Overview of Ethanol Uses and Their Various Grades
Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from plant materials, such as corn, sugarcane, and switchgrass, and we will go through an overview of ethanol uses. It is an alcohol that can be used as a fuel additive, a solvent, and a disinfectant. In the United States, ethanol is primarily used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and reduce harmful emissions. Ethanol is available in different grades, each with its specific use and properties. This article will discuss what ethanol is and the other grades available. This overview of ethanol uses will give you the insight you need to make purchases.
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor. It is a type of alcohol that is produced by fermenting sugars and starches from plant materials. The two main sources of ethanol in the United States are corn and sugarcane. Corn-based ethanol is the most common type used in the United States, accounting for about 90% of the ethanol produced.
Ethanol as a fuel additive has a higher octane rating than gasoline. This means that it can help improve the performance of engines and reduce emissions. Ethanol is also used as a solvent in producing pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and personal care products. It is also used as a disinfectant and a preservative.
Different Grades of Ethanol & Overview of Ethanol Uses
Different grades of ethanol are available, each with its specific use and properties. The most common grades of ethanol are fuel-grade and industrial-grade ethanol.
- Fuel-Grade Ethanol
Fuel-grade ethanol is used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and reduce harmful emissions. Fuel-grade ethanol, or E10, is 10% and 90% gasoline. E10 is the most commonly used ethanol blend in the United States and is approved for all gasoline engines.
Another type of fuel-grade ethanol is E15, which contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. E15 is approved for use in vehicles that are model year 2001 or newer. E15 is not approved for motorcycles, boats, or small engines, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws.
Higher ethanol blends, such as E85, which contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, are available. E85 is approved for use in flex-fuel vehicles, designed to run on either gasoline or ethanol blends up to E85. Here is the EPA’s viewpoint on E85 fuel, and it can be read by clicking here!
- Industrial-Grade Ethanol
Industrial-grade ethanol is used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and food and beverage production. Industrial-grade ethanol is also known as denatured ethanol, which means that it has been treated with a denaturant to make it unfit for human consumption.
Denatured ethanol is classified into different types based on the denaturant used. The most common types of denatured ethanol are SD alcohol, SDA, and SDA 40B. SD alcohol is used to produce perfumes, while SDA and SDA 40B are used to produce personal care products, such as deodorants and hair sprays.
Conclusion
The overview of ethanol uses ranges across all industries! Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is derived from plant materials. It is primarily used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and reduce harmful emissions. Ethanol is available in different grades, each with its specific use and properties. It is important to use the appropriate grade of ethanol for the intended use to ensure optimal performance and safety.
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