Ethanol Key Terms

Learn more about ethanol terminology for your business

Ethanol and other renewable fuel sources are not only becoming popular, but they are a socially responsible fuel choice that will take us into the next century. Familiarizing yourself with the terminology surrounding this topic will help you in both business and social settings.

Ethanol key terms include laws surrounding ethanol, properties of fuels made by ethanol, as well as products and byproducts from the production of the fuel. Whatever the terminology, though, knowing the definitions of words and acronyms surrounding this field will help you at every step of the ethanol business chain as well as help in conversations with the everyday consumer.

 

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is made from soy oil blended with standard diesel and other additives to give a renewable fuel source. Research is being done to try and do the same thing with diesel blends mixed with ethanol.
Try: Take advantage of the many print resources materials on biodiesel from the National Biodiesel Board.

Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)

Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is a section of energy legislation being proposed on the federal level that mandates that the nation's transportation fuel supply industry use a set minimum number of gallons of renewable fuel. Ethanol falls under this category of renewable fuel, as does biodiesel.
Try: Find out more about the Renewable Fuels Standard from the US government's Environmental Protection Agency.

Co-products

Co-products are the byproducts of ethanol plants from ethanol production. They include feed for livestock, corn sweeteners and oil as well as carbon dioxide.
Try: Learn about ethanol products and co-products from the National Corn Growers Association.

Octane rating

Octane rating of a vehicle tells the "antiknock" properties of your fuel source. If you have a high number for your octane rating, it means that your fuel will burn slower and that your engine will be less likely to "knock."
Try: Discover more about octane ratings from TheServiceAdvisor.com.

Ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE)

Ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) is a fuel made from ethanol that has lower volatility and blending properties.
Try: Find out more about ethyl tertiary butyl ether from the LyondellBasell.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are engine exhaust emissions that are air pollutants. They are reduced by 12% when you use ethanol fuels.
Try: Interactive Learning Paradigms offers helpful information on understanding volatile organic compounds.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---