Methanol (CH3OH), also called Wood alcohol, is considered an alternative fuel in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Methanol[1] has physical and chemical fuel properties similar to ethanol as an engine fuel. Methanol was used in the 1990s but is no longer being used or developed as a commercial transportation fuel. This fuel is produced by steam-reforming natural gas to create synthesis gas. Several feedstocks can produce methanol, but natural gas is currently the most economical. IS 517: 2020 covers methanol (Methyl Alcohol). This standard specifies the requirements, testing and sampling method for methanol. The material needs to be a clear and colourless liquid-free matter in suspension. The fabric needs to meet the requirements of the standard. A laboratory will be adequately maintained, and several tests will be carried out as per the methods specified in the Indian standard. In this blog, we will discuss BIS ISI Certification for Methanol.
BIS ISI Certification for Methanol: Overview of Methanol
The simplest of a large group of organic compounds known as alcohols, methanol (CH3OH), also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, and wood spirit, is composed of a methyl group (CH3) linked with a hydroxy group (OH). In the past, wood was destructively distilled to create methanol. Modern methanol production relies on the direct fusion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide gas in the presence of a catalyst. Syngas, a mixture of hydrogen & carbon monoxide from biomass, is increasingly used to create methanol. An essential component of chemical synthesis is pure methanol. Its derivatives are widely used to create various compounds, including numerous significant synthetic dyestuffs, resins, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances. Large amounts are transformed into formaldehyde for synthetic resins and dimethylaniline for dyestuffs.
It is also utilised as a general solvent in rocket fuel and automotive antifreeze. Methanol is a high-octane, clean-burning fuel that could play a significant role in replacing gasoline in automobiles. Wood-derived methanol primarily aims to make industrial ethyl alcohol unfit for consumption. Methanol is a colourless liquid that solidifies at a temperature of 93.9 °C (137 °F) and boils at 64.96 °C (148.93 °F). When combined with air, it creates explosive mixtures and burns with a nonluminous flame. In water, it is completely miscible. Methanol is a poisonous substance with an odour similar to ethyl alcohol, which makes alcoholic beverages intoxicating. Consuming mixtures containing methanol has resulted in numerous cases of blindness or death.
What is BIS ISI Certification?
The term “ISI” is the short form for Indian Standard Institute, ensuring that products meet the ISI-mandated Indian standards. BIS ISI Certification is the procedure for receiving the Standard Mark (ISI Mark). In most cases, gaining BIS ISI Certification is an optional process. Wires, appliances, electric motors, etc., are some examples of electrical products or objects. Before they can be marketed, they must have an ISI mark. This Certificate attests to the safety of using an electrical product or device. The BIS Act 1986 was established in the middle of the 1980s after it was thought appropriate to give ISI’s operations statutory status. The department has established predetermined procedures that must be followed by every importer or manufacturer who wishes to register their products with the ISI Scheme of BIS. These procedures include application filing, inspection, product testing, and application examination.
Documents Required to Get BIS ISI Certification for Methanol
Following are some vital documents for obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Methanol in India:
- The registered address of the manufacturing unit;
- A copy of the product samples test report by a BIS authorised internal laboratory;
- A copy of the Certification of Registration;
- Information of all the equipment used for testing;
- Flow chart followed in the manufacturing unit;
- Packaging details like the size of the product, storage, quantity, etc.
- Proof of Indian Residency;
- The disposing technique of the inferior product;
- A copy of the Trademark certificate (if available);
- Layout Plan of the Factory premises;
- All the details of the quality control staff like Name, Designation, Experience, and Qualification;
- Particulars about the raw material being used;
- All the details regarding machinery installed;
- Product drawing;
- Utility bills such as electricity bills, telephone bills, and water tax receipts;
- A copy of the Company’s bank statement;
Procedure to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Methanol
The BIS ISI Certification for Methanol process generally involves registration & surveillance processes. The following steps are applied under the BIS ISI Certification process:
- First, the manufacturers submit the application form for BIS ISI Certification.
- The BIS officer and BIS-authorised inspection team will visit the factory premises for a preliminary inspection.
- After the preliminary inspection, the product samples will be collected for testing in BIS Authorised labs.
- After completion of the evaluation, the BIS officers will derive the final result.
After the inspection process, the inspecting BIS officer will conduct the surveillance process to conduct a complete factory premises survey. The following steps are involved in the surveillance process:
- The inspecting authority will visit the factory to examine the product test results
- The inspecting BIS officer will send the product samples to the independent labs
- They will give feedback or brief the complaint on the investigation
- The performance review test report will be prepared
- Once the test report is reviewed, the BIS ISI Certification is granted.
Note: An BIS Certification for Methanol is valid for two years. However, the BIS ISI Certification can be renewed further by filing an application form and paying the renewal fees. A Practising Chartered Accountant must verify the application for the renewal of BIS Certification for Methanol.
Testing, Marking, and Packing Requirements to Obtain BIS Certification for Methanol
The following tests will be carried out for methanol in under with the method specified in the Standard (IS 517:2020):
- Description
- Miscibility with water
- Distillation Range
- Relative density
- Residue on evaporation
- Acidity
- Alkalinity percentage by mass
- Water content
- Chlorine & Chlorine compounds
Marking & Packing Requirements:
Marking & Packing need to be done as per the Indian Standard for methanol. The Standard mark will be printed on all containers and on the label applied to the container, provided that the material in all containers on which this standard mark is applied satisfies all of the requirements of the specification. The manufacturer must get a BIS ISI Certification from the BIS to use the ISI mark. The BIS issues a certificate based on a successful assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, testing capabilities, quality control, and production process.
Conclusion
If the products fall under the scope of the BIS Conformity Assessment Scheme, all manufacturers, foreign entities and importers must get BIS ISI Certification. The BIS may cancel the Certificate if the product fails to meet BIS Certification requirements.
Read our Article:How to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Acetic Acid in India?
