[TheForge] OT biodiesel

[Walter Mullett]

>From this site:  http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/ethanol/ethanol.html

Ethanol has been made since ancient times by the fermentation of sugars. All
beverage ethanol and more than half of industrial ethanol is still made by
this process. Simple sugars are the raw material. Zymase, an enzyme from
yeast, changes the simple sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The
fermentation reaction, represented by the simple equation

C6H12O6  2 CH3CH2OH + 2 CO2 

is actually very complex, and impure cultures of yeast produce varying
amounts of other substances, including glycerine and various organic acids.
In the production of beverages, such as whiskey and brandy, the impurities
supply the flavor. Starches from potatoes, corn, wheat, and other plants can
also be used in the production of ethanol by fermentation. However, the
starches must first be broken down into simple sugars. An enzyme released by
germinating barley, diastase, converts starches into sugars. Thus, the
germination of barley, called malting, is the first step in brewing beer
from starchy plants, such as corn and wheat.

..... I would assume that the starches, in the preferred crops of wheat,
corn and sugar cane, convert to sugars better.  While other crops still have
carbohydrates, they may be harder to convert.  I know that the corn stalk
has starches too but it is not used, probably for the same reason as why hay
and kudzo are not used.

Walt


-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phlip
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2005 1:38 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] OT biodiesel


OK, I've been watching this thread, and I have a question- not up on
alternative fuels, so forgive me if I ask a stupid question.

With alcohol-based fuel, I noticed that the big crop is corn, and that's
what's discussed, as a crop to provide the basis for the alcohol. There are
pros and cons, basicly relating to what gorn does to the soil, etc.

Why?

Last I checked, any vegetable matter can be converted into one of the
alcohols, between yeasty beasties and disillation. Why not convert hay, or
Ghod help us, you over-run Southerners, kudzu?

I realize that the alcohol made  from "wood" and other substances isn't
potable, but if we're not going to drink it, but, rather, put it in our
cars, I can't see that it matters. Is there something in the non-potable
alcohol which makes the by-products of burning it as dangerous as  the
by-products of petroleim fuels?

Can someone educate me? Bruce?

Saint Phlip,
CoD

"When in doubt, heat it up and hit it with a hammer."
 Blacksmith's credo.

 If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably not a cat.

Never a horse that cain't be rode,
And never a rider who cain't be throwed....

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