Q) Write how bio-fuels are manufactured?
Ans:-
Bio-fuels are esters or alcohols extracted from the Bio-Mass.
Bio-Fuels are two types:-
- Bio-Diesels
- Bio-Ethanols
Bio-Diesels:-
Bio diesels are produced from the process called Trans-Esterification. Oils extracted from Jatropha seeds or Derris Indica contains Glycerol, which impacts healthy functioning of engine. Thatswhy, Oils are heated with Ethyl alcohol and Methyl Alcohol in the presence of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Such process gives methyl esters and ethyl esters, which are used as the bio-diesels.
In India, nearly 5% of Bio-Diesel is blended with diesel.
Bio-Ethanols:-
In India, Ethanols are produced from the fermentation of the molasses.
Fermentation:-
When yeast ferments the molasses, sucrase enzyme breaks down the sucrose into fructose and glucose. Then such glucose or fructose introduced to another enzyme called zymase, It breaks down the glucose or fructose into Ethyl alcohol and CO2. Such ethyl alcohol is used as the Bio-Ethanol.
In India, nearly 10% of bio-ethanol is blended with petrol.
As Bio-Fuels have higher octane ring, they produce fewer particulate matter and they are eco-friendly in nature.