Development an efficient process for the manufacture of anhydrous fuel ethanol

Abstract

Ethanol is a renewable alternative for petrol which can be manufactured with raw materials in Sri Lanka. A 10 % v/v blend of ethanol in petrol is the optimum product to introduce ethanol onto Sri Lankan fuel market. Ethanol in such a blend can also serve as an octane-enhancing additive. As a result, the value of ethanol is always higher than that of petrol. At the initial stage, it would be suitable to replace the 95-octane petrol with the 10 % v/v blend. Even with no subsidies from the government, it is profitable for Sri Lankan distilleries to manufacture dehydrated fuel ethanol in the place of potable quality spirit, which they currently manufacture.