Process of extraction of alcohol from sugarcane?
VerifiedAnswer: Fermentation
Explanation:
The extraction of alcohol from sugarcane is primarily achieved through the process of fermentation. This biological process converts the natural sugars present in sugarcane into ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide using microorganisms, particularly yeast.
The process begins with the extraction of sugarcane juice, which contains high concentrations of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This juice serves as the raw material for alcohol production. The sugarcane is crushed in mills to extract the sweet juice, which is then filtered to remove any impurities or solid particles.
During fermentation, yeast cells (commonly Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are added to the sugarcane juice. These microorganisms consume the sugars and convert them into alcohol through a series of enzymatic reactions. The basic chemical equation for this process is: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂. This means one molecule of sugar produces two molecules of ethanol and two molecules of carbon dioxide.
The fermentation process typically takes several days to complete under controlled conditions. Temperature, pH levels, and oxygen availability are carefully monitored to ensure optimal yeast activity. The ideal temperature range is usually between 25-30°C, and the process occurs in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment to maximize alcohol production.
After fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid contains approximately 8-15% alcohol by volume. To increase the alcohol concentration, the fermented liquid undergoes distillation, where it is heated to separate the alcohol from water and other components based on their different boiling points. This process can produce alcohol concentrations of up to 95%.
This method of alcohol extraction from sugarcane is widely used in countries like Brazil, India, and other tropical regions where sugarcane is abundantly grown. The alcohol produced can be used for various purposes including fuel production (ethanol), beverage manufacturing, and industrial applications. The process is environmentally friendly as it utilizes renewable biomass and the byproducts can be used for other purposes, such as bagasse for paper production or biofuel.
