Methanol, CH3 OH , M= 32.042 , also termed methyl alcohol or carbinol , is one of the most important chemical raw materials . From its discovery in late 1600s , methanol has grown to become 21st largest commodity chemical with over 12× 10 6 metric tonnes annually pro duced in the world .Methanol has been called wood alcohol ( or wood spirit) because it was abtained commercially from destructive distillation of wood for over a century [1] It is the ninth largest organic chemical produced in U .S . & one of the largest volume chemical produced in the world . Today it is produced mainly from the steam reforming of natural gas via a synthesis gas intermediate. ethanol can & is , however being produced from such alternative feedstocks as coal & residual fuel oil [2]

Introduction

Properties&uses

Methods of Production

Material Balance

Energy Balance

Design of Equipments

Pollution control&Safety

Cost Estimation&Economics

Plant Location&Layout

Bibliography