Gunner wrote:
On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 08:18:37 GMT, (John
Flanagan) wrote:
Gunner, wouldn't it be easier to convert a gas engine to alcohol and
then just distill your own hooch for it. A reflux distiller can get
195 proof in one run. You can ferment all sorts of trash and boiling
can be done with almost any heat source although heat control is
important for a reflux column.
John
Interesting idea, if one has sufficent biomass for the fermentation
process. The steam engine idea would burn local wood, from either
trees, deadfalls or buildings.
Excellent idea however, and one Ill look into. What amount of 'trash"
does it take to make enough alcohol to run a Honda Generator a few
hours a day/week?
Gunner
@ 6.5 lbs of Glucose from any source will ferment to produce
@ 1 gallon of 180 proof ethanol.
A minimum of 10,000 B.T.U. will be needed for the distillation
process, unless you can come up with really efficient strain of yeast.
(Better than 12 to 15 % alcohol before the yeast dies from its own
waste products.)
More likely you get only 4 to 6 % alcohol before distillation, so
you'll need 20 to 60 K BTU per gallon of fuel grade alcohol.
Amounts of trash per gallon?
100 lbs. crushed sugar cane
40 to 60 lbs. potato peels treated with diluted sulfuric acid (to
convert the starches to useable sugars by hydrolysis)
10 to 30 pounds spoiled fruit
Take any of these, or a mixture, stir into @ 100 gallons of water
warmed to 75 to 85 F, and add yeast. Ferment, stirring every 3 hours,
for 5 days.
Strain out the big chunks, and distill.
All figures are rough, of course, there are many variables involved.
David Hughes