An Experiment for Producing Ethanol - an Environmentally Friendly Fuel!

 

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Project Information

Title Justification

Abstract

Theoretical Backdrop

Experimental Design

Apparatus

Method

Experimental Data

Graphed Results

Calculations

Interpretation

Experimental Significance

Benefits of Ethanol

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Terms & Concepts

Bibliography

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The Experiment

Making Ethanol from Yard waste

  1. Mash together yard waste (leaves and small plants). Add very little water, as needed, to form a fine paste.
     
  2. Weigh the yard waste paste and add more yard waste, if needed, until the paste weighs exactly 200 gm.
     
  3. Repeat Steps 3 to 10 as stated above.
     
  4. Take care to label the three sets of beakers as Ethanol from Biomass - Set #1, Set #2, Set #3
     
  5. Conduct the Ethanol Flame Test
     

Note : Colour of fermenting material will vary depending upon the material - whether it is fruit, corn or yard waste.


Source: Photograph taken by myself

Making Ethanol from Yardwastein Warm Temperatures
Note: Ice-pack wrapped on Beaker #2 to make a 'still' for distillation



Precautions:

Following precautions were taken doing experimental setup:

  • During the fermentation process, it is important to prevent oxygen getting to the ethanol. Otherwise the ethanol would absorb oxygen to form vinegar. So the corks need to be placed tightly on each beaker and sealed with duc-tape.

In the presence of oxygen, anaerobic respiration or burning without oxygen will not occur. Yeast will produce only carbon dioxide and water, without producing ethanol.

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