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Use of methanol in a closed loop geothermal heat pump application

Q: We have a construction project where the owner is requiring the use of methanol for their new school construction. The geothermal loop subcontractor states they use methanol all the time, with no problems. However, as a buyer for the material for this project, I am running into all kinds of hurdles for pumps, piping, gaskets and glycol feed systems. What can you tell me about the use of methanol in a closed loop geothermal heat pump application?

A: The use of methanol in a closed loop system may present certain requirements that are absent when using water. However, these would only impact equipment selection and cost – not feasibility. The higher vapor pressure and flammability of methanol are the primary items that may result in a somewhat higher initial cost of the system. The thermal properties of methanol are similar enough to water to make for an attractive secondary fluid and the low melt point offers protection from freezing in most climates.