Article Post:
How is Ethanol Made?
Alternative Fuel Information: Ethanol Production
Making Ethanol Biofuels
Ethanol can be produced from any biological feedstocks that contain appreciable amounts of sugar or materials that can be converted into sugar such as starch or cellulose. Sugar beets and sugar cane are examples of feedstocks that contain sugar. Corn contains starch that can relatively easily be converted into sugar. A significant percentage of trees and grasses are made up of cellulose, which can also be converted to sugar, although with more difficulty than required to convert starch.
The ethanol production process starts by grinding up the feedstock so it is more easily and quickly processed in the following steps. Once ground up, the sugar is either dissolved out of the material or the starch or cellulose is converted into sugar. The sugar is then fed to microbes that use it for food, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide in the process. A final step purifies the ethanol to the desired concentration.
Ethanol is also made from a wet-milling process. Many larger ethanol producers use this process, which also yields products such as high-fructose corn sweetener.
Article Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Article Post:
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol Alternative Biofuel Information
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, EtOH) is a clear, colorless liquid. In dilute aqueous solution, it has a somewhat sweet flavor, but in more concentrated solutions it has a burning taste. Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is made up of a group of chemical compounds whose molecules contain a hydroxyl group, -OH, bonded to a carbon atom. Ethanol made from cellulosic biomass materials instead of traditional feedstocks (starch crops) is called bioethanol.
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 mandated the sale of oxygenated fuels in areas with unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide. Since that time, there has been strong demand for ethanol as an oxygenate blended with gasoline. In the United States each year, approximately 2 billion gallons are added to gasoline to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.
Blends of at least 85% ethanol are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are currently offered by most major auto manufacturers. FFVs can run on gasoline, E85, or any combination of the two and qualify as alternative fuel vehicles under EPAct regulations.
In some areas, ethanol is blended with gasoline to form an E10 blend (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline).
Chemical properties: Ethanol is ethane with a hydrogen molecule replaced by a hydroxyl radical.
Article Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Article Post:
What is a Biodiesel Kit?
Make Your Own Fuel at Home with a Biodiesel Production Kit
by Joseph Then
With the emergence of biodiesel as an alternative fuel, many people are curious as to how they can take advantage of it. How can this benefit the average person? In many countries, biodiesel is not yet available at the gas station. This makes it more difficult to obtain it. Therefore, other measures must be taken.
This problem can easily be solved through the use of a biodiesel kit. What is a biodiesel kit, you ask? Quite simply put, it gives you the ability to produce biodiesel from your very own home.
How can this benefit you? There are a number of reasons. One of the most important aspects of biodiesel is that it is better for the environment. If you have kids, you no doubt want to leave them in the best possible scenario. If we totally destroy the planet, what will be left for them?
Another huge factor is the costs involved. Some say that you can make biodiesel for as cheap as $.80 per gallon. Try going down to the local pump now days and getting anything for $.80 per gallon. There’s a good chance they’ll have you committed or arrested. However, this is the reality with biodiesel.
How do you go about getting this magic fuel? Depending on where you live, some countries have it at the gas station. It may cost more there, than you can make it for. A growing segment of the world is starting to make their own biodiesel.
This can be accomplished through a biodiesel kit. These kits can be purchased on the internet or in many different places. With these kits you can stop relying on the fuel companies and start relying on yourself. With gas prices as high as they are, this is becoming extremely attractive to a lot of people.
A new biodiesel kit will probably run you a few thousand dollars. There are several available in the $2000-$3000 range. This may seem like a high start-up cost. However, when you think of the difference between paying nearly $3.00 per gallon and paying $.80 per gallon, it makes sense. It won’t take you very long to recoup those costs.
The kits are not that difficult to use and can change your life. Most come with a water heater and a few other pieces. You must heat the oil up to around 130 degrees in order to process it. Without a water heater, this can be difficult.
Finding a source of vegetable oil to use is important also. Most fast-food restaurants keep the oil and grease out back in a large vat. Many times they will let you take it away for free. It’s important to develop a relationship with the owner. If you do so, you may be getting your gas for next to nothing.
Biodiesel is quickly emerging as a legitimate contender in the oil wars. It may eventually replace fuels as we know them. You might want to investigate how to get on the front end of this trend.
Joseph Then shares more about Biodiesel as an alternative fuel and also more about Biodiesel Kits on his website.
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