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Fuel Ethanol |
As we take giant strides in technology and our civilisation develops rapidly, non-renewable energy sources are one of the most significant factors in consideration world-wide. And, Fossil Fuels are foremost on the list. Apart from a finite supply, they are also a source of atmospheric pollution: green-house gases and global warming. Enter Fuel Ethanol: Used as an additive to fuel, it enhances the octane number and has proven anti-knocking properties. Ethanol also effectively reduces harmful exhaust emissions. More importantly, it is a completely renewable energy source.
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FAQ's-Fuel Ethanol |
What is fuel ethanol?
Fuel ethanol or anhydrous alcohol is produced by dehydration of rectified spirit or extra neutral alcohol. Ethanol used as part of the fuel, by blending with petrol, for a motor vehicle is called fuel-ethanol.
How it is mixed in Petrol/Gasoline?
Ethanol could be blended in various proportions in petrol. Usually 5 to 10% of Ethanol by volume is added to the petrol, although in countries like Brazil, upto 24% of Ethanol can be added to gasoline (petrol).
How does it help in reducing pollution?
Use of ethanol in place of tetraethyl lead or MTBE which act as anti-knocking agents prevent dangerous and poisonous emissions containing lead or MTBE.
Will I have to change the engine of my Car?
Many countries in North and South America have been using ethanol blend in gasoline (petrol). Engines of cars do not need any change to use petrol with up to 24 % ethanol in it.
Will the engine of my vehicle get damaged?
Apart from carbon and hydrogen, Ethanol has oxygen in it which prevents the formation of carbon monoxide during the process of internal combustion. Gasoline with ethanol as anti-knocking agent will not cause any damage to the engine.
Can it be used in Two-wheelers/Three-wheelers without any change in vehicles?
Yes! Of course you can use gasoline in Two-Wheelers/Three-Wheelers as a normal fuel without changing the engine or any other parts.
What are the functions of fuel ethanol?
- Octane enhancement / anti-knocking agent
- Oxygenating agent
- Fuel extender / fuel replacement
Where it will be made available?
Oil Companies will blend the petrol/gasoline with fuel ethanol and will be made available through petrol/gas stations.
Can it be added in Diesel?
Ethanol is also added to diesel. Usually, 3% by volume is added. Tests have been conducted satisfactorily with up to 10% by volume addition.
Which are the other countries, which have promoted fuel ethanol?
Apart from many states in the US and Brazil who have been actively employing it, Fuel ethanol programs have now been initiated in countries like Australia, Nepal, Columbia, Poland, Sweden etc.
What is the experience of countries who have promoted fuel ethanol?
Reduced reliance on oil imports, improved trade balance, increased ethanol production resulting in better cane prices for farmers, direct and indirect job opportunities, fossil fuels saving, are some of the experiences.
What is E85? How do I know if my vehicle can use it?
E85 is fuel comprised of 85% ethanol / 15% unleaded gasoline for use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). These vehicles are truly flexible in that their owners have a choice whether to use E85, any blend of ethanol up to 85%, or straight unleaded gasoline. On some models this comes as an option, and on some it is a standard feature.
Can my vehicle run on E85 even if it is not an FFV?
If your vehicle is not an FFV, use of any higher ethanol percentage than 10% may not covered by warranty.
What is ethanol made from?
While 50% of world ethanol production is from corn, the rest is produced from suger based raw material like sugarcane juice/molasses or beet juice/molasses. There are other grains used in the production of ethanol such as rice, wheat, rye, sorghum or tubers like cassava / tapioca. Cellulose is fast gaining importance as a 2nd generation ethanol feedstock.
What is cellulosic ethanol?
Cellulosic biomass holds tremendous promise as a feedstock for ethanol production due to its widespread availability and potential for high fuel yields.
Examples of sources for celluosic ethanol include corn stover (the stalks and husks left over after harvest), wheat and barley straw, sugarcane or rice bagasse, sawdust, paper pulp, small diameter trees and dedicated energy crops such as switch grass and other fast growing grasses. Study is still going on towards making cellulosic ethanol more viable. Praj is engaged in development of cellulosic ethanol and plans to go for pilot study very soon. It has filed for a patent based on lab study.
How cellulosic ethanol made?
As with producing ethanol from grain, processing cellulosic sources extracts the fermentable sugars from the feedstock for distillation into alcohol. Unlike in grain, the sugars in cellulose are locked in complex carbohydrates called polysaccharides, or long chains of simple sugars. Separating these complex structures into fermentable sugars is essential to the efficient and economical production of cellulosic ethanol.
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