Fuel

Before we explore, Ask yourself...

Do you know what biofuels are?

Can corn power your car?

What caused the switch from crude based fuel to ethanol?

Are there environmental benefits to using ethanol vs crude oil?

What are Bio fuels?

Before we dive into ethanol production from the corn, let's first understand what biofuels are and how they are categorized.

Once you have watched the video explaining biofuels, move to the next section.

Did you know that corn is an important part in powering your families' car?

Just as we cook and eat corn to provide our bodies with energy, this starchy grain is a great source of energy not only for humans and animals, but also engines! Although the entire ear of corn does not end up in our gas tanks, agriculturalist have worked hard to use each part of the corn plant with little waste.

Grab your boots and hard hats as we explore how corn converted into fuel from a simple kernel.

DId you know?

One bushel of corn weighs 70 pounds

That one bushel of corn can make 2.6 Gallons of Ethanol

Up to 10% of fuel that we put in our vehicles is ethanol from corn!

Look for the sticker at the gas pump next time your parents are filling up the car.

The History behind Bio fuels

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, inventors such as Rudolf Diesel and Henry Ford invented engines which were powered by bio fuels from hemp and peanuts. When crude oil, harvested from the ground, was discovered and made into fuels, bio fuels were no longer necessary for powering engines and were almost eliminated.

This all changed during WWII. Fuel of any kind was in very high demand and that rekindled the production of bio fuels, such as ethanol from corn. These bio fuels were mixed with Petroleum fuels from crude oil.

Shortly after WWII, countries began using mainly petroleum-based fuels until crude oil supply and price created a shortage around the world. This ignited a new interest in the manufacturing of bio fuels and has continued into present day.