Ethanol as Fuel
• Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is a clear, colourless liquid.
• It is also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, and EtOH
• Bioethanol is a form of renewable energy that can be produced from agricultural feedstocks. It can be made from very common crops such as hemp, sugarcane, potato, cassava and corn.
• The largest single use of ethanol is as an engine fuel and fuel additive.
• It has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is used as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
• It is also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, and EtOH
• Bioethanol is a form of renewable energy that can be produced from agricultural feedstocks. It can be made from very common crops such as hemp, sugarcane, potato, cassava and corn.
• The largest single use of ethanol is as an engine fuel and fuel additive.
• It has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is used as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
Ethanol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a characteristic wine-like odor and pungent taste.
It burns with a smokeless blue flame that is not always visible in normal light. The flash point of pure ethanol is 13 °C (55 °F), but may be influenced very slightly by atmospheric composition such as pressure and humidity.
Ethanol is produced both as a petrochemical, through the hydration of ethylene and, via biological processes, by fermenting sugars with yeast.
For most industrial and fuel uses, the ethanol must be purified. Fractional distillation at atmospheric pressure can concentrate ethanol to 95.6% by weight.
For most industrial and fuel uses, the ethanol must be purified. Fractional distillation at atmospheric pressure can concentrate ethanol to 95.6% by weight.
Ethanol as a fuel reduces harmful tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and other ozone-forming pollutants.
Ethanol contains approx. 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline but, Ethanol also has a higher octane number than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance.
For fuel cells, Ethanol is an attractive alternative due to its wide availability, low cost, high purity and low toxicity. There is a wide range of fuel cell concepts that have entered trials including direct-ethanol fuel cells, auto-thermal reforming systems and thermally integrated systems.
Ethanol-blended fuel is widely used in Brazil, the United States, India and Europe.
Ethanol mixtures can ignite below average room temperature and is considered a flammable liquid (Class 3 Hazardous Material) in concentrations above 2.35% by mass (3.0% by volume; 6 proof)
Ethanol inhalation can cause coughing or headaches.
It is a corrosive substance and the most recommended containers are those made of stainless steel when storing ethanol.