Biofuel Guide - Introduction to Ethanol and Biodiesel

Ethanol, as in beer and wine, is an alcohol modified to utilize it as a fuel and making it undrinkable. Ethanol is produced by fermentation through a method similar to beer brewing of any biomass containing carbohydrates. At the present time, ethanol is derived from starches and sugars however there have been constant research to allow it to be produced from fibrous substance which consists the bulk of most plant matter - the cellulose and hemicellulose. Ethanol is widely used as a blending agent with gasoline to boost octane and at the same time reducing carbon monoxide and other toxic smog-causing emissions.

In contrast to other renewable energy resources, biomass, an organic material, can be converted directly into burnable fuels, termed as “biofuels,” to assist in meeting transportation fuel demands. The two most widely used types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.

On the other hand, biodiesel is produced by the combination of alcohol which is usually alcohol with vegetable or animal oil/fats, or recycled cooking grease. In order to lessen harmful vehicle emissions, it can be utilized on its pure form or as an additive (normally 20%) as a renewable substitute fuel for diesel engines.

Biodiesel and ethanol are both clean, grow-your-own fuels which can be produced on-site in local villages or communities from locally available, renewable resources, for the most phase using equipment that a local workshop can make and maintain. This can make biofuels an economical option to fossil fuels and can aid in strengthening local communities both socially and economically.

Cleaner burning energy sources lessen the toxic pollutant emissions produced by burning gasoline, and it cuts down on the dumping of used oil. Another gain is that many alternative fuels can be generated, while oil is a non-renewable resource. Demand varies, and there is always the possibility of discovering new reserves. In the contrary, fact remains that the supply may well run out one day. Present estimates predict that world oil production will reach its peak some time in the next 10 to 15 years. It thus makes sense to search for new alternatives before that day arrives. In addition, a much-hyped reason is that lessening dependence on oil will, in turn, reduce dependence on unreliable foreign oil.

Biofuel is made from agricultural crops developed in the different parts of the United States and other countries as well. Increased utilization of biofuel can generate new markets for American products. A number of jobs can also be produces especially in rural communities. As a result, it can keep the money circulating all the way through the domestic economy. Moreover, it promotes American energy independence just by generating a percentage of our fuel at home.

More importantly, biofuel is capable of improving the performance of your engine. Biofuel is a “quality” fuel that cleans your fuel system, increasing octane and lessening harmful emissions, all of which help to lengthen the life of your vehicle. As an alternative to this “traditional” diesel fuel, biofuel is expected to yield significant energy security and environmental advantage to its consumers.

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The two most widely used types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Just a brief review, ethanol is an alcohol fuel derived from sugarcane, wheat, corn and biomass, thus including wasted cooking oil. It can be blended with conventional petroleum diesel to improve its octane level resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, biodiesel is made from natural oils such as animal fats or vegetable oils.

Presently, experts states that the main biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel, have a positive effect to the environment. Each of them has its pros and cons. The utilization of both ethanol and biodiesel will result to a decrease reliance on foreign conventional fossil fuels and a reduction on harmful, toxic emissions.

There are various methods to compare ethanol and biodiesel. Below are some of them.

Process

The two processes that can generate fuel-grade ethanol are wet milling and dry milling. But the most widely used is the dry-mill method. In it simplest explanation, yeast, sugars and starch are fermented. From starch, it is fermented into sugar, afterwards it is fermented again into alcohol.

Biodiesel is produced through a chemical process termed as transesterification. In this method, the two byproducts, methyl esters and glycerin which are not good for engines, are left behind.

Environmental Benefit

Both biofuels can reduce harmful emissions. Both biodiesel and ethanol could provide significant environmental benefit. The two have a great probability of decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions because of the fact that these biofuels are primarily derived from crops which absorb carbon dioxide. Thus, the balance of carbon dioxide is sustained and maintained in the atmosphere.

