Distilling Ethanol - The Conversion of Cellulose, Such as Sawdust, Cornstalks, Newspaper and Other Substances

7/31/2019 Distilling Ethanol - The Conversion of Cellulose, Such as Sawdust, Cornstalks, Newspaper and Other Substances

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Distilling Ethanol - The conversion of

cellulose, such as sawdust, cornstalks,

newspaper and other substancesFermenting sugars produces ethanol. The sugars can be derived from a variety of

sources. In Brazil, sugar from sugar cane is the primary feedstock for the huge

Brazilian industry. In North America, the sugar is usually derived from the enzymatic

hydrolysis (the conversion of starch to sugar) of starch containing crops such as corn

or wheat. The enzymatic hydrolysis of starch is a cheap, simple, and effective process.

This well developed process sets the baseline that other hydrolysis processes are

compared against. The drawback to producing ethanol from sugar or starch is that the

feedstock tends to be expensive and widely used for other applications. These costs

are offset by the sale of co-products such as Distillers Dried Grains. The NorthAmerican ethanol industry is spending considerable effort on finding new co-products

that are higher in value and thus capable of making the ethanol from grain industry

more cost competitive.

Lignocellulosic materials such as agricultural, hardwood and softwood residues are

potential sources of sugars for ethanol production. The cellulose and hemi-cellulose

components of these materials are essentially long, molecular chains of sugars. They

are protected by lignin, which is the glue that holds all of this material together. The

technological hurdles that are presented by the materials are:

The separation of lignin from the cellulose and hemi-cellulose to makethe material susceptible to hydrolysis.

The hydrolysis of cellulose and hemi-cellulose takes place at differentrates and over reaction can degrade the sugars into materials that are not

suitable for ethanol production.

The hydrolysis of these materials produces a variety of sugars. Not all ofthese sugars are fermentable with the standard yeast that is used in the

grain ethanol industry. The pentose sugars are particularly difficult to

ferment.

Agricultural residues and hardwoods are similar in that they have a lower lignin

content and the hemi-cellulose produces significant amounts of pentose sugars.

Softwoods have a higher lignin content, which makes the hydrolysis step more

difficult, but they generally produce less pentose sugars.


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The five processes reviewed in this report each take a different approach to the

problems that lignocellulosic material present. As a result some are better suited to

one type of material or another. The suitability of the process for the feedstock is

addressed in each section. In some cases there is more than one company marketing

the basic technological approach. In those cases the companies reviewed here were

chosen because they have been active in the BC either promoting projects orparticipating in the development of the knowledge base here.

Four of the five processes involve hydrolysis, fermentation, and product recovery

routes. Some of these also involve a pretreatment step. The fifth process is a chemical

process rather than biological one. The processes are at different stages of

development that makes comparisons between them difficult. A summary is provided

in the conclusion section. http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/ep/wet/section16.html

Fuel From SawdustFuel From SawdustFuel From SawdustFuel From Sawdust

by Mike Brownby Mike Brownby Mike Brownby Mike Brown

(From Acres, USA, 19 June 1983)(From Acres, USA, 19 June 1983)(From Acres, USA, 19 June 1983)(From Acres, USA, 19 June 1983)

The conversion of cellulose, such as sawdust, cornstalks, newspaperThe conversion of cellulose, such as sawdust, cornstalks, newspaperThe conversion of cellulose, such as sawdust, cornstalks, newspaperThe conversion of cellulose, such as sawdust, cornstalks, newspaper

and other substances, to alcohol is a fairly uncomplicated andand other substances, to alcohol is a fairly uncomplicated andand other substances, to alcohol is a fairly uncomplicated andand other substances, to alcohol is a fairly uncomplicated andstraightforward process. At the moment, it is a bit expensstraightforward process. At the moment, it is a bit expensstraightforward process. At the moment, it is a bit expensstraightforward process. At the moment, it is a bit expensive; butive; butive; butive; but

that is hardly a problem that needs to be addressed here. Just a fewthat is hardly a problem that needs to be addressed here. Just a fewthat is hardly a problem that needs to be addressed here. Just a fewthat is hardly a problem that needs to be addressed here. Just a few

years ago the idea of running a car engine on alcohol wasyears ago the idea of running a car engine on alcohol wasyears ago the idea of running a car engine on alcohol wasyears ago the idea of running a car engine on alcohol was

