the
> motor oil , unless the oil is specially suited for methanol. Your
> vehicle will consume double the amount of fuel compared to gasoline and
> cold starts will be very difficult unless you add some gasoline to the
> metanol fuel.
> However, you can expect a very high fuel effiency if your motor is fully
> adapted to the methanol fuel.
> That is the brief version, I also have designed a method for
> purification of sulfate methanol (derived from paper pulping) but that
> technology is currently classfied due to pending patent.
> I hope this information did not scar you off, but increased your curiosity.
>
> Best
> Jan Warnqvisr
>
> -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- From: Darryl McMahon
> Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 4:03 PM
> To: Sustainablelorgbiofuel@lists.sustainablelists.org
> Subject: [Biofuel] Methanol as a motor fuel
>
> In Canada, it is illegal to produce ethanol for fuel without a federal
> permit, and these are effectively never granted to a home brewer.
>
> I have been pondering the idea of using methanol (wood alcohol) as an
> alternative to ethanol fuel, but have not taken the time to research it.
>
> Has somebody else already done this, and can save me the effort?
>
> My recollection is it is possible to use methanol as a motor fuel, which
> is supported by this document.
>
> https://web.anl.gov/PCS/acsfuel/preprint%20archive/Files/20_2_PHILADELPHIA_04-75_0059.pdf
>
>
> I know that during the war years (1939 to 1945), a number of people ran
> engines on wood gas (the images of large gas bladders on vehicle roof
> racks come easily to mind).
>
> I do have access to wood waste and fruit waste material, but working
> space is at a premium. Also, the processes I see seem to be based on
> having process heat available (e.g., for pyrolysis). However, I don't
> think I need a lot - our third vehicle travels about 400 km a month, and
> I figure the methanol will only displace about 20 litres a month of
> gasoline at a maximum, probably less.
>
> I can buy methanol commercially, but in small quantities (retail), it is
> more expensive than gasoline. However, could be an option for
> experimentation in the vehicle before committing to home production.
>
> I also have not yet investigated regulatory and safety issues, but
> expect the latter to be manageable.
>
> Thoughts, experience, pointers to relevant experience or information?
>
>
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>
--
Darryl McMahon
Project Manager,
Common Assessment and Referral for Enhanced Support Services (CARESS)
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