Methanol Tech Grade (Hydrate Inhibitor)

Technical-grade methanol (CH3OH, CAS 67-56-1) is the hydrate inhibitor of choice wherever a regenerable glycol system is impractical. Global Chemicals LLC supplies it at 99% minimum purity, specific gravity 0.792, boiling point 64.7 °C and freezing point −97.6 °C, in 200 L drums, 1,000 L IBCs, ISO tanks and bulk tankers from stock in Muscat, with scheduled deliveries to the interior gas fields. For the industrial and solvent grade, see the alcohols range.

How it works. Natural gas and free water form solid hydrates at the pressures and temperatures found in wellheads, flowlines and gathering systems; methanol dissolves in the water phase and lowers the temperature at which hydrates form by roughly 0.5 °C (0.8 °F) for every weight-percent of methanol in that water at 10–30% (Hammerschmidt), a little more at higher concentrations, so the required rate follows the water production and the depression needed. Typical continuous injection runs at 1–3 gallons per million standard cubic feet; a share of the methanol is lost to the gas and condensate phases, so the dose is set from the phase calculation rather than the water rate alone. Methanol is not recovered, which is why it suits low water rates, intermittent and remote wells, start-ups, shut-in restarts and emergency hydrate clearance, while MEG with a regeneration unit takes the high-water, steady-state duty.

It also serves as wellhead antifreeze, a carrier solvent in paraffin-inhibitor, asphaltene-inhibitor and corrosion-inhibitor formulations, a cleaning solvent for gas-turbine compressors and instruments, and a dehydration aid in small gas plants. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page covers the related products.

Handling: methanol is highly flammable with a near-invisible flame and toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Store it in closed carbon-steel tanks and drums in a bunded, shaded, ventilated area away from ignition sources; earth and bond during transfer; use explosion-proof pumps and injection skids; wear butyl or nitrile gloves, goggles and respiratory protection for open handling. It ships as UN 1230, Class 3 with a toxic subsidiary risk, and every delivery carries a certificate of analysis giving purity, water content and acidity, a technical data sheet and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to Saih Rawl, Fahud, Marmul and the interior fields by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Global Chemicals LLC is JSRS-registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified. Request a quote with the volume, pack type and injection schedule.