For years now, ethanol has been considered one of the most versatile compounds when it comes to the manufacturing of products. Not only does it contribute to a healthy environment, but it’s also affordable and can be purchased in bulk to suit a variety of needs. When it comes to manufacturing, ethanol has been turned to by businesses wanting to do their bit for the world – and as this substance is made from biomass as opposed to natural fuels and gases, it is considered highly renewable.
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is the product of biomass harvesting, whereby the ancient, decomposed mass of long-dead creatures and other organic components is processed, refined and then stored. Ethanol is just one of the refined properties of biomass and as the composition undergoes a form of rehabilitation during its refinement process, it is capable of transferring energy. This is what makes a reliable ethanol supplier so useful within the manufacturing field, as it can be used as a firm replacement for other fossil fuels such as petrol and gas.
Uses of Ethanol
Ethanol itself can be used in a great number of ways. One of the most common is within modernised vehicle engines. As ethanol contains a very high volume of oxygen, when it is exposed to the combustion process, it burns far more intrinsically than petrol or diesel, which means that it provides a cleaner catalytic reaction. As a result, the health of an engine can be far more prominent when ethanol is used.
It’s not just this benefit that makes it appealing within the manufacturing industry either. The added bonus of ethanol is that when it burns, it destroys carbon dioxide – a naturally occurring gas that is toxic to humans, animals and other organic materials around the world. As ethanol utilises carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to maintain its burn rate, it can actually contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases, which in turn can help to improve the world that we live in.
Advantages of Ethanol
- Renewable resource: Ethanol is derived from biomass such as corn, sugarcane, and other plant materials, making it a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Eth combustion produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint and mitigate climate change.
- Enhanced energy security: By utilizing domestically produced ethanol, countries can reduce their reliance on imported oil, promoting energy independence and security.
- Economic growth: The production and use of ethanol can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas where crops are grown and processed.
- Improved engine performance: Ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which can lead to increased engine efficiency, better fuel combustion, and reduced engine knocking.
- Compatibility with gasoline: Ethanol can be easily blended with gasoline in various proportions, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), providing flexibility in fuel usage and potentially reducing fuel costs.
- Biodegradability: Ethanol is biodegradable and poses less risk to the environment in case of spills compared to petroleum-based fuels.
- Support for agriculture: The production of ethanol provides an additional market for agricultural products, benefiting farmers and the agricultural industry.
- Reduced air pollution: Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in fewer tailpipe emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and smog.
- Diversification of energy sources: The use of ethanol as a fuel contributes to a more diverse energy portfolio, reducing vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
Going Green with Ethanol
Another major benefit of ethanol is that transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to this more convenient one is actually fairly straightforward. It can be stored in much the same way and when used within components, it can function inside the same types of cylinders and combustion processes that fossil fuels rely on to burn.
This is why so many businesses are considering making the change to ethanol – and not just because of the potential to reduce their carbon footprint and emissions, but also to save money on their energy expenses. As ethanol is a renewable source of energy, it is subjected to lower taxation than fossil fuels and it can also be purchased at a fairly low price, making it far more appealing to those wanting to save money. No matter the size of the business, by incorporating ethanol for manufacture as opposed to fossil fuels, it can be possible to help the environment, reduce energy costs and enjoy a far more proficient and clean way to create products.
