Types of Alternative Fuel – Methanol

Methanol is Ethanol’s cousin in a way as they are both alcohol based products. Methanol is sometimes called wood alcohol and can be made from various biomass resources like wood, as well as from coal. However, today nearly all methanol is made from natural gas, or methane, because it is cheaper.

Methanol is also very poisonous and very harmful if swallowed. Methanol must not be confused with ethanol. As with gasoline, it is also wise to avoid skin contact with methanol, as it can pass through the skin. Methanol is also used as an anti-freeze as well as a solvent.

As an interesting bit of history, the ancient Egyptians used methanol in their embalming process. When mummies were prepared for entombment, their blood was removed and replaced with methanol.

The use of methanol as a motor fuel received attention during the oil crisis of the 1970′s due to its availability and low cost. Problems occurred early in the development of gasoline-methanol blends, however. As a result of its low price, some gasoline marketers over-blended the mix. Others used improper blending and handling techniques.

This led to consumer and media problems. However, there is still a great deal of interest in using methanol as a neat fuel. The flexible-fuel vehicles currently being manufactured by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler can run on any combination of ethanol, methanol, and/or gasoline.

Methanol is used a lot in the open wheel racing circuits because it is highly combustible. It is also used a lot in drag racing as well as with remote control airplanes and on the Indy racing circuit. Methanol is less flammable than gasoline so it is considered safer to use in high performance engines.

Scientists are working toward a more methanol based fuel for consumer use and because it is cheaper to process, the likelihood that it will be cheaper to the user is much greater as well.