preposterouspreposterouspreposterouspreposterous -------- it was too expensive. Of course, back then gasolineit was too expensive. Of course, back then gasolineit was too expensive. Of course, back then gasolineit was too expensive. Of course, back then gasoline

was less than 50 cents a gallon. What might be unecowas less than 50 cents a gallon. What might be unecowas less than 50 cents a gallon. What might be unecowas less than 50 cents a gallon. What might be uneconomical at thisnomical at thisnomical at thisnomical at this

writing might be a bargain by the time you read this.writing might be a bargain by the time you read this.writing might be a bargain by the time you read this.writing might be a bargain by the time you read this.

Let's say you want to make alcohol from sawdust. There are two typesLet's say you want to make alcohol from sawdust. There are two typesLet's say you want to make alcohol from sawdust. There are two typesLet's say you want to make alcohol from sawdust. There are two types

of alcohol you can obtain from woodof alcohol you can obtain from woodof alcohol you can obtain from woodof alcohol you can obtain from wood -------- methanol and ethanol. Methanolmethanol and ethanol. Methanolmethanol and ethanol. Methanolmethanol and ethanol. Methanol

can be obtained from wood by high temperaturecan be obtained from wood by high temperaturecan be obtained from wood by high temperaturecan be obtained from wood by high temperature destructivedestructivedestructivedestructive

distillation. Methanol is also known as wood alcohol. The otherdistillation. Methanol is also known as wood alcohol. The otherdistillation. Methanol is also known as wood alcohol. The otherdistillation. Methanol is also known as wood alcohol. The other

method used to obtain ethanol involves converting the sawdust tomethod used to obtain ethanol involves converting the sawdust tomethod used to obtain ethanol involves converting the sawdust tomethod used to obtain ethanol involves converting the sawdust to

simple sugars, the usual fermenting by yeast, and the usualsimple sugars, the usual fermenting by yeast, and the usualsimple sugars, the usual fermenting by yeast, and the usualsimple sugars, the usual fermenting by yeast, and the usual

distillation of the fermented solution. There are a coudistillation of the fermented solution. There are a coudistillation of the fermented solution. There are a coudistillation of the fermented solution. There are a couple of otherple of otherple of otherple of other

steps involved prior to distillation that are distinct from thesteps involved prior to distillation that are distinct from thesteps involved prior to distillation that are distinct from thesteps involved prior to distillation that are distinct from the


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standard processes almost everyone is familiar with. To save you thestandard processes almost everyone is familiar with. To save you thestandard processes almost everyone is familiar with. To save you thestandard processes almost everyone is familiar with. To save you the

trouble of trying to remember whose book you read last week or wheretrouble of trying to remember whose book you read last week or wheretrouble of trying to remember whose book you read last week or wheretrouble of trying to remember whose book you read last week or where

in this one you need to rummage around in for the supportingin this one you need to rummage around in for the supportingin this one you need to rummage around in for the supportingin this one you need to rummage around in for the supporting

information, I will provide the usual cookbook instructions.information, I will provide the usual cookbook instructions.information, I will provide the usual cookbook instructions.information, I will provide the usual cookbook instructions.

The first step involves obtaining our standard piece of chemicalThe first step involves obtaining our standard piece of chemicalThe first step involves obtaining our standard piece of chemicalThe first step involves obtaining our standard piece of chemical

engineering equipmentengineering equipmentengineering equipmentengineering equipment -------- the discarded 55 gallon drum. You will needthe discarded 55 gallon drum. You will needthe discarded 55 gallon drum. You will needthe discarded 55 gallon drum. You will need

more than one.more than one.more than one.more than one.

The substances you will need to conduct the chemical phase of thisThe substances you will need to conduct the chemical phase of thisThe substances you will need to conduct the chemical phase of thisThe substances you will need to conduct the chemical phase of this

operation are sawdust (for example), sulfuric acid, water, andoperation are sawdust (for example), sulfuric acid, water, andoperation are sawdust (for example), sulfuric acid, water, andoperation are sawdust (for example), sulfuric acid, water, and

possibly some sodium hydroxide, NaOH.possibly some sodium hydroxide, NaOH.possibly some sodium hydroxide, NaOH.possibly some sodium hydroxide, NaOH.

