Bio Ethanol properties facts performance

Ethanol Overview

Dwindling oil reserves; volatility of world oil prices coupled with problems of supply and dependence; and the urgent need for alternative, renewable, and eco-friendly fuels. These are strong concerns for practically every country in the world, for reasons of self-sufficiency, and of ecological safety and sustainability. Ethanol is found to be a most satisfactory answer for these concerns

Production Process

Ethanol is produced from starch or sugar-based feedstocks. Production processes have been refined and become increasingly efficient over the years. Primarily Ethanol production in the UK comes from Sugar Beet. Arable crops, such as grain, can also be used. Any fibrous natural material can make alcohol, even wood can be processed.

When Ethanol is produced from cellulosic biomass, there are options for pre-treatment and several technologies combine the hydrolysis and fermentation steps.

UK Production facilities

Ethanol is produced by several large scale operations in the UK. 

The Ensus plc, plant will have an annual production capacity of over 400 million litres and will make it the largest production facility in Europe. This uses grain. 

Green Spirit have a site in Somerset and a second opening 2008 in Humberside. British Sugar, along with several partners including BP and Dupont, have invested £20m into the project. This Wissington plant has the ability to produce the biofuels, ethanol and biobutanol. 

Ethanol and the Environment

Ethanol contains 35% oxygen, is non-toxic, water-soluble and quickly biodegradable. These properties make it an ideal substance to formulate fuel blends the use of which will mean a cleaner and less polluted environment and, as a consequence, a healthy planet for us all and for future generations. Compared to petroleum-based fossil fuels, Ethanol blends contribute significantly towards the safety and conservation of the environment.

• 10% Ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12-19%.
• In 2005, Ethanol use in the US reduced CO2 -greenhouse gas emissions by about 7.8 million tons.
• According to the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Ethanol-blended, reformulated gasoline reduces smog-forming emissions by 25% since 1990.
• Ethanol brings down tailpipe emissions by 30%, toxic content by 13% (mass) and 21% (potency), and tailpipe fine particulate matter (PM) emissions by 50%.
• Ethanol has a positive energy balance, for it generates more energy than is consumed during production. It yields 67% more fossil energy than is used to grow, harvest and process the grain.
• Ethanol reduces formaldehyde emissions.

Ethanol and Engine performance

Ethanol blends are now widely acknowledged as high-quality, low-cost octane fuels that enhance engine performance.

Higher Octane

Ethanol has a higher octane rating. When 10% Ethanol is added to unleaded gasoline, the rating goes up from 92 to 95.

Better Combustion

With 35% oxygen, Ethanol, when blended with petrol, causes combustion that is more even and more complete, and reduces knocking or pinging in the motor. The motor runs more smoothly and the overall performance is enhanced.

Cleaner Engine

Ethanol's clean-burning quality reduces carbon deposits, and keeps motor and fuel system clean.

Reduced Quantity of Toxins and Carcinogens

Compared to standard gasoline, Ethanol blends contain less toxins and carcinogens.

Reduced Emissions

Vehicles using Ethanol blends achieve reductions in

• Greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19%

• Tailpipe carbon monoxide emissions by about 30%, and

• Toxic emissions by up to 22%

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