What Is E85 Ethanol And How Is It Made?

By:Dorrie Ruplinger

With gasoline prices rising higher and higher, with no relief in sight, consumers are becoming more aware of and more interested in alternative fuel sources. One of those viable fuel sources is E85 ethanol. These days, there is quite a bit of talk about this fuel, and why shouldn’t there be? After all, it costs close to thirty five percent less than gasoline and is quickly becoming a preferred choice for motorists at the pump stations. E85 ethanol is already widely used in Brazil with about 90 percent of Brazil’s vehicles able to use E85 ethanol. Although a much lower percentage of vehicles in the United State’s are flexible fuel vehicles, and therefore able to burn E85 ethanol, it is quickly gainer favor.

What is E 85 Ethanol?

When 15 percent of leaded gasoline is combined with eighty five percent of ethanol, the result is the low-cost E85 ethanol fuel. It is an alcohol-based fuel that can be produced from employing the use of two methods. The first source of production involves the fermenting and distilling of starch-like feedstock. They include corn, barley, and wheat. The next method, which is referred as bio-ethanol, involves extraction from trees and grasses.

Although the price of the Ethanol E85 may be foremost on consumer’s minds, it also gets the nod from earth activists because it is an environmentally friendly product. It burns clean and its key ingredient source is renewable. Ethanol E85 also lessens the need for imported crude oil because it is locally produced, and is also known for increasing the octane rating in fuel while decreasing the harmful emissions caused by gasoline. If you are consciously trying to use less gasoline because you are aware of toxins it releases into our air think about this: if you convert to a flexible fuel vehicle and you burn E85 in that vehicle you will automatically be using 85 percent less gasoline that you previously had because 85 percent of your fuel is now ethanol and only 15 percent is gasoline.

Ethanol E85 will run well in flexible fuel vehicles like those manufactured by Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu and Nissan to name a few. But, if you don’t own a vehicle by one of the above-mentioned manufacturers, you need not fear. Some people are not aware that many other cars manufactured today are Ethanol E85 compatible. It is best to find out from your car dealer if you have a flexible fuel vehicle.

How is E85 Ethanol Made?

The method for producing Ethanol E85 is long and complex. The maker has to first extract sugar from biological feedstock in order to begin the process. Corn is the leading ingredient in Ethanol E85 gas in the United States. In Brazil, sugar cane is the leading ingredient in ethanol. The starch in these crops can easily be converted into sugar. Sugar for this fuel can also be extracted from cellulose, which is a sugar based ingredient found in trees and grasses.

Once the feedstock is collected, it goes through a grinding process to extract the sugar. Sugar fed into microbes quickly produces ethanol and carbon dioxide, which is purified to get the ethanol to the right consistency.

There is another method of manufacturing Ethanol E85 oil or grain alcohol, as it is also known, and this is through a wet-milling process. This is also the method that large-scale manufacturers use when producing high-fructose corn sweetener.

Ethanol E85 is an innovative and renewable resource with many positive characteristics, making it one of the leading topics of discussion for those looking to help the earth and looking to keep a few extra bucks in their wallet. Although E85 is currently only available at approximately 600 pumps in the United States, that number is expected to grow significantly in the next few years.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: ethanol, flexible fuel vehicle, e10, e85, e-10, e-85, ethanol fuel, ethanol gas, alternative fuel

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Dorrie Ruplinger is a featured contributor at GotEthanol.com. For information about ethanol and e85 ethanol, visit us.