For the mechanical segment, you will need standard window screens youFor the mechanical segment, you will need standard window screens youFor the mechanical segment, you will need standard window screens youFor the mechanical segment, you will need standard window screens you

can buy at the hardware store, plumbing pipes, elbows, couplings,can buy at the hardware store, plumbing pipes, elbows, couplings,can buy at the hardware store, plumbing pipes, elbows, couplings,can buy at the hardware store, plumbing pipes, elbows, couplings,

nipples, flanges, and a welding outfit.nipples, flanges, and a welding outfit.nipples, flanges, and a welding outfit.nipples, flanges, and a welding outfit.

I will describe this just the way my partner and I did it in the labI will describe this just the way my partner and I did it in the labI will describe this just the way my partner and I did it in the labI will describe this just the way my partner and I did it in the lab

with the exception of some of the plumbing connections. This iswith the exception of some of the plumbing connections. This iswith the exception of some of the plumbing connections. This iswith the exception of some of the plumbing connections. This is

necessary becausnecessary becausnecessary becausnecessary because you can't pick up a 55 gallon drum between youre you can't pick up a 55 gallon drum between youre you can't pick up a 55 gallon drum between youre you can't pick up a 55 gallon drum between your

thumb and forefinger the way we do a test tube or beaker in the lab.thumb and forefinger the way we do a test tube or beaker in the lab.thumb and forefinger the way we do a test tube or beaker in the lab.thumb and forefinger the way we do a test tube or beaker in the lab.

Be sure that you read all the way to the end before you put yourBe sure that you read all the way to the end before you put yourBe sure that you read all the way to the end before you put yourBe sure that you read all the way to the end before you put your

hands on the chemicals. You might be unpleasantly surprised.hands on the chemicals. You might be unpleasantly surprised.hands on the chemicals. You might be unpleasantly surprised.hands on the chemicals. You might be unpleasantly surprised.

STEPSTEPSTEPSTEP----BYBYBYBY----SSSSTEP PROCEDURESTEP PROCEDURESTEP PROCEDURESTEP PROCEDURES

Pour the sawdust you intend to convert to alcohol into the drum.Pour the sawdust you intend to convert to alcohol into the drum.Pour the sawdust you intend to convert to alcohol into the drum.Pour the sawdust you intend to convert to alcohol into the drum.

Don't fill the drum more than oneDon't fill the drum more than oneDon't fill the drum more than oneDon't fill the drum more than one----third full or you will be taking athird full or you will be taking athird full or you will be taking athird full or you will be taking a

chance on part of the process slopping over the sides of the drum.chance on part of the process slopping over the sides of the drum.chance on part of the process slopping over the sides of the drum.chance on part of the process slopping over the sides of the drum.

Next, pour what chemists refer to as 1Next, pour what chemists refer to as 1Next, pour what chemists refer to as 1Next, pour what chemists refer to as 18 Molar H2SO4, sulfuric acid,8 Molar H2SO4, sulfuric acid,8 Molar H2SO4, sulfuric acid,8 Molar H2SO4, sulfuric acid,

over the sawdust. The commercial designation, if you order it from aover the sawdust. The commercial designation, if you order it from aover the sawdust. The commercial designation, if you order it from aover the sawdust. The commercial designation, if you order it from achemical supply house, would be 100% sulfuric acid. However, as lowchemical supply house, would be 100% sulfuric acid. However, as lowchemical supply house, would be 100% sulfuric acid. However, as lowchemical supply house, would be 100% sulfuric acid. However, as low

as 91% will work. We tried 9.2 Molar, or 51%, in the lab and itas 91% will work. We tried 9.2 Molar, or 51%, in the lab and itas 91% will work. We tried 9.2 Molar, or 51%, in the lab and itas 91% will work. We tried 9.2 Molar, or 51%, in the lab and it

simply didn't work. It jusimply didn't work. It jusimply didn't work. It jusimply didn't work. It just sat there and looked at us.st sat there and looked at us.st sat there and looked at us.st sat there and looked at us.

