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The process of ethanol distillation is one which is rather complex and yet one which can be easily explained; ethanol is a chemical that is produced either synthetically from ethylene or from the fermentation of grain or sugar; during the ethanol distillation process, or more specifically, during the synthesis of ethanol, the product stream may be contaminated by acidic impurities, and/or sulfurous impurities.

Additionally, during the ethanol distillation process, in the presence of O2, a small part of the ethanol stream may be oxidized into various carbonyl impurities, of which acetaldehyde is the most probable one; the above impurities may cause such effects as odor, discoloration, inefficient distillation, or poor UV transmission.

More About Ethanol Distillation and Ethanol in General

In regards to learning more about ethanol distillation and ethanol in general, there are many things that should be taken seriously into consideration. For instance, there is the fact that ethanol is also known as ethyl alcohol, and that it is a flammable, colorless, mildly toxic chemical compound with a distinctive perfume-like odor, and it is the alcohol that is found in alcoholic beverages.

Ethanol is something which has actually been used by humans since prehistory as the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages, and as well, its isolation as a basically and relatively pure compound was in fact first achieved by Persian alchemists who developed the art of distillation during the Abbasid caliphate, the most notable of whom was Al-Razi.

Furthermore, ethanol is an incredibly versatile solvent, as it is soluble in water and with most organic liquids as well, and also, ethanol is used as a solvent in dissolving medicines, food flavorings and colorings that do not otherwise dissolve easily in water.

In regards to its use in fuel and alcoholic beverages, this is produced by fermentation: which is when certain species of yeast metabolize the sugar in the absence of oxygen, and they then produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. Then, the overall chemical reaction that is conducted by the yeast may then be represented by a chemical equation.

Overall it is quite easy to see the multitude of information that sounds ethanol as a whole, and therefore why it is often considered as being a rather complex matter to discuss; however, once you have even a basic grasp on the matter of ethanol overall, then you will be able to come to a better and more knowledgeable understanding overall.

The burning of transportation fuel accounts for the greatest source of air pollution in our nation. These pollutants range from allergy irritants to carcinogens. Because of the nature of gasoline and the emissions it produces, researchers are trying to find cleaner sources of energy. On source of energy that is readily available and considered renewable is ethanol, which comes from corn, sugar and other bio-wastes. From this has stemmed a grate relationship between Honda and ethanol. Read below for the plans for Honda and ethanol as well as the vehicles Honda already has that will operate on a 10% ethanol and gasoline mixture.

Honda and its Ethanol Plans

Many people are familiar both with cars produced by Honda and with ethanol options available to consumers. Honda, however, has new plans for ethanol that are very promising for the future of ethanol fuel. These plans include using bio-wastes or discarded plant wastes to produce ethanol. Not only has Honda worked hard to find places other than corn to derive ethanol, but it has also developed a microorganism that allows for more efficient production of ethanol. In addition, Honda and ethanol are planning to tie the knot in 2008 with Honda s first bio-refinery.

Ethanol Available Vehicles

Even though Honda is working diligently toward better ethanol options, several of their vehicles are already able to handle a 10% ethanol mix, known as E10. Honda and ethanol work together in several of its vehicles. These include the Honda Accord and Honda Accord Euro from 2003 onwards, the Civic from 2004 onwards, and the CR-V 2003 onwards. In addition, the Honda Integra 2002 on, Honda Jazz 2004 on, the Honda Legend 2007 on and the MDX 2003 on are also able to handle this mixture. Finally, the Odyssey and S2000 2004 onwards also can use E10. These vehicles range from compact cars to mini-vans and are appropriate for many different families.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that there is a push among automakers to develop more fuel efficient and cleaner vehicles. Honda and ethanol appear to be moving in the same direction toward technologies that will make our environment cleaner and our dependence on foreign oil lessened. With Honda s creation of an ethanol refinery and current vehicles that handle E10, it seems that Honda is a leader in the movement from gasoline to ethanol. Watch for more from Honda and the future of fuel.