In the United States, the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) plays a crucial role in approving analytical specifications that define the performance quality of bioethanol as a transportation fuel. While the bioethanol industry doesn’t face the same level of regulation as sectors like food or pharmaceuticals, maintaining high standards is paramount. Quality assurance models, as discussed by Ebert (2009), draw from respected frameworks such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), USDA PVP (United States Department of Agriculture Process Verification Program), and Six Sigma.
Quality Control for Profitability and Competitiveness
Implementing quality control measures involves rigorous monitoring within individual bioethanol plants. Teamwork and accurate statistical analyses of process data are essential components for enhancing profitability and ensuring competitiveness in the market.
Key Quality Parameters for Bioethanol Transportation Fuel
Beyond process quality, the characteristics of the end product are equally vital. In the United States, ASTM defines analytical specifications for bioethanol transportation fuel performance quality, indicating key parameters, their units of measurement, and their impact on quality. Parameters such as pH and water elimination are particularly crucial for internal combustion engines. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recommends specific testing frequencies and methods to maintain product quality, consistency, and adherence to ASTM standards. The accompanying table offers an illustrative example of ASTM specifications for denatured fuel ethanol and E85.
ASTM Standards for Bioethanol Products
ASTM publishes standards outlining specifications for various bioethanol products. Two notable examples include:
- ASTM D 4806-07 (Standard specification for denatured fuel ethanol for blending with gasolines for use as automotive spark-ignition engine fuel)
- ASTM D 5798-07 (Standard specification for fuel ethanol (Ed75-Ed85) for automotive spark-ignition engines).
These standards are regularly updated, and the specifications for denatured bioethanol and E85 from 2007 are presented in the provided table. The denatured ethanol specification defines acceptable and unacceptable hydrocarbon denaturants, regulated by the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to ensure bioethanol is unsuitable for human consumption. Gasoline and other approved denaturants are used for this purpose.
Global Bioethanol Blending Practices
In most countries, bioethanol is blended with gasoline at proportions ranging from 2-10%. Brazil stands as an exception, where all gasoline contains 20-25% ethanol (E20, E25). It’s worth noting that for blending with gasoline, ethanol must be anhydrous, while for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and those in Brazil running on ‘neat’ ethanol, hydrated ethanol is the preferred choice.