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 Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid made by fermenting and distilling organic material, most commonly corn. Ethanol’s primary use is as an oxygenate for gasoline, which allows the gasoline to burn more completely and efficiently. It is increasingly being used as a substitute for MTBE (methyl teriary butyl ether) in fuel because it dissipates and does not contaminate ground water. While ethanol blended fuels offer benefits to our environment, ethanol production must be carefully controlled and monitored using continuous emissions monitors (CEMs), similar to those used with fossil fuels.
Various steps in the ethanol production process produce volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) including acetaldehyde, acrolein, ethanol, formaldehyde, 2-furaldehyde, methanol acetic acid and lactic acid. In addition, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are generated at the boiler combustion point. VOCs and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are increasingly regulated by the EPA. In addition, there are new leak detection and repair (LDAP) and NOx monitoring requirements in order to meet New Source Performance Standards (NSPS).
For more information on ethanol related pollutants, see our article featured in the January 2007 issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine. As the world’s largest producer of EPA protocol gases, we have the capabilities and expertise to provide accurate calibration gases for all environmental monitoring applications, including ethanol production. See our online catalog of specialty mixed and pure gases.
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Contact us at 877-715-8651 or techserv@scottgas.com.
Related Bio Fuel Literature
Landfill gas (LFG) results from decomposition of waste in landfills. Largely consisting of methane, a greenhouse gas, if LFG is uncontrolled, it contributes to local smog and presents health and safety hazards. Instead of allowing this harmful pollutant to escape into the atmosphere, it can be captured, converted and used as an energy source. LFG is the only renewable energy source that when used actually removes pollution from the atmosphere.
LFG is a readily available, locally renewable energy source that can help offset our reliance on non-renewable resources such as coal and oil. LFG can be converted to electricity through internal combustion engines, gas turbines, micro-turbines and fuel cells. It can also be upgraded and added directly into natural gas distribution systems. Before it is used, LFG is cleaned and analyzed to determine whether contaminants have been effectively removed.
Scott provides a full range of gas products and equipment to calibrate gas chromatographs and other analyzers for LFG applications. These include:
Can’t find what you need? Have a technical question?
Contact us at 877-715-8651 or solutions@scottgas.com.
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