Optimization of Operational Parameters for Production of Bio-ethanol from Red Gram Straw

Abstract

Abstract

Bio-alcohol is a neat and cleaner source of energy, which could be obtained from locally available biomass. However, the complex structure of lignocellulose in biomass makes a primary protective barrier that prevents cell destruction. In order to break down this structure for the conversion of biomass to fuel ethanol, the cellulose and hemicellulosic materials must be broken down to corresponding monomers (sugars). It could be done easily with acid hydrolysis of biomass. The main advantage of the acid hydrolysis is that acids can penetrate lignin without any preliminary pre-treatment of biomass, thus breaking down the cellulose and hemicelluloses polymers to form individual sugar molecules. Red gram straw, which is available in any part of India, was tried for Bio-ethanol production. It has been proved a potential feedstock for the production of bio-ethanol. 30% H₂SO₄ Concentration and 70°C temperature are the optimized conditions for maximum recovery of Bio-ethanol for Red gram straw. At 30% H₂SO₄ Concentration and 70°C temperature, 400 ml bio-ethanol from per kg of red gram straw could be produced. Properties of Red Gram Straw Bioethanol were at par with pure ethanol, except its energy content, which is 19 MJ/kg of red gram straw.

Keywords: Bio-ethanol, energy content, H₂SO₄ acid, hydrolysis, red gram straw

Cite this Article

R.N. Singh, R.K Yadav. Optimization of Operational Parameters for Production of Bio-ethanol from Red Gram Straw. Journal of Alternate Energy Sources and Technologies. 2019; 10(2): 13–17p.