Citation

del Rosario, E. J., Fuel alcohol from agricultural crops and residues. In: Proceedings of the Regional Workshop on the Technology of Fuel Alcohol Production, University of the Philippines at Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, pp. 123-144, October 25-30, 1982.

Abstract

Resume

The present technology for alcohol production favors the use of saccharine crops such as nips sap, sugarcane and coconut sap. Starchy crops, such as cassava and sweet potato, require an additional saccharification step with its added costs. Reducing in alcohol production costs can be obtained by increasing alcohol productivity (expressed as volume of alcohol produced per unit time per unit of fermented volume) and by reducing process energy expenditure

Continuous-flow fermentation using a tubular fermenter is promising. Improvement in the conversion of starch into ethanol will result from the production of highly active amylases. Alternatively, direct and rapid microbial conversion of starch into ethanol might prove successful. A breakthrough in the cellulose-into-ethanol conversion is expected in the coming decade or two and will help assure an almost unlimited supply of fuel ethanol. Extensive efforts are needed in the production of alcohol from plant biomass. The preservation of human civilization could well depend on the development of an alcohol-based fuel economy using replenishable carbohydrate as raw material.

Country, State, District, etc.

Philippines

Language

English

Material

rice, corn, sweet potato, cassava, sugarcane, nipa sap, coconut sap, sweet sorghum

Use category

ethanol production