Ethanol Process
If you are curious about the ethanol process, read on. You will learn more about this naturally derived fuel and how it is produced. Ethanol is alcohol made from plants. This alcohol is used in libations and used for fuel. The main procedure of turning plants into alcohol has remained consistent over the years, however modern innovations have made things operate a lot more quickly and efficiently. The two procedures used to create ethanol are called dry milling and wet milling. They are identical except for how the plant product is handled.
In addition to milling, research and development companies are working on improvements in the field such as oil extraction and alternative forms of fermentation. Eventually these innovations may lead to an efficient and economical method of making ethanol. As for right now, milling is the process used to create this form of biofuel. In addition to being used on its own to power vehicles, ethenol is commonly mixed with petroleum based gasoline to reduce pollution and emissions.
When ethanol is dry milled, the grain is left dry. The product is finely ground into meal and processed as is, without separating different components of the grain. When ethanol is wet milled, the grain is soaked in a solution of diluted sulfurous acid and water for up to two days in order to help the grain separate into its natural components. After the grain has been milled it is formed into mash. This mash is cooked at extremely high temperatures to kill bacteria before it is cooled and sent for fermentation and the addition of yeast.
From there, sugar is transformed into carbon dioxide and ethanol. The entire process of fermenting the plant material can take as many as 50 hours. The finished product is 200 proof ethanol which is combined with five percent denaturant which makes it unfit for consumption and thus not an alcoholic beverage but a fuel product. On the subject of fuel, ethanol is commonly used as an additive for gasoline. Not only does it burn cleaner, but it reduces the amount of vehicular pollution. Now that you know more about the ethanol process of creating fuel and why some people use it, you may want to research on your own and find out more about this potential alternative to petroleum based fuel.
People & Power - Ethanol & Bio-fuels - 17 Sep 07 - Part 1
Ethanol maker won't need US loan guarantee - DesMoinesRegister.com
| ||
Our 'boutique' fuels mess As has been reported by the Trib, Sens. Elder Vogel, R-Beaver, and Tim Solobay, D-Washington, have introduced legislation to repeal the unique "7.8 RVP" summer gasoline requirement in place for seven Southwestern Pennsylvania counties... | ||
The.. | ||
Ag Sec'y Vilsack To Headline National Ethanol Conference AG SEC'Y VILSACK TO HEADLINE NATIONAL ETHANOL CONFERENCE Jan. 24, 2012 Source: Renewable Fuels Assn news release U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack will be the headline speaker at the 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference of the Renewable Fuels Association in Orlando, Florida... | ||
Bio-fuels pioneer Lanzatech raises US$55.8m - New Zealand Herald
| ||
Earth Talk Dear EarthTalk: I understand that some companies are now looking to cut down forests and burn them as "biomass" for generating electricity... | ||
California agency says court ruling puts at risk biodiesel plant - Platts
| ||
Technorati Tags: Ethanol Fuels, Ethanol Technology, Ethanol Process


