Article,
THE ENERGY CONTENTS ((CE)) OF ALCOHOLS OF FOSSIL OR BIOMASS ORIGIN
Revue de l'Institut Francais du Petrole, 38 (2): 251 - 57 (1983)
Abstract
The Energy Contents (C(sub)E) of Alcohols of Fossil or Biomass Origin, defined as the energy equivalent of the feedstocks used plus the net energy inputs throughout the fabrication process Abstract No. 28-4303 or 28-71340, have been calculated based on available chemical technologies and the French agricultural conditions. The C(sub)E of methanol produced by wood gasification is 0.2 tpe/ton vs. 0.81, 1.05, and 0.97 tpe/ton for methanol obtained from natural gas, coal, or heavy petroleum residua, respectively. For 96% ethanol obtained by fermentation of Jerusalem artichoke, corn, and sugar beet, C(sub)E values are 0.21-0.58, 0.6, and 0.62 tpe/ton, respectively, vs. 1.1 tpe/ton for ethanol made from naphtha-derived ethylene. Coproduction of n-butanol and acetone via fermentation of wheat straw or Jerusalem artichoke corresponds to C(sub)E's of 0.27-0.58 and 0.33-0.92 tpe/ton, respectively, compared with 1.07 and 1.15 tpe/ton for n-butanol produced by catalytic hydroformylation of propylene via the Shell or Union Carbide processes, respectively, and 1.78 tpe/ton for acetone coproduced with phenol by oxidation of cumene. Tables. (in French)
