Renew Ethanol
What is it?
Ethanol is an alcohol produced by fermenting the starch in corn with yeast. This high octane, 200 proof liquid is mixed with 2% petroleum fuel during the denaturing process so that it cannot be consumed by humans. Then, it is sold to the petroleum industry as a fuel additive. As an additive, ethanol acts as an octane booster and lowers the carbon monoxide emissions of fuel. This reduction in pollution is a requirement of the Clean Air Act of 1990. Typically, ethanol is combined with gasoline to form an E10 blend (90% gasoline and 10% ethanol). However, the E85 blend utilizes 85% ethanol to 15% gasoline.
How is it made?
The production of ethanol requires that starches be unraveled after the corn is broken up in the milling process. This step is accomplished by introducing special enzymes in a hot water mixture that attack the starch portion of the corn. Then, the slurry mixture goes through a liquefication system where first, an alpha-amylase enzyme is added, followed by a gluco-amylase enzyme to break down the starch molecules into simple sugars. In the fermentation stage, yeast is added to cause a fermentation process, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. The resulting “beer” is distilled using heat processes to concentrate the ethanol up to 190 proof. Finally, a molecular sieve is used to remove, or dehydrate, the remaining water resulting in 200 proof ethanol.
What are its benefits?
There are many benefits to ethanol. First and foremost, ethanol helps to alleviate our dependency on foreign oil. By blending ethanol into gasoline, we help extend our fuel supply as well as reduce the amount of petroleum we consume. As oil prices continue to rise, ethanol remains a stable resource with pricing set from within the U.S. Rather than by foreign markets. Ethanol is a renewable resource. It is made from pure and natural corn, which is grown annually by the U.S. Farming industry.
Ethanol is also healthier for the environment. With its high oxygen content, ethanol burns very efficiently and therefore reduces the emissions of carbon monoxide and lessens the depletion of the ozone layer.
What is it used for?
Renew uses ethanol as the ingredient to their E85 fuel which it now sells through their E85 Fuel Stations, making this economical alternative available to the public. Click here to find a station near you.