Clean energy has been the talk of the town for years, but with recent advancements, it is becoming a reality. The energy is generated from renewable and recyclable sources without adding to emissions. Anhydrous ethanol, in particular, has become known for its ability to create clean energy.
What is anhydrous ethanol?
Also known as absolute ethanol, ethyl alcohol, and EtOH, it is a clear, colourless, homogeneous biofuel free from any suspended matter. It usually consists of 99.5% ethanol by volume at 15.6 °C (60.08°F). Anhydrous ethanol is regarded as a clean-burning fuel alternative to gasoline.
How is anhydrous ethanol made?
The chemical compound is produced through the fermentation of biomass (sugar, starch or cellulose, for instance, are known as biomass). The diluted ethanol-water solution produced during fermentation is made to undergo distillation or dehydration processes to obtain high-concentration anhydrous ethanol. The maximum permissible amount of water content per cent by weight should be 0.5 (determined using the Karl-Fisher method).
What makes anhydrous ethanol a clean fuel?
Ethyl alcohol, having a higher octane number (making it a stable fuel), is often mixed with gasoline to lower emission rates. Furthermore, the pollutants produced during the burning process of biofuels leave behind residuals that have minimal to zero impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
As a matter of fact, ethanol and gasoline blends (E10 – having 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline) are popularly used in many parts of the world. This creates the opportunity to use biofuel in higher concentrations, such as E85 or E95.
Where else is the compound used?
Aside from its considerations for being used as an alternative to gasoline, the compound often finds its place as a chemical reagent, raw material for producing plastics, polishes, plasticisers, drugs (medicinal purposes), and even cosmetics. The chemical compound is also used as an organic solvent, a carbon-based compound capable of dissolving or dispersing other chemicals or substances.
Anhydrous Ethanol vs Gasoline: Harnessing The Power
The only point of similarity between ethyl alcohol and gasoline is that they both are flammable liquids that can emit power.
Here are some points of differences to consider.
- Origin: Gasoline is derived from natural resources (crude oil in this case) and is a fossil fuel. Ethyl alcohol, on the other hand, is manufactured by the fermentation of raw and readily available biomass such as sugarcane, corn, and cellulose.
- Emissions: When 3.78 litres (one gallon) of ethanol is combusted, it emits 8595 grams (18.92 pounds) of CO₂ is emitted. When the same amount of gasoline (not mixed with ethanol) is combusted, it emits 71.92 litres (19 gallons) of CO₂.
- Prices: Anhydrous ethanol is often produced in manufacturing plants and is highly regulated to maintain safety and quality standards. Gasoline, a fossil fuel, is available in select locations that involve high production costs.
Future flag bearer for clean energy
Sustainability and sensitivity towards extraction & use of fossil fuels have become prominent over the years. Anhydrous ethanol offers a practical, affordable and more eco-friendly solution to this problem. It is being promoted in various parts of the world to curb dependency on natural resources and reduce the amounts paid for petroleum imports. This makes it a promising alternative for the future ahead.
