Step-by-step explanation:
Flex fuel, or E85, is a type of fuel that is made by blending ethanol and gasoline. Here's how it is typically produced:
1. **Ethanol Production:** The primary ingredient in E85 is ethanol, which is typically produced from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane, or other biomass. The most common method of producing ethanol is through a fermentation and distillation process. Starch or sugars from the biomass are converted into ethanol through fermentation by yeast, and then the ethanol is distilled to a high level of purity.
2. **Ethanol and Gasoline Blending:** E85 is created by blending a specific ratio of ethanol with gasoline. The "E85" label indicates that the fuel contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This ratio can vary slightly, but E85 typically falls within the range of E70 to E85, meaning it contains 70-85% ethanol.
3. **Distribution:** E85 is then distributed to fuel stations where it can be used in specially designed flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). These vehicles are equipped to handle the higher ethanol content, and the engine control systems can adjust to different ethanol-gasoline blends.
It's important to note that not all vehicles are compatible with E85, and using E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle can cause engine damage. Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on a range of ethanol-gasoline blends, providing flexibility to consumers who want to use renewable fuels.