Make sure that you put the sawdust in first. If you don't, theMake sure that you put the sawdust in first. If you don't, theMake sure that you put the sawdust in first. If you don't, theMake sure that you put the sawdust in first. If you don't, the

sawdust will float on top of the acidsawdust will float on top of the acidsawdust will float on top of the acidsawdust will float on top of the acid -------- unless you pour in moreunless you pour in moreunless you pour in moreunless you pour in more


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sawdust than the acid can absorb. In that case, you will simply havesawdust than the acid can absorb. In that case, you will simply havesawdust than the acid can absorb. In that case, you will simply havesawdust than the acid can absorb. In that case, you will simply have

to, pour in more acid anywato, pour in more acid anywato, pour in more acid anywato, pour in more acid anyway. It's easier to do it right the firsty. It's easier to do it right the firsty. It's easier to do it right the firsty. It's easier to do it right the first

time.time.time.time.

When you pour the sulfuric acid on the sawdust, the reaction isWhen you pour the sulfuric acid on the sawdust, the reaction isWhen you pour the sulfuric acid on the sawdust, the reaction isWhen you pour the sulfuric acid on the sawdust, the reaction isalmost immediate. The sawdust and acid react in such a fashion as toalmost immediate. The sawdust and acid react in such a fashion as toalmost immediate. The sawdust and acid react in such a fashion as toalmost immediate. The sawdust and acid react in such a fashion as to

turn black almost immediately. It resembles an ugly collection ofturn black almost immediately. It resembles an ugly collection ofturn black almost immediately. It resembles an ugly collection ofturn black almost immediately. It resembles an ugly collection of

coal tar ocoal tar ocoal tar ocoal tar or oitch. Bubbles rise up through the solution. The bubblingr oitch. Bubbles rise up through the solution. The bubblingr oitch. Bubbles rise up through the solution. The bubblingr oitch. Bubbles rise up through the solution. The bubbling

is primarily due to air pockets inside the sawdust. Even though theis primarily due to air pockets inside the sawdust. Even though theis primarily due to air pockets inside the sawdust. Even though theis primarily due to air pockets inside the sawdust. Even though the

reaction appears to be instantaneous, you should let the mixture sitreaction appears to be instantaneous, you should let the mixture sitreaction appears to be instantaneous, you should let the mixture sitreaction appears to be instantaneous, you should let the mixture sit

for a day or two to allow whatever reaction doesn't take plfor a day or two to allow whatever reaction doesn't take plfor a day or two to allow whatever reaction doesn't take plfor a day or two to allow whatever reaction doesn't take place atace atace atace at

once to proceed at its own leisure.once to proceed at its own leisure.once to proceed at its own leisure.once to proceed at its own leisure.

Once the reaction is complete, you can simply dump in yeast andOnce the reaction is complete, you can simply dump in yeast andOnce the reaction is complete, you can simply dump in yeast andOnce the reaction is complete, you can simply dump in yeast and

expect the mixture to ferment. The pH of the mixture is so low, thatexpect the mixture to ferment. The pH of the mixture is so low, thatexpect the mixture to ferment. The pH of the mixture is so low, thatexpect the mixture to ferment. The pH of the mixture is so low, that

is the substance is so acidic, that any microorganism such as yeastis the substance is so acidic, that any microorganism such as yeastis the substance is so acidic, that any microorganism such as yeastis the substance is so acidic, that any microorganism such as yeast

that you duthat you duthat you duthat you dump in is simply going to explode. Of course, they will bemp in is simply going to explode. Of course, they will bemp in is simply going to explode. Of course, they will bemp in is simply going to explode. Of course, they will be

very tiny explosions.very tiny explosions.very tiny explosions.very tiny explosions.

The proper procedure here is to supply enough water to raise the pHThe proper procedure here is to supply enough water to raise the pHThe proper procedure here is to supply enough water to raise the pHThe proper procedure here is to supply enough water to raise the pH

to the proper level for fermenting or yeast propagationto the proper level for fermenting or yeast propagationto the proper level for fermenting or yeast propagationto the proper level for fermenting or yeast propagation -------- 5.0 to5.0 to5.0 to5.0 to

