384-Methanol Operations / 748
Met
h
anol
Op
erations
BOS-PRD-07.900609
4 D
escri
p
tion
The following elements of this section
shall
be taken in consideration when developing the operation and the
specific methanol manuals.
4
.1
K
no
w
le
dg
e o
f
t
h
e
m
aterials
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4
.1.1 W
h
at is Met
h
anol?
Derived from natural gas, methanol is a hydrocarbon, comprised of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Its
chemical formula is CH
3
OH. Methanol is an alcohol and is colourless, neutral, polar and flammable liquid. It
is miscible with water, alcohols, and most other organic solvents. It is only slightly soluble in fats and oils.
Other common names for methanol include methyl alcohol, methyl hydrate, wood spirit, wood alcohol and
methyl hydroxide.
UN number is 1230 (See
MSDS Methanex
).
At all stages of transport methanol
shall
be stored securely and handled responsibly. This minimizes risk to
people and the environment, and preserves product quality.
4.1.1.1 Overriding considerations
x
Methanol is an easily ignited hydrocarbon that burns in air;
x
The molecular weight of methanol vapor is marginally greater (denser) than air (32 versus 28 grams
per mole). As a result, and depending on the circumstances of a release, methanol vapor may collect
in confined spaces and low-lying areas;
x
In certain specific circumstances, methanol vapor explodes on ignition;
x
Methanol is a toxin; ingestion of a small amount (between one and two ounces, approximately 30 to
60 milliliters) can cause death; lesser amounts are known to cause irreversible blindness. Do not eat
it, drink it, breathe it, or stand over it;
x
Methanol is totally miscible in water. A 75% water and 25% methanol solution is considered to be
flammable liquid. This has important implications for fire fighting.
4.1.1.2 Special provisions and protective measures
x
So far as possible, methanol
shall
be stored and used in a dedicated area that is specifically marked
off and appropriately labeled. This area
shall
have safety measures readily available to employees
working in the area;
x
Use positive materials identification for gaskets, filters, hose material, etc;
x
Ensure procedures are in place to ground, and periodically verify grounding;
x
Ensure procedures are in place to protect from water up-take and accumulation;
x
Ensure procedures and provisions are in place for preventing methanol entry into the water table or
aquifers;
x
Ensure procedures and equipment are in place for personnel protection;
x
Ensure procedures and equipment are in place for leak detection and alarm;
x
Ensure procedures and equipment are in place for onsite emergency response;
x
Ensure procedures and possibly specialized equipment are in place for offsite emergency
responders;
x
Electrical equipment
shall
be explosion-proof;
x
Positive pressure may be required to ensure that methanol-free areas are protected;
x
Grounding is especially important in protecting methanol from accidental ignition resulting from static
discharge;
Version 04. Original date: 22/06/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site. Uncontrolled document when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS Head of Operations. Approved by: BOS Head of Operations. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative.
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