Ethanol
E-85 (85% Ethanol Fuel)
Ethanol is a biodegradable fuel additive produced from corn. E-85 is an alternative fuel produced by blending 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is a clean-burning, domestically produced, renewable fuel that contributes to decreased dependence on imported oil. Automobiles called flexible fuel vehicles are designed to run on E-85.
Click here to view the E-85 Refueling Stations in South Dakota.
AGE-85 (Aviation Grade Ethanol)
Aviation Grade Ethanol (AGE), which has been developed and can be used in experimental aircrafts is composed of roughly 85% ethanol, 14% hydrocarbons, and 1% biodiesel. Dr. Dennis Helder, Director of Engineering Research at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and principle investigator said that leaded aviation gasoline will eventually be unavailable either due to government mandate or economic pressures from a worldwide decline in the use of leaded gasoline. “Aviation Grade Ethanol can replace aviation gasoline in all piston-engine aircraft with a potential market of 400 million gallons in the U.S.”
To be acceptable to the aviation community, testing needs to be conducted to show that this fuel is compatible with fuel systems components, produces equivalent horsepower, does not cause detonation, is stable over normal storage times, and has adequate energy density, as well as other factors. According to Helder, “The project has demonstrated most of these properties in selected aircraft, and is now focused on finishing this work for all aircraft/engine types. In addition, an industry-wide specification is being developed through cooperation with the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) that will allow consistent manufacture, testing, and quality control of this fuel,” Helder said.
Additional information about Aviation Grade Ethanol may be found by visiting www.age85.org.