There are a few methods used in the manufacturing of ethanol. The different manufacturing process employed help us to differentiate between bio-ethanol and synthetic ethanol, and between renewable and non-renewable ethanol.
Non-renewable Ethanol
Ethanol derived in the extraction from petroleum is non-renewable. Petroleum is a scarce and non-renewable resource. It can be synthesized from ethylene by hydration of the double bond in the presence of catalysts and high temperatures.
C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH
Renewable Ethanol
Ethanol can also be manufactured through the use of carbon-based feedstock.
Bio-ethanol is produced through fermentation of glucose obtained from sugars, starch or cellulose.
C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH+ 2 CO2 + heat
Ethanol manufactured through this process is renewable and is therefore called bio-ethanol. By far, the fermentation process accounts for the largest percentage of the global ethanol production.
References:
- Ethylene. (2017, March 30). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene
- Bio-ethanol. (2017, March 28). Retrieved April 01, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bio-ethanol
Image:
https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/oil-pump-rig.jpg?itok=MIf7CeJE
https://sgpreston.com/biomass-and-bioenergy
http://www.energy-without-carbon.org/sites/default/files/Ethanol%20Sugarbeet.jpg
http://www.indianagrain.com/media/images/blog_entries/3144.jpg
http://www.abbi.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BF_-Cellulosic-ethanol.jpg
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~khanal/fungal/images/Fig2a.jpg