1 Module 1: Ethanol and Ethanol-Blended Fuels

2 Objective Upon the completion of this module, participants will be able to describe the use & continued growth of ethanol & ethanol-blended fuels (EBF) in the United States. Copyright 2009, IAFC

3 Introduction May 14, 2007: –Tanker overturned & burned –8,000 gallons –Driver killed –Sent burning stream of EBF onto the road below Copyright 2009, IAFC Baltimore, MD

4 Introduction October 20, 2006: –Train derailed while crossing the Beaver River railroad bridge –86 tank cars loaded with denatured fuel ethanol –Ignited & caught on fire for about 48 hours –Some of the unburned denatured fuel ethanol was released into the river & the surrounding soil Copyright 2009, IAFC New Brighton, PA

5 Introduction Primary automotive fuel is gasoline & diesel U.S. automobile industry predominantly produced gasoline-powered vehicles Gasoline & diesel are hydrocarbons derived from crude oil Copyright 2009, IAFC

6 Introduction Ethanol-blended fuels becoming more substantial component of U.S. motor fuel market: –Ethanol blended into nearly 98% of nation’s fuel supply Gasoline blended with up to 10% ethanol Alternative fuels such as E85 & others –Available throughout the U.S. & in all octane grades

7 Introduction EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard: –Increased usage of renewable fuels like ethanol each year until 2022 –By the year 2022, annual production capacity will be 36 billion gallons Bio-refineries, ethanol production facilities, exist in multiple states Additional refineries to be built based on production needs

8 History of Ethanol-Blended Fuels Ethanol was used to power original Model-T Ford! Ethanol has been a gasoline additive since late 1970s Primary role was air quality improvement –Replaced MTBE after ground water contamination Secondary role was octane improvement Current role is octane, air quality, & improved domestic energy production

9 History of Ethanol-Blended Fuels Late 1980s: –Mandatory oxygenated fuel programs –Limited to 10% (E10) –Some states used oxygenates such as ethanol to lower carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Ethanol is currently the most widely used oxygenate –MTBE banned in most states

10 History of Ethanol-Blended Fuels In 2010s: –EPA approved higher level of ethanol that could be blended in gasoline –Current EPA approval is up to 15% by volume ethanol allowed in gasoline –High ethanol content fuels like E85 becoming more available

11 Common Ethanol-Blended Fuels Common ethanol concentration in fuels: –E10 10% ethanol with 90% gasoline –E85 85% ethanol with 15% gasoline Common ethanol concentration leaving a biorefinery: –Denatured fuel ethanol 98% ethanol & 2% denaturing agent

12 Summary Ethanol has been blended with gasoline since early 1970s Ethanol use has expanded dramatically in U.S. since 2000 Ethanol industry is meeting current consumption needs of the industry