6.0. In Kentucky, where the water is lightly acidic, diluting the6.0. In Kentucky, where the water is lightly acidic, diluting the6.0. In Kentucky, where the water is lightly acidic, diluting the6.0. In Kentucky, where the water is lightly acidic, diluting the

solution 50% by adding an equal volume of water will raise the pH tosolution 50% by adding an equal volume of water will raise the pH tosolution 50% by adding an equal volume of water will raise the pH tosolution 50% by adding an equal volume of water will raise the pH to

about 3.0. In areas where the water tends toward alkalinity (or isabout 3.0. In areas where the water tends toward alkalinity (or isabout 3.0. In areas where the water tends toward alkalinity (or isabout 3.0. In areas where the water tends toward alkalinity (or isbasic, in chemical terms) the pH will go higher. If yobasic, in chemical terms) the pH will go higher. If yobasic, in chemical terms) the pH will go higher. If yobasic, in chemical terms) the pH will go higher. If you don't want tou don't want tou don't want tou don't want to

keep adding water, add some sodium hydroxide, NaOH, to raise the pHkeep adding water, add some sodium hydroxide, NaOH, to raise the pHkeep adding water, add some sodium hydroxide, NaOH, to raise the pHkeep adding water, add some sodium hydroxide, NaOH, to raise the pH

up to optimum conditions.up to optimum conditions.up to optimum conditions.up to optimum conditions.

The trick here is that this mixture must be poured into the waterThe trick here is that this mixture must be poured into the waterThe trick here is that this mixture must be poured into the waterThe trick here is that this mixture must be poured into the water

used to dilute it with. If you pour the water onto the acid, aused to dilute it with. If you pour the water onto the acid, aused to dilute it with. If you pour the water onto the acid, aused to dilute it with. If you pour the water onto the acid, a

natural inclinatnatural inclinatnatural inclinatnatural inclination, what you will get is a loud hissing soundion, what you will get is a loud hissing soundion, what you will get is a loud hissing soundion, what you will get is a loud hissing sound

followed by acid vapors rising up out of the solution to attack you.followed by acid vapors rising up out of the solution to attack you.followed by acid vapors rising up out of the solution to attack you.followed by acid vapors rising up out of the solution to attack you.

If you add the acid to the water, the dilution factor is muchIf you add the acid to the water, the dilution factor is muchIf you add the acid to the water, the dilution factor is muchIf you add the acid to the water, the dilution factor is muchgreater. The same reaction will take place but on a much smaller,greater. The same reaction will take place but on a much smaller,greater. The same reaction will take place but on a much smaller,greater. The same reaction will take place but on a much smaller,

safer scale.safer scale.safer scale.safer scale.

What takes place is an exothermic reaction. That is, large quantitiesWhat takes place is an exothermic reaction. That is, large quantitiesWhat takes place is an exothermic reaction. That is, large quantitiesWhat takes place is an exothermic reaction. That is, large quantities

of heat are liberated. You can get a good idea of how much heat isof heat are liberated. You can get a good idea of how much heat isof heat are liberated. You can get a good idea of how much heat isof heat are liberated. You can get a good idea of how much heat is

liberated by simply placing your hand on the container during variousliberated by simply placing your hand on the container during variousliberated by simply placing your hand on the container during variousliberated by simply placing your hand on the container during various


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stages of the proceedings. Briefly put your hanstages of the proceedings. Briefly put your hanstages of the proceedings. Briefly put your hanstages of the proceedings. Briefly put your hands on the drum whends on the drum whends on the drum whends on the drum when

the sulfuric acid is poured on the sawdust and you will experiencethe sulfuric acid is poured on the sawdust and you will experiencethe sulfuric acid is poured on the sawdust and you will experiencethe sulfuric acid is poured on the sawdust and you will experience

the same discomfort that you would if you placed your hand in thethe same discomfort that you would if you placed your hand in thethe same discomfort that you would if you placed your hand in thethe same discomfort that you would if you placed your hand in the

middle of a hot frying pan. You will get burned.middle of a hot frying pan. You will get burned.middle of a hot frying pan. You will get burned.middle of a hot frying pan. You will get burned.