Top Cars and Trucks Articles
1). 2008 Chery QQ: Sneak Peak! By : Matthew C. Keegan China’s Chery Automotive Group is getting set to import as many as five vehicles into the US starting in the summer of 2007. These 2008 models are reportedly going to be cheaper than competing models in their respective classes, undercutting some models by as much as $10,000 per car. I have been doing a little investigating and have learned more about the Chery QQ, the three door compact that will retail for just $6995.
2). Geely Cars: Gotta Get One? By : Matthew C. Keegan I mentioned in a related article that the first batch of Chinese built cars to be imported to the U.S. is only a few years away. In that article, I discussed Chery Automobiles and how the company has its designs on the American market, particularly in the entry level category. Well, now a second manufacturer – Geely Automotive Company – is also planning on bringing at least one model to the U.
3). Why Ford Motor Company Is Losing Market Share Fast To Hyundai By : David Maillie Ford is fast losing market share to automotive companies like Hyundai. This article shows why and what Ford can do to turn themselves around before it is too late. Someone should definitely email this to Fords executives before it is too late.
4). How To Avoid Auto Repair and Service Scams By : David Maillie There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it.
5). Ford Focus Is 'Comfortable And Versatile' By : Kwik Fit The UK's best selling car at the moment; the Ford Focus, is a comfortable and versatile mode of transport, according to the manufacturers, who claim the latest model is longer and wider than before. With a variety of body shapes available in several trim levels, the Ford Focus costs from £11,395 on-the-road for the three-door 1.4 Studio model, to £19,200 for the 1.
6). 2006 Mitsubishi Raider: A Rebadged Delight! By : Matthew C. Keegan If you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered in the middle of its beefy looking grille. However, as you let your eyes run the full length of the truck’s body and take a look at its styling cues, you would see something different, yet very familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota.
7). Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend By : Jason Moore With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas.
8). Jaguar X Type: The Classic Luxury Sports Car By : Jennifer Dylan Built on a modified version of the Ford CD 132 platform, the Jaguar X Type is considered to be just another version of the Ford Mondeo. Take away the badge and the name from the Ford Mondeo and put in Jaguar badges, you would be getting the the Jaguar X Type. In fact the platform which it was built on was just a modified version of the Ford CDW 27 platform which is what the Ford Mondeo uses.
9). How to Create Your Own Vanity Plates By : Kevin Anderson Vanity plates, for some people, are just an added expense, for in some states, they do charge people with vanity plates an annual fee for them. However, there are some people who would opt to have vanity plates so as to show off and tell people more about themselves. Aside from telling people what kind of person they are, vanity plates also serve as channels and media for people to shout out to the rest of the driving world some messages that they would like to get across.
10). 2006 Toyota Matrix: Value Meets Fun By : Matthew C. Keegan During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the decision was made to build a car to entice young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of a car and something radically different was needed.

New Cars and Trucks Articles
1). How To Choose The Right Car Cover That Will Not Damage Your Car By : Gregg Hall Not everyone is lucky enough to have a garage to keep their car in and even if you do you may be like me and have too much junk to be able to park your car there.
2). Peugeot 206cc. Open Cruising With a Little French Flair By : Kerry Plowright The French have long been regarded as the leaders in style, and this reputation is well justified in the Peugeot 206cc (coupe cabriolet).
3). Satellite Radio, the New Frontier in Broadcasting By : Jerry Cahill Do you enjoy more control over your radio listening? If you are willing to pay a small monthly fee you can have a much greater radio listening opportunity.
4). Are Flex Fuel And Biodiesel Viable Options? By : Mike Eggert Once thought of as only a dream, Flex fuel vehicles are fast becoming a reality. The high cost of gasoline and fuels like Diesel have prompted auto makers around the world to start building automobiles that will burn more than one type of fuel.
5). Find Auto Parts Fast and Enjoy Great Savings Shopping Online By : Ray La Foy Money can be saved by replacing these parts yourself, but sometimes trying to find the right parts to fix things up is nearly impossible.
6). Smart Shoppers Save More on Vehicles and Financing By : Ray La Foy Finding the best deals on automobiles will often involve the number and type needed and the kind of credit your company has.
7). How To Get A Cheap Car Rental By : John Layton Always look for the best car rental offer.
8). Should You Go Topless For Your Next Sports Car? By : Gregg Hall Living in Florida we have many days when a convertible is highly desirable, especially in the spring and fall when temperatures are really comfortable.
9). IRS Incentives for Hybrid Owners By : Michael Plante The hybrid car has not come into the world without a shroud of rumors following carefully behind. From rumors of exploding batteries, electrical and digital nightmares, and poorly met expectations letting down consumers, the hybrid has had to struggle to overcome many misconceptions...
10). Rising Car Arson And Insurance Fraud Costs Everyone By : David Maillie Car owners locked into payments they can’t afford with the increasing gas costs and our current economic slowdown have turned to arson to get rid of their debts.