Methanol production from biomass and natural gas as transportation fuel. R.H. Borgwardt. Ind. Engng. Chem. Res., September 1998, 37(9), 3760--3767.

Two processes for producing methanol as an engine fuel are discussed. Key requirements are that the amount produced should be comparable to current fuel. The methanol should minimize emissions of undesirable components, should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, should be cost-competitive, and should be compatible with emerging vehicle developments. Results show that a process using natural gas mixed with biomass can meet these requirements. Process flow diagrams are described and illustrated. The procedure involves reforming at 950 C using a steam/carbon ratio of 2.5. Methanol is synthesized at 260 C by an isothermal reactor cooled by steam generation. The cost of methanol production is reported to be less than the gasoline that it replaces. 28 refs.