Once the solution has been adjusted to the proper pH,Once the solution has been adjusted to the proper pH,Once the solution has been adjusted to the proper pH,Once the solution has been adjusted to the proper pH, it is time toit is time toit is time toit is time to

pitch in your yeast. A small packet of Fleischman's, available at thepitch in your yeast. A small packet of Fleischman's, available at thepitch in your yeast. A small packet of Fleischman's, available at thepitch in your yeast. A small packet of Fleischman's, available at the

local supermarket, will do just fine. Watch for bubbles of carbonlocal supermarket, will do just fine. Watch for bubbles of carbonlocal supermarket, will do just fine. Watch for bubbles of carbonlocal supermarket, will do just fine. Watch for bubbles of carbon

dioxide to appear. They might be hard to recognize coming up throughdioxide to appear. They might be hard to recognize coming up throughdioxide to appear. They might be hard to recognize coming up throughdioxide to appear. They might be hard to recognize coming up through

the black gunk; 72 hours, or 3 daysthe black gunk; 72 hours, or 3 daysthe black gunk; 72 hours, or 3 daysthe black gunk; 72 hours, or 3 days should be enough to allow it toshould be enough to allow it toshould be enough to allow it toshould be enough to allow it to

ferment completely.ferment completely.ferment completely.ferment completely.

A word of caution. You might think that simply diluting the acid withA word of caution. You might think that simply diluting the acid withA word of caution. You might think that simply diluting the acid withA word of caution. You might think that simply diluting the acid with

half water before you pour it on the sawdust would save a lot ofhalf water before you pour it on the sawdust would save a lot ofhalf water before you pour it on the sawdust would save a lot ofhalf water before you pour it on the sawdust would save a lot of

trouble. In a way it does. You don't have to worry about distillatiotrouble. In a way it does. You don't have to worry about distillatiotrouble. In a way it does. You don't have to worry about distillatiotrouble. In a way it does. You don't have to worry about distillationnnn

if you do it like that because 50% sulfuric acid won't convertif you do it like that because 50% sulfuric acid won't convertif you do it like that because 50% sulfuric acid won't convertif you do it like that because 50% sulfuric acid won't convert

cellulose to sugar and the yeast won't ferment anything else. Wecellulose to sugar and the yeast won't ferment anything else. Wecellulose to sugar and the yeast won't ferment anything else. Wecellulose to sugar and the yeast won't ferment anything else. We

tried it in the lab and it simply doesn't work.tried it in the lab and it simply doesn't work.tried it in the lab and it simply doesn't work.tried it in the lab and it simply doesn't work.

LIGNINLIGNINLIGNINLIGNIN

Before you run your solution into your still, you need to get as muchBefore you run your solution into your still, you need to get as muchBefore you run your solution into your still, you need to get as muchBefore you run your solution into your still, you need to get as much

of the black gunk, big gobs of it, out of the solution. Remove asof the black gunk, big gobs of it, out of the solution. Remove asof the black gunk, big gobs of it, out of the solution. Remove asof the black gunk, big gobs of it, out of the solution. Remove as

much as possible. The material is lignin or the substance that bondsmuch as possible. The material is lignin or the substance that bondsmuch as possible. The material is lignin or the substance that bondsmuch as possible. The material is lignin or the substance that bondssugar molecules together to make cellulose out of them. In asugar molecules together to make cellulose out of them. In asugar molecules together to make cellulose out of them. In asugar molecules together to make cellulose out of them. In a

chemistry lab you use a buchner funnel and filter paper. Achemistry lab you use a buchner funnel and filter paper. Achemistry lab you use a buchner funnel and filter paper. Achemistry lab you use a buchner funnel and filter paper. A buchnerbuchnerbuchnerbuchner

funnel has tiny holes in the base. The filter paper is placed on thefunnel has tiny holes in the base. The filter paper is placed on thefunnel has tiny holes in the base. The filter paper is placed on thefunnel has tiny holes in the base. The filter paper is placed on the

bottom, covering the holes, allowing the liquid to pass and trappingbottom, covering the holes, allowing the liquid to pass and trappingbottom, covering the holes, allowing the liquid to pass and trappingbottom, covering the holes, allowing the liquid to pass and trapping

practically all the lignin. For a barnyard operation, you can punchpractically all the lignin. For a barnyard operation, you can punchpractically all the lignin. For a barnyard operation, you can punchpractically all the lignin. For a barnyard operation, you can punch

nail holes in the bottom of a 55 gallon drnail holes in the bottom of a 55 gallon drnail holes in the bottom of a 55 gallon drnail holes in the bottom of a 55 gallon drum and cover them withum and cover them withum and cover them withum and cover them with

newspaper.newspaper.newspaper.newspaper.