Compatibility

Biodiesel can run in any diesel generated engines. However, it is not yet clear if it is the same when using 100% ethanol since it is recommended to be blended with fossil fuel like gasoline. Therefore, it is only compatible with selected gasoline powered automobiles. In the United States, almost all ethanol produced can be blended with gasoline.

Costs

Currently, commercial biodiesel is more expensive than ethanol.

Gallons per acre

In the perspective of land use and agricultural efficiency, ethanol seems to be a good choice. The reason is that about 420 gallons of ethanol can be generated per acre in contrast to 60 gallons of biodiesel per acre soybeans. Consequently, the cost of soybean oil would significantly increase if biodiesel production is increased as well.

Energy

Many reports stated that biodiesel provides 93% more net energy per gallon than is necessary for its manufacture. On the other hand ethanol produces only 25% more net energy.

Greenhouse-gas Emissions (GHG)

The production and combustion of ethanol ends in 12% less greenhouse gas emission than the production and combustion of regular diesel. On the other hand, the generation and combustion of biodiesel from soybeans results in 41% diminution compared to conventional gasoline.

Stated above are some of the many facts about ethanol and biodiesel with the end view of comparing the two biofuels on which one is better. The pursuit to lessen our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels will not be realized with a single alternative fuel. It necessitates a blend of ethanol, biodiesel and perhaps some yet-to-be discovered alternative fuel.

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There have been many efforts to generate unlimited and renewable source of fuel. This is where biofuel production comes in. It has been believed to be the sole answer for the world’s global warming and energy crisis. In contrast to other renewable energy resources, biomass - an organic material, can be converted directly into burnable fuels, termed as “biofuels,” to assist in meeting transportation fuel demands.

In the contemporary years, the biofuel industry is gaining impetus to promote a cleaner environment, improve new economic prospect for the agriculture industry and eventually reduce reliance on crude oil as a feedstock for gasoline. However there are a lot of controversies that arises from biofuel production and use.

Issue # 1: Is it really environmental friendly?It is known that biofuel chief benefit is the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emission because of the fact that these biofuel is primarily derived from crops which can absorb carbon dioxide. Thus, the balance of carbon dioxide is sustained and maintained in the atmosphere. However, looking at the entire process, from clearing the field to its consumption, the considerable reduced emission from the utilization of biofuel is overshadowed by far greater emissions that result from burning, deforestation, etc.

Issue # 2: Does it not really affect food supply?One of the prime criticisms is usually directed against large-scale biofuel production. It is believed to redirect agricultural production away from food crops. It is especially not good in developing countries.

The central dispute is that biofuel production will compete with food supply in numerous ways. Consequently, this fight over rural investment, agricultural, infrastructure, water, fertilizers, human resource, etc. will cause food shortages and price increase.

Issue # 3: Does it not affect a considerable amount of land and water?It is a fact that biofuel production necessitates growing biomass such as crops which in turn require a massive amount of land and water. It is particularly alarming in regions known to have scarcity of water. Manufacturing biofuel would only worsen water problem.

We can’t deny the fact that in other parts of the world, water limits are becoming more severe. The presence of large-scale biofuels would greatly need enormous amount of water. This would only result to further reduction of water availability.

Issue # 4: does it not involve destruction of wild habitats?As stated above, manufacturing biofuel would necessitate growing biomass which requires large agricultural lands. Consequently, in some countries, the incidence of deforestation is alarmingly increasing as croplands are being created. It does not only destroy wild habitats but also increase carbon dioxide that is emitted when forests are burnt. The home occupied by indigenous people, subsistence farmers and endangered species is in reality affected by this land clearing for growing biomass.

The issues presented above are indeed hot topics that need to be clarified and answered. These controversies would result to a much continual and thorough studies and research that would greatly benefit not only the government but the public itself.

But despite of these uncertainties, biofuel is now widely used in different countries including United States, Brazil and some countries in Europe because it poses a very good potential as an alternative fuel.

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