Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or higher

1. Scope and Applicability

This PCR covers foreground production of undenatured ethyl alcohol whose alcoholic strength is at least 80% by volume, delivered as a saleable bulk or packaged product at the production-site gate. It covers ethanol made by fermentation of sugar-, starch-, or lignocellulose-derived substrates and the required distillation and rectification steps. Route-specific feed preparation, fermentation, product recovery, storage, dispatch preparation, on-site utilities, residue management, and wastewater treatment are included when operated by the reporting site.

Upstream cultivation or collection of biomass, manufacture of purchased feedstocks, enzymes, chemicals, energy, water, and packaging, and inbound transport are represented by linked background datasets. Denaturing, downstream distribution, blending into fuels or beverages, consumption or combustion, beverage aging, and end-of-life are excluded. Synthetic ethanol, denatured ethanol, ethanol below 80% vol, alcoholic beverages, and generic fermentation broth are outside the category. The data package shall state the feedstock route, actual alcohol strength by volume, water content or equivalent composition, measurement temperature and method, product grade, package or bulk form, and whether additional dehydration beyond rectification occurs.

2. Product Category Identity

Field	Value
canonical_pcr_id	pcr.food-products-beverages-and-tobacco-textiles-apparel-and-leather-products.beverages.undenatured-ethyl-alcohol-of-an-alcoholic-strength-by-volume-of-80-vol-or-higher
classification_refs	CPC 3.0: 24110, Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or higher, exact
covered_products	Saleable undenatured ethyl alcohol at least 80% vol produced by fermentation followed by distillation and rectification
excluded_products	Denatured ethanol; ethanol below 80% vol; synthetic ethanol; spirits and other beverages; fermentation broth; downstream ethanol blends
representative_product	Rectified, undenatured ethanol at the production-site gate with declared actual alcoholic strength by volume
production_route	Route-specific substrate preparation; fermentation; distillation and rectification; storage and dispatch preparation
market_state	Bulk tanker, reusable container, or packaged saleable product, undenatured and at least 80% vol

3. Reference Flow

Field	Value
What	Rectified undenatured ethyl alcohol at the production-site gate
How much	1,000 kg
How well	Saleable product with measured alcoholic strength of at least 80% vol and declared product grade, water content or equivalent composition, and dispatch form
How long or cycle	One completed production campaign normalized from a continuous reporting period of at least 12 months, or a shorter representative period justified for a new or materially changed plant
reference_flow_link	Rectified ethanol 276f1cf5-0aa1-4d57-ad95-9dada6e043a0

Field	Value
Reference amount	1,000 kg
Reference product flow	Rectified ethanol 276f1cf5-0aa1-4d57-ad95-9dada6e043a0
Reference flow property	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66
Reference unit group	Units of mass 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
Reference unit	kg
Required qualifiers	actual alcoholic strength by volume; undenatured status; measurement temperature and test method; water content or equivalent composition; fermentation feedstock and route; dehydration technology if used; product grade; bulk or package format; production site; reporting period

The direct-read Tiangong flow identifies rectified ethanol as undenatured before denaturing and classifies it to CPC 24110. Because its display name does not state the alcohol-strength threshold, a concrete foreground data package is conforming only when the required qualifiers demonstrate an actual alcoholic strength of at least 80% vol.

4. Measurement and Unit Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Required property	Required unit	Rule
reference_mass	Reference product and mass-normalized inventory	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66	kg	Determine net conforming ethanol mass on a calibrated dispatch or production mass basis; preserve gross, tare, stock-change, and loss records before normalizing to 1,000 kg.
alcoholic_strength	Reference-product identity	Alcoholic strength by volume	% vol	Report the measured value, measurement temperature, test method, and sample basis; values below 80% vol fail category identity and shall not be averaged with conforming output.
water_and_composition	Product quality and mass balance	Mass fraction or concentration	declared native unit	Preserve water content or an equivalent composition result and any denaturant test so that undenatured status and mass balance can be checked.
energy_conversion	Electricity, steam, heat, and fuels	Energy	kWh, MJ, or native metered unit	Preserve native readings, calorific-value basis, and conversion factors; do not aggregate electricity, steam, and individual fuels into one inventory exchange.
period_normalization	All foreground exchanges	Reference-flow property	per 1,000 kg	Reconcile receipts, production, transfers, inventories, recovered materials, wastes, and emissions over one common period before normalization.

