Ethanol Facts
Due to environmental issues plaguing our world today, many people are turning to alternative fuel to solve their problems. Times are difficult and the high prices of gasoline nowadays are not making things any easier. That is why the talks of alternative fuel are becoming more and more popular amongst concerned adults today. One of the most common form of alternative fuel talked about today is Ethanol. Ethanol is believed by many to be the leading source of fuel in the future but there are many things we must learn about ethanol before crowning it king. This article will cover the basic facts about ethanol that everyone should know.
For starters, ethanol fuel, just like the leading petroleum fuel known as gasoline, is colorless. It is a clear liquid composed mostly of vegetable oil which cuts down on exhaust diffusions, resulting in a cleaner burning fuel and protecting our environment from pollution. The greenhouse effect is not ruptured from the manufacturing or burning of ethanol which makes it a perfect candidate for an environmentally safe resource. It is also 100% biodegradable.
Though known also as a type of alcohol, ethanol is made from the fermenting and distilling of crops which are then broken down into simple sugars. Starch crops such as corn or sorghum are also used to make ethanol fuel. The United States uses mostly starch crops to make their ethanol while its highest competitor, Brazil, makes their ethanol fuel from sugar canes. Although the manufacturing of ethanol fuel can be quite more complicated than that of biodiesel, it can still be privately manufactured using an ethanol still operated by only one individual.
Another ethanol fact to note is that some of the world's premier automobile manufacturing companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Ford and Nissan are already mass producing cars that run on ethanol fuel. These companies have already jumped on the idea that the future of transportation will rely heavily on ethanol fuel and have already begun preparing us for that time. It is quite interesting to note that ethanol has been considered for fueling machinery for decades and almost all auto manufacturers approve of ethanol use in their warranty.
At the moment, ethanol is being used as a blend or mixture with ordinary gasoline. The combination of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline makes what is popoulary known today as E85, a common source of fuel used in Sweden.
As you can see, there are many facts about ethanol that one should fully understand before ruling it out as the possible future for alternative fuel. If anything, ethanol seems to be quite appealing to the masses due to its low cost of manufacturing, cleanliness in burning, and environmental friendliness. It is strongly suggested that with proper support, development and research, ethanol can push us into a world less dependent on oil.
Click here to learn more about making ethanol and
how to construct an ethanol still.