Catalytic conversion of fermentation derived ethanol to gasoline
The results obtained in this study establish the technical feasibility of converting biomass-derived ethanol to liquid hydrocarbon fuels that can be readily used as an energy source. The effects of process variables on the distribution of the products were investigated but no optimization was attempted. Nevertheless, it is shown that over 80% of the hydrocarbons produced are in the liquid state. The light hydrocarbons produced can be recycled into the reactor so as to essentially produce only liquid products. This is supported from the results of this study, which indicate than an oligomerization process is taking place during the reaction, and from the results of other investigators using methanol as the feed over the same catalyst. The distribution of the liquid products obtained very closely resembles the components present in commercial unleaded gasoline. A preliminary energy analysis shows that the proposed method of recovery of ethanol from fermentation broths require approximately 800 to 1200 Btu/lb ethanol. Furthermore, important other advantages are realized when ethanol is convertd to gasoline as compared to the direct use of ethanol as a fuel. The cost of producig gasoline from biomass is still significantly higher than the cost of petroleum-based gasoline. Nevertheless, biomass has an important advantage over petroleum; it is renewable. 3 figures.
- Research Organization:
- Drexel Univ., Philadelphia, PA
- OSTI ID:
- 5894582
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-820580-
- Journal Information:
- Biotechnol. Bioeng. Symp.; (United States), Journal Name: Biotechnol. Bioeng. Symp.; (United States) Vol. 12; ISSN BIBSB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Process for extracting ethanol from fermentation broths for direct blending into gasoline while preserving the broth for recycling
Fermentation alcohol: better to convert to fuel
Related Subjects
090122* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
090222 -- Alcohol Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ALCOHOLS
BIOCONVERSION
CATALYSIS
CONVERSION
DECANTATION
DISTILLATION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
ETHANOL
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FERMENTATION
FUELS
GASOLINE
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUID FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PRODUCTION
RECOVERY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SEPARATION PROCESSES