There are lamps sold here in Japan, that take a mix of methanol and ethanol. We have looked at getting one just in case. But I was wondering if properly burned methanol fumes were safe.
Burning methanol inside
- Thread starter Shaman
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Burning stuff at ambient pressures and temperatures produces a lot less nasties than in an engine.
In an engine, pressure and temperature forces equilibrium compounds to form in concentrations way above those formed in ambient combustion.
In an engine, pressure and temperature forces equilibrium compounds to form in concentrations way above those formed in ambient combustion.
Expat, that is the thing. I buy it for the car, but it is sold as lantern fuel. Just wondering if it was dangerous. I know the 40% concentration in windshield wiper fluid is definitely not clear burning.
Methanol burns in air forming carbon dioxide and water:
2 CH3OH + 3 O2 → 2 CO2 + 4 H2O
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol
The only problem could be incomplete combustion forms some Carbon Monoxide. I doubt that would happen.
2 CH3OH + 3 O2 → 2 CO2 + 4 H2O
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol
The only problem could be incomplete combustion forms some Carbon Monoxide. I doubt that would happen.
Generally, methanol burned at room conditions with adequate oxygen should be fine. CO2 and H2O as mentioned. In a car engine, you can get the intermediate oxidation products....methanol CH3OH... to formaldehyde CH2O...to formic acid...CH2O2. It is the latter that can be a problem in cold engines and exhaust systemm with methanol in the fuel.
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