Given the fact that the chunks of lignin in an outdoor operation willGiven the fact that the chunks of lignin in an outdoor operation willGiven the fact that the chunks of lignin in an outdoor operation willGiven the fact that the chunks of lignin in an outdoor operation willbe much larger than those in a lab, you will probably want to installbe much larger than those in a lab, you will probably want to installbe much larger than those in a lab, you will probably want to installbe much larger than those in a lab, you will probably want to install

a series of wire mesh screens between your fermentor and thea series of wire mesh screens between your fermentor and thea series of wire mesh screens between your fermentor and thea series of wire mesh screens between your fermentor and the

eventual, modified buchner funnel. The screens toward the fermentoreventual, modified buchner funnel. The screens toward the fermentoreventual, modified buchner funnel. The screens toward the fermentoreventual, modified buchner funnel. The screens toward the fermentor

should increase in mesh size and those toward the funnel shouldshould increase in mesh size and those toward the funnel shouldshould increase in mesh size and those toward the funnel shouldshould increase in mesh size and those toward the funnel should

decrease in mesh size.decrease in mesh size.decrease in mesh size.decrease in mesh size.


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The fluid that gets past the newspaper should be yellow in color. TheThe fluid that gets past the newspaper should be yellow in color. TheThe fluid that gets past the newspaper should be yellow in color. TheThe fluid that gets past the newspaper should be yellow in color. The

filter won't catch everything.filter won't catch everything.filter won't catch everything.filter won't catch everything. In the lab, we observed a ring ofIn the lab, we observed a ring ofIn the lab, we observed a ring ofIn the lab, we observed a ring of

small, brown flakes that settled to the bottom of our distillingsmall, brown flakes that settled to the bottom of our distillingsmall, brown flakes that settled to the bottom of our distillingsmall, brown flakes that settled to the bottom of our distilling

flask. This fluid contains ethanol and it is ready to be distilled.flask. This fluid contains ethanol and it is ready to be distilled.flask. This fluid contains ethanol and it is ready to be distilled.flask. This fluid contains ethanol and it is ready to be distilled.

At this point go back and scrape the lignin off the screens andAt this point go back and scrape the lignin off the screens andAt this point go back and scrape the lignin off the screens andAt this point go back and scrape the lignin off the screens and

remove the ligninremove the ligninremove the ligninremove the lignin----satursatursatursaturated paper from your funnel. This is the fuelated paper from your funnel. This is the fuelated paper from your funnel. This is the fuelated paper from your funnel. This is the fuel

to fire your still with. There won't be enough to get the whole jobto fire your still with. There won't be enough to get the whole jobto fire your still with. There won't be enough to get the whole jobto fire your still with. There won't be enough to get the whole job

done, but it will help and it does eliminate the problem of what todone, but it will help and it does eliminate the problem of what todone, but it will help and it does eliminate the problem of what todone, but it will help and it does eliminate the problem of what to

do with all that black gunk. Just be sure you give everything ado with all that black gunk. Just be sure you give everything ado with all that black gunk. Just be sure you give everything ado with all that black gunk. Just be sure you give everything a

chance tochance tochance tochance to dry out before you try to light it.dry out before you try to light it.dry out before you try to light it.dry out before you try to light it.

The alcohol you get from distilling the yellow fluid is identical toThe alcohol you get from distilling the yellow fluid is identical toThe alcohol you get from distilling the yellow fluid is identical toThe alcohol you get from distilling the yellow fluid is identical to

that obtained from sugar or starch. We obtained 190 proof ethanol thethat obtained from sugar or starch. We obtained 190 proof ethanol thethat obtained from sugar or starch. We obtained 190 proof ethanol thethat obtained from sugar or starch. We obtained 190 proof ethanol the

first time through a fractionating column. The yieldfirst time through a fractionating column. The yieldfirst time through a fractionating column. The yieldfirst time through a fractionating column. The yield----perperperper----poundpoundpoundpound

appeared to be quappeared to be quappeared to be quappeared to be quite good. According to most of the chemicalite good. According to most of the chemicalite good. According to most of the chemicalite good. According to most of the chemical

literature we read prior to conducting this experiment, theliterature we read prior to conducting this experiment, theliterature we read prior to conducting this experiment, theliterature we read prior to conducting this experiment, the

commercial yield of cellulose is far inferior to that of corn orcommercial yield of cellulose is far inferior to that of corn orcommercial yield of cellulose is far inferior to that of corn orcommercial yield of cellulose is far inferior to that of corn or

