E85 ethanol fuel is a type of alternative fuel that is becoming increasingly popular in the transportation industry. It is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, with the exact ratio varying depending on the manufacturer. In this article, we will explore what e85 ethanol fuel is, how it is made, and the benefits and drawbacks of using it as a fuel.
What is E85 Ethanol Fuel?
E85 ethanol fuel is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. The “E” in E85 stands for ethanol, and the number “85” represents the percentage of ethanol in the blend. The remaining 15% is gasoline.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is made from plant materials such as corn, sugarcane, and switchgrass. It is produced through a process called fermentation, in which sugars are converted into alcohol. Ethanol is a high-octane fuel that can be used in gasoline engines with some modifications.
Gasoline, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel that is derived from crude oil. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons that are refined from crude oil through a process called fractional distillation.
E85 ethanol fuel is typically used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are designed to run on a blend of ethanol and gasoline. FFVs are capable of running on any blend of ethanol and gasoline up to E85.
How is E85 Ethanol Fuel Made?
E85 ethanol fuel is made by blending ethanol and gasoline. The exact ratio of ethanol to gasoline can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the most common blend is E85, which contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Ethanol is typically produced from corn, sugarcane, or switchgrass. The process of producing ethanol from these materials involves several steps, including:
Harvesting the plant material: The first step in producing ethanol is harvesting the plant material. This can be done by hand or using a machine.
Grinding the plant material: After harvesting, the plant material is ground into a fine powder or mash.
Mixing the mash with water: The mash is mixed with water to create a slurry.
Adding enzymes: Enzymes are added to the slurry to break down the starches into sugars.
Fermentation: The slurry is then fermented using yeast or bacteria. During fermentation, the sugars are converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Distillation: After fermentation, the ethanol is separated from the rest of the mixture using a process called distillation. The ethanol is heated to a high temperature, causing it to vaporize. The vapor is then condensed back into a liquid, creating ethanol.
Once the ethanol has been produced, it is blended with gasoline to create E85 ethanol fuel.
Benefits of E85 Ethanol Fuel
There are several benefits to using E85 ethanol fuel, including:
Renewable: Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is made from plant materials. This means that it is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel than gasoline, which is a fossil fuel.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Ethanol produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. This is because the plants used to produce ethanol absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow.
Domestic production: Most of the ethanol produced in the United States is made from corn, which is grown domestically. This means that using E85 ethanol fuel can help to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
High octane: Ethanol is a high-octane fuel that can improve engine performance and increase horsepower.
Lower cost: E85 ethanol fuel is often less expensive than gasoline, which can help to reduce fuel costs.
Drawbacks of E85 Ethanol Fuel
There are also some drawbacks to using E85 ethanol fuel, including:
Reduced fuel efficiency: Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, which means that it contains less energy per unit of volume. This can result in reduced fuel efficiency and lower mileage.
Limited availability: E85 ethanol fuel is not widely available, which can make it difficult to find a fueling station that sells it.
Corrosive: Ethanol is more corrosive than gasoline, which can lead to damage to engine components such as fuel lines and injectors.
Cold weather performance: Ethanol can make it more difficult to start an engine in cold weather, as it has a higher freezing point than gasoline.
Environmental concerns: The production of ethanol can have environmental impacts, such as increased water usage and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Conclusion
E85 ethanol fuel is a blend of ethanol and gasoline that is becoming increasingly popular in the transportation industry. It is a renewable fuel that is made from plant materials and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as reduced fuel efficiency and limited availability. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of E85 ethanol fuel, we can make informed decisions about whether it is the right fuel for our vehicles.