The Brazilian experience with ethanol fuel: Aspects of production, use, quality and distribution logistics

Abstract

The reduction in the availability of fossil fuel increased the search for alternative fuel sources (for example, ethanol). In the Brazilian market, light duty vehicles can be fueled with gasohol (18 up to 27.5 %v/v of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline) and/or hydrous ethanol. To minimize the risk of water-induced phase separation of gasoline-ethanol blends, anhydrous ethanol is blended into gasoline at the distribution terminal, rather than distributing it through pipelines. Pure ethanol can be distributed through pipelines or trucks, and in pipeline cases almost all are not exclusive. To monitor the ethanol quality, several fuel sampling points are indicated: storage tanks, pipelines, and ship, if applicable. For these samples, it is important to evaluate the following parameters indicative of product quality: hydrocarbon and water amount, color, conductivity, and acidity. Monitoring ethanol storage, transport and distribution is important to maintain the ethanol quality until the final consumer.