other common feedstocks. However, a ton of cellulose (saw dust) isother common feedstocks. However, a ton of cellulose (saw dust) isother common feedstocks. However, a ton of cellulose (saw dust) isother common feedstocks. However, a ton of cellulose (saw dust) is

free for the askingfree for the askingfree for the askingfree for the asking

In place of the sodium hydroxide, NaOH, that we used in the lab, youIn place of the sodium hydroxide, NaOH, that we used in the lab, youIn place of the sodium hydroxide, NaOH, that we used in the lab, youIn place of the sodium hydroxide, NaOH, that we used in the lab, you

can substitute common garden variety lye to adjust your pH. If youcan substitute common garden variety lye to adjust your pH. If youcan substitute common garden variety lye to adjust your pH. If youcan substitute common garden variety lye to adjust your pH. If you

spill sulfuric acid on yourselfspill sulfuric acid on yourselfspill sulfuric acid on yourselfspill sulfuric acid on yourself -------- it is a strong acid and it willit is a strong acid and it willit is a strong acid and it willit is a strong acid and it willburnburnburnburn -------- dilute it with water and scrub with soap. Hodilute it with water and scrub with soap. Hodilute it with water and scrub with soap. Hodilute it with water and scrub with soap. However, the soapwever, the soapwever, the soapwever, the soap

should be one that lathers very well because the acid is a veryshould be one that lathers very well because the acid is a veryshould be one that lathers very well because the acid is a veryshould be one that lathers very well because the acid is a very

strong acid and the soap is a very weak base, or neutralizer. Latherstrong acid and the soap is a very weak base, or neutralizer. Latherstrong acid and the soap is a very weak base, or neutralizer. Latherstrong acid and the soap is a very weak base, or neutralizer. Lather

the soap up well and use a lot of it.the soap up well and use a lot of it.the soap up well and use a lot of it.the soap up well and use a lot of it.

Once you have distilled the alcohol, you can raise the temperatureOnce you have distilled the alcohol, you can raise the temperatureOnce you have distilled the alcohol, you can raise the temperatureOnce you have distilled the alcohol, you can raise the temperature

uuuunder your column and boil off the water. Because the sulfuric acidnder your column and boil off the water. Because the sulfuric acidnder your column and boil off the water. Because the sulfuric acidnder your column and boil off the water. Because the sulfuric acid

has a much higher boiling point than water, you are simply repeatinghas a much higher boiling point than water, you are simply repeatinghas a much higher boiling point than water, you are simply repeatinghas a much higher boiling point than water, you are simply repeating

the distillation process to recover whatever unused sulfuric acid isthe distillation process to recover whatever unused sulfuric acid isthe distillation process to recover whatever unused sulfuric acid isthe distillation process to recover whatever unused sulfuric acid isavailable from the bottom of your still. You can'tavailable from the bottom of your still. You can'tavailable from the bottom of your still. You can'tavailable from the bottom of your still. You can't recover much of itrecover much of itrecover much of itrecover much of it

because H2SO4 loses the two hydrogen atoms, or protons, in thebecause H2SO4 loses the two hydrogen atoms, or protons, in thebecause H2SO4 loses the two hydrogen atoms, or protons, in thebecause H2SO4 loses the two hydrogen atoms, or protons, in the

initial reaction and is no longer sulfuric acid.initial reaction and is no longer sulfuric acid.initial reaction and is no longer sulfuric acid.initial reaction and is no longer sulfuric acid.

In a commercial plant, the elements involved in the reaction could beIn a commercial plant, the elements involved in the reaction could beIn a commercial plant, the elements involved in the reaction could beIn a commercial plant, the elements involved in the reaction could be

recovered in the following fashion. It is a process torecovered in the following fashion. It is a process torecovered in the following fashion. It is a process torecovered in the following fashion. It is a process too long ando long ando long ando long and


7/7

involved to go into in detail here:involved to go into in detail here:involved to go into in detail here:involved to go into in detail here:

S02 + H20S02 + H20S02 + H20S02 + H20 ---------------- H2S04H2S04H2S04H2S04

Documents

Distilling Ethanol - The Conversion of Cellulose, Such as Sawdust, Cornstalks, Newspaper and Other Substances