Markets for Methanol Produced from North Carolina Peat

摘要

This report documents a study of markets for methanol synthesized from peat deposits in eastern North Carolina, focusing upon the output of one announcd plant. Peat Methanol Associates (PMA) has announced plans to construct a methanol plant with a 64-million-gallon annual capacity by 1986. The North Carolina Energy Institute and PMA have supported this methanol marketing study. This study concludes that initial markets for North Carolina-produced methanol will be as octane boosters for unleaded gasoline. Small percentages (2 to 4%) may be added directly to gasoline at the fuel pump. Larger percentages of methanol (up to 15%) will be blended with gasoline, along with higher carbon alcohols and corrosion inhibitors added to prevent water separation, vapor pressure, and corrosion problems. Extensive use of straight methanol in motor vehicles is not likely in the 1986 to 1990 period. Recommendations to PMA and the Energy Institute are based on these conclusions. (ERA citation 07:049500)