Production of Materials > 3. Renewable Ethanol >
Describe conditions under which fermentation of sugars is promoted
- The fermentation of sugars to ethanol is promoted by the following conditions:
- The sugars being in solution (involving mashing of grain or fruit if necessary).
- The presence of yeast (which contains certain enzymes).
- A temperature of approximately 37°C (blood temperature).
- The exclusion of air, which provides low oxygen concentrations.
- Once the concentration of ethanol reaches 14-15% by volume, the yeast can no longer survive, and the fermentation process stops.
Fermentation locks, used to exclude air from fermentation containers (siphon loop is filled with water)