Monitoring and evaluation of transformers are essential to prevent their insulation failure. In this paper, the use of 2-furan-carboxaldehyde (2-FAL) and Methanol (MeOH) concentrations as the main products of paper insulation degradation, and insulation condition markers, has been studied. In order to study the degradation process and production of degradation products, the thermal aging process of the transformer insulation system was implemented in laboratory conditions. The results of laboratory studies show that in the early stages of degradation the amount of MeOH is significant compared to 2-FAL. Also, the estimation of the degree of polymerization (DP) in the early stages of degradation (DP>800) through MeOH concentration and with decreasing DP (DP <800) through 2-FAL concentration is closer to the real value. The results of studies performed on 35 distribution transformers confirm the production of significant amounts of MeOH in the early stages of degradation. Also, the estimated DP values for the studied transformers were obtained through 2-FAL and MeOH concentration. The results show that estimating the amount of DP through MeOH concentration is associated with a probability of error of about 9% compared to estimating DP through 2-FAL concentration.

Effect of Methanol concentration and channel depth of bipolar plates on the performance of single direct Methanol fuel cell was investigated experimentally. The membrane used in this experiment was Nafion117. Dimension of the single cell were 10cm´10 cm. Methanol concentrations of 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 molar were used. Channel depth of the bipolar plates were chosen to be 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm, and in order to investigate the effect of channel depth, anode channel depth and cathode depth were changed simultaneously. Optimized Methanol concentration for the single cell were 0.5-1.5 molar. Based on different experiments, as channel depth is decreased, mass transfer is improved and removal of carbone dioxide takes place easier. The results indicate that the best channel depth for this kind of single cell is 1.0 mm.

A two-dimensional, single-phase, isothermal model has been developed for a direct Methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The model considers the anode and cathode electrochemical equations, continuity, momentum and species transport in the entire fuel cell. Then, the equations are coupled together and solved simultaneously using a commercial, Finite element based, COMSOL Multiphysics software. The crossover of Methanol is also investigated in the model. This model describes the electrochemical kinetics of Methanol oxidation at the anode catalyst layer by nonTafel kinetics. The concentration distribution of Methanol, water, and oxygen was predicted by the model. In addition, the changes of Methanol crossover and fuel utilization with current density were evaluated for different Methanol concentrations (0. 5 M, 1 M, 2 M, 4 M, and 6 M). Furthermore, it was also found that the crossover of Methanol decreases at low Methanol concentrations and high current densities. The results show that the polarization curve is in agreement with experimental data.

Methanol is a clear liquid with high toxicity. Methanol intoxication may result from accidental exposure, overconsumption of compounds containing Methanol with suicidal intent, or following consumption of distilled and contaminated alcoholic beverages. This report describes a case of transdermal Methanol intoxication, which is a rare condition. A 58-year-old woman presented with nausea, vomiting, weakness, diplopia and dizziness. On neurological examination, she only had diplopia. On physical examination, a hyperemic lesion with clear borders was found over the right knee. The patient’ s recent medical history revealed that four days prior to the onset of symptoms, she had covered her knee with a Methanol-soaked bandage in an attempt to alleviate her knee pain. She had a high osmolar gap as well as high anion-gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA). Methanol intoxication was suspected due to HAGMA and high osmolar gap. Serum Methanol levels were subsequently measured and found to be 37. 9 mg/dL. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) bicarbonate, IV ethyl alcohol and hemodialysis. She was discharged with no central nervous system or ophthalmologic sequelae. Methanol poisoning should be kept in mind in patients with diplopia and unexplained metabolic acidosis. Although most Methanol intoxication cases occur after oral ingestion, it should be considered that Methanol poisoning may occur transdermally.

Background: Methanol is a toxic alcohol found in illegal liquor, and its poisoning may cause death if not treated timely and properly. In 2018, Methanol toxicity in Iran increased dramatically. Regarding the high prevalence of Methanol toxicity, its high mortality rate, and the cost of treatment as well as the importance of timely diagnosis in the treatment of this condition, we decided to review Methanol toxicity, its signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Evidence Acquisition: We searched for articles on reliable databases such as Embase and Medline from January 2018 to May 2018 using the following keywords: “ Methanol, ” “ toxic alcohol, ” and “ ethanol toxicity treatment. ” Results: This review discusses how to diagnose Methanol toxicity by using clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory examinations; it also suggests new treatments. Meanwhile, we provide alternatives for diagnosis in case of shortages of tests in the emergency department. Conclusion: Diagnosis of ethanol toxicity due to non-specific signs and symptoms, late patient’ s referral, and lack of proper history-taking can be very difficult and delay the onset of treatment. There is also no clear scientific evidence as to whether ethanol or fomepizole should be used as the first choice of therapy for Methanol toxicity because there is no direct comparison between these two antidotes regarding their effectiveness and safety. The appropriate antidote is chosen depending on the availability, cost, accessibility of hemodialysis, and the physician’ s experience. If the therapist does not have enough experience, it is easier to use fomepizole.