Category: ethanol

In order to properly understand the correlation between ethanol and biodiesel, one must first learn about each separately, and then they will be able to fully understand the relationship that is existent between the two matters. Ethanol and biodiesel are similar in many regards, and so all of the correlations between ethanol and biodiesel truly must be taken into serious consideration.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is basically a flammable, colorless, and mildly toxic chemical compound with a distinctive perfume-like odor and it is the alcohol that is found in alcoholic beverages; in more common usage, it is simply referred to as alcohol.

Ethanol has been used by humans since as far back as prehistoric times, and although it has also been used for more negative reasons, such as for explosive devices due to its flammable nature, it also has been considered as positive in means of alcohol and other products of the like; ethanol has been used as a treatment substance for as far back as prehistoric times as well, and so this is looked upon as being positive.

Not only that, but ethanol is the chemical compound which is presently considered as being what is going to take the place as our gasoline; this is an incredibly important topic especially considering the fact that we are in a raging war with Iraq and that this is where we depend on our fuel for the most part.

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a term which refers to a diesel-equivalent, processed fuel derived from biological sources, and though derived from biological sources, it must be known that it is in fact a processed fuel which can be readily used in that of diesel-engined vehicles, which thus distinguishes biodiesel from the more straight vegetable oils.

What is the Relationship Between Ethanol and Biodiesel?

In regards to the actual relationship between ethanol and biodiesel, the most important factor that must be taken into consideration is the fact that these are the two main choices that are questioned in regards to which is better for the environment overall, and which is going to be what we use for the most part for the longest period of time. Ethanol for the most part however is considered as being the better choice, and this is for several different reasons.

However, there are also many benefits to biodiesel, and so these two must be taken properly into consideration.

The production of ethanol gas requires only ninety-five percent less petroleum when compared with the same quantity of fossil fuels, according to new studies conducted. The production of this gas is also far more environments friendly as it causes lesser amounts of greenhouse gases to be produced that in turn increase the possibility of global warming. It is believed that ethanol gas could contribute in no small measure to being more energy efficient as well as ninety-five percent free of emissions of greenhouse gases if use is made of woody plants in producing it, instead of corn.

There is no doubt the fact that when one uses ethanol gas they will benefit from this cleaner burning fuel which can provide the same efficiency as standard fuels. The standard 1:9 mixture of ethanol to gasoline can be used in any vehicle but there are also other mixtures that may be used to drive flexible-fuel cars and this mixture is known as the E85 that contains 85 % ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol gas is produced from renewable home-grown resources and is very advantageous to the economy as well as provides cleaner air.

Cars May Also Be Converted To Run On E85 Ethanol Gas

The process of producing ethanol is through fermentation of bacteria and breaking down of carbohydrate sugars like starch from corns. There are good possibilities for converting vehicles that run on unleaded fuel to also run on E85 ethanol gas and reputable car manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler sell cars that can run on such alternate fuels.

It is believed that out of every eight gallons of gasoline sold there is one gallon that contains ethanol gas which is mostly a ten percent ethanol and ninety percent gasoline blend and is sometimes referred to as gasohol or E10 whose primary use is in enhancing octane that helps to develop better quality of air. Ethanol gas blends that contain ten percent or less of ethanol have been used successfully in every type of engine and vehicle.

There is also a steady rise in the number of ethanol gas stations being opened up though this may be true only for corn growing states since the cost of transporting ethanol is quite prohibitive and so most ethanol gas filling stations seem to be cropping up in states such as Minnesota and Illinois. However, ethanol gas is sold in every state across the US and ethanol blends comprise total sales in areas of carbon monoxide and ozone no attainment, at certain times of the year.