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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Among the most promising replacement for nonrenewable fossil fuel (petroleum, coal, etc) are fuels made from organic materials, the so-called “biofuels”. The two widely used biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Each has its own pros and cons. However, the present technologies result in limitation of production for the reason that not all parts of a certain plant can be used.

Due to this drawback, there has been lot of studies that would resolve this problem. This is where the so-called second generation of biofuel enters. This so-called second generation denotes non food crops (cellulosic biofuel) such as waste biomass, wood, etc.

To briefly differentiate second from first generation, First generation biofuel are those fuel derived from vegetable or animal fats/oils, starch or sugar with the use of modern technology. Proponents claims that increasing industrial and political support for this second generation biofuel is a more feasible solution to achieve efficient fuel production utilizing a much greater range of plants and its waste.

Cellulose ethanol production is newly discovered experimental processes which can breakdown cellulose in woody fibers. This would only mean that through this method, ethanol from crop wastes, trees and grasses can be derived. It is significantly better since trees and grasses require small amount of energy in comparison to grains that must be replanted annually. Moreover, there have been techniques to develop fast-growing trees that can grow to size in just 10 years. In addition, grasses can be harvested twice every year.

In cellulosic ethanol, the fuel is derived from the stems and stalks of plants rather than only using the sugars and starches from corns, as with corn ethanol, This is starting to gain interest in the United States. As a matter of fact, several companies are moving forward having plans to build plants using this method.

This new type of biofuel is gradually gaining popularity because of the feedstock such as wood chips and grasses that is cost effective and very abundant. During the conversion into ethanol, less fossil fuel is required, therefore, having a greater impact than the usual corn ethanol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, in comparison between the land area of grasses and corn, there is no doubt that an acre of grasses could make twice the number of gallons of ethanol that can be generated with an acre of corn. This is because in cellulose ethanol, the entire plant can be utilized instead of just the grain as in corn ethanol. This is great news for those regions having a short supply of corn-based food that is competing with the corn-ethanol manufacturers.

Based on the report made by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), by year 2050, the increasing productivity of cellulosic sources would in due course allow them to generate as much as 150 billion gallons of ethanol which is comparable to more than two-thirds present gasoline consumption in the United States.At the present time in the United States, none of the ethanol is derived from cellulosic materials. This is according to ethanol industry’s list of producers in the United States.

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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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Ethanol is alcohol fuel derived from sugars found in crops such as rice, potato skins and sugarcane and it is commonly made from corn, sorghum and wheat. Corn is commonly the base material in the United States due to its affordability and availability. But in Brazil, sugarcane is widely used. Since it is produced from plants, it is considered biodegradable and renewable. It is definitely a clear, colorless alternative alcohol fuel. Presently, various methods are used in making ethanol from biomass - an organic material. The fermentation of sugars and starch in corn with the use of yeast is the most frequently method utilized. From starch, it is fermented into sugar, afterwards it is fermented again into alcohol.

A variety of procedures can generate fuel-grade ethanol. But the most widely used is the dry-mill method. Below is the brief step by step process.

1. Let the base organic material (corn, sugarcane, wheat, etc) pass through a grinding meal to pulverize the selected material.

2. Then, liquefy it by placing the blend of water, grain powder and an enzyme that facilitates the breakdown of the grain compound into a high-heat cooker.

3. Cool it afterwards. Add another enzyme that will facilitate the conversion of starch into sugars which are then fermented, producing alcohol from the cooled mash.

4. Start the fermentation by adding yeast to the sugar mixture. The sugars will be broken down to ethanol (a form of alcohol) and carbon dioxide.

5. Distill the fermented mixture in order for the ethanol to separate from the solids.

6. Get rid of the water from the separated ethanol through a dehydration process.

7. To make it undrinkable, add a small amount of gasoline. The ethanol should be non potable to be used as an alternative fuel.

The carbon dioxide and distiller grain which are both byproducts of this method can be use in the ranching and farming industry. Ethanol-producing plant also buys these by-products for a variety of purposes.

Utilizing ethanol means using less of the nonrenewable fuel to produce gasoline. Ethanol is safe, nontoxic and biodegradable. It is not detrimental if accidentally spilled because it breaks down very quickly. It is considered clean for the main reason that it lessens toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide from the pipelines of vehicles. It does not require lead or other derivatives to keep the engine running smoothly. It has a great probability of decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions because of the fact that biodiesel is primarily derived from crops which absorbs carbon dioxide. Thus, the balance of carbon dioxide is sustained and maintained in the atmosphere.

On another note, ethanol as a transportation fuel can be utilized as a partial or total alternative for conventional petroleum diesel. For urban regions that don’t meet the standards of a clean air, gasoline containing 10% ethanol (E10) is utilized. The extensive use of E10 is encouraged in some states. The use of E10 can be used on all gasoline operated vehicles without making massive modification to their engines. In the United States, almost 99% of ethanol produced can be blended with gasoline to make E10.

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Misconception # 1: Biofuel generates a small amount of energy than it takes to produce them.

Fact: Over the years, technology has significantly improved. A lot of researches and tests had been done to prove that biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel generate energy that is comparable to conventional diesel fuel. Ethanol gives about 1.5 units of energy for every unit of energy used. In addition, biodiesel even provides 3.2 units of energy to every unit of energy used. As a matter of fact, “traditional” fuel (gasoline) uses 20% more energy to make it than it provides or converts.

Misconception # 2: Biofuel brings about food shortage.

Fact: There is more than enough food to cater to the general public. If there are billions of people who suffer starvation in different parts of the world, that is not primarily because there is not enough food. Sufficient amount of food exist than there has ever been before. The main reason why people starve is not because of biofuel production but because of inequitable economic system.

Misconception # 3: Modification of all engines is a must in using Biofuel.

Fact: This is not true for all. In biodiesel for example, it can be used in unmodified engines - be it a car, bus, truck, boat, construction equipment, generator or oil home heating units. Biodiesel can be utilized in pure form however it may necessitate engine modifications to refrain from maintenance and performance troubles. On another note, gasoline containing 10% ethanol (E10) can also be used. The extensive use of E10 is encouraged in some states. The use of E10 can be used on all gasoline operated vehicles without making massive modification to their engines.

Misconception # 4: Biofuel must be subsidized to be affordable.

Fact: The geographic area, base organic material (soybean, corn, etc) and supplier will greatly determine the price of biodiesel. It varies depending on the said determinants. It may rate a little more expensive than traditional fuels at the current time due to the demand that is not as great. Nevertheless, as demand increases and as the public realize the advantages of a biodegradable, renewable fuel source, the price will eventually drop.

Misconception # 5: Biofuels will completely replace conventional fuel.

Fact: The ultimate target of the biofuel manufacturing is not to totally replace conventional diesels such as petroleum diesel. However, its main goal is to broaden its usefulness, efficacy and worth. As one of numerous alternative fuels, biodiesel have a spot in the development and improvement of a balanced energy policy.

Reality: At the present time, biofuels are the best alternatives to fossil fuels which are nonrenewable. Not only traditional petroleum fuel is far more expensive, it is also damaging our environment. 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, most of the time using equipment that a local workshop can make and maintain. This can make biofuel an economical option to fossil fuels and can aid in strengthening local communities both socially and economically. It can create jobs and help boost the economy as well.

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