5. System Boundary

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
boundary_plant_gate	Foreground dataset	Include route-specific substrate preparation, fermentation, distillation, rectification, product storage, dispatch preparation, on-site utilities, residue handling, and wastewater treatment operated by the reporting site.	nrel-ethanol-design-2011; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022
boundary_upstream_links	Lifecycle model	Link separate upstream datasets for delivered feedstocks, enzymes, chemicals, fuels, electricity, water, packaging, and inbound transport; do not embed their production in the site foreground unless the site operates it.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
boundary_product_exclusions	Product identity	Exclude denaturing and any downstream blending, distribution, use, combustion, or end-of-life; exclude aging and beverage-specific finishing.	unsd-cpc-3-0-24110; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997
boundary_complete_inventory	Included processes	Record each material, utility, waste, co-product, and elementary emission as an atomic exchange; estimate or flag material missing flows rather than hiding them in an aggregated balance.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Boundary Abstraction

Field	Value
declared_starting_condition	Fermentable substrate or feedstock, utilities, chemicals, enzymes, and packaging delivered to the production site
starting_condition_role	Background-to-foreground interface at site receipt
product_classification_scope	Undenatured ethyl alcohol with actual alcoholic strength at least 80% vol
recursive_input_rule	Purchased conforming ethanol entering redistillation, blending, or dispatch is linked as an upstream ethanol dataset; only the reporting site's additional operations remain foreground.
upstream_dataset_requirement	Use supplier-specific or representative datasets for each delivered feedstock, utility, chemical, enzyme, package, and transport service, with route and geography disclosed.
disclosure	Declare feedstock route, alcohol-strength method and value, water or composition basis, site boundary, outsourced operations, utility supply mode, co-product destinations, wastewater treatment, dispatch form, reporting period, estimates, and exclusions.

6. Process Inventory Structure

Process Map

process_id	process_name	inclusion	inclusion_condition	role	quantitative_reference
feedstock_preparation	Feedstock preparation	required	Apply only the atomic feedstock and treatment rows used by the declared route.	Prepare fermentable sugars or mash for fermentation.	Prepared fermentable mash transferred to fermentation
fermentation	Fermentation	required	All covered fermentation routes.	Convert fermentable sugars to ethanol-containing broth.	Fermented broth transferred to recovery
distillation_rectification	Distillation and rectification	required	All covered products.	Separate and concentrate ethanol to at least 80% vol.	Rectified ethanol transferred to storage
storage_dispatch	Product storage and dispatch preparation	required	Packaging rows apply only to the declared dispatch form.	Store, verify, and prepare undenatured ethanol for dispatch.	1,000 kg conforming product at site gate
onsite_utilities_wastewater	On-site utilities and wastewater treatment	conditional	Include each operated boiler, cogeneration, refrigeration, or wastewater-treatment activity; otherwise use purchased utility or off-site treatment datasets.	Supply utilities and manage site wastewater and emissions without double counting purchased services.	Utility output or wastewater treated

Process: Feedstock preparation (feedstock_preparation)

Inputs

Product flows

Sugarcane juice (sugarcane_juice)

Use this route-specific substrate only when sugarcane juice enters the foreground preparation process.

• Selected flow: Sugarcane juice
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record receipt mass, soluble-solids or sugar content, moisture basis, supplier, and stock change.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_material_receipts
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Cane molasses (cane_molasses)

Use this atomic substrate only for a molasses-containing route.

• Selected flow: Cane molasses
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record receipt mass, sugar concentration, moisture, grade, supplier, and stock change.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_material_receipts
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Maize grain (maize_grain)

Use maize as one atomic feedstock for the declared starch route.

• Selected flow: Maize grain
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record receipt mass, moisture, starch content, grade, supplier, and stock change.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_material_receipts
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Corn stover (corn_stover)

Use corn stover only for the declared lignocellulosic route and retain dry-matter and composition records.

• Selected flow: Corn stover
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record as-received and dry mass, moisture, carbohydrate and lignin composition, supplier, and stock change.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_material_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Feed-preparation water (feed_preparation_water)

Record water added to milling, mashing, dilution, pretreatment, hydrolysis, or washing without including cooling water.

• Selected flow: Process water
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter or reconcile water supplied to feed preparation by process area.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Sulfuric acid (sulfuric_acid)

Record sulfuric acid only when used for acid pretreatment, hydrolysis, or pH control.

• Selected flow: Sulfuric acid
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record delivered product mass, concentration, purpose, and batch or meter allocation.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Sodium hydroxide for feed preparation (sodium_hydroxide_feed)

Record sodium hydroxide only when used for conditioning, pH adjustment, or cleaning assigned to this process.

• Selected flow: Sodium hydroxide
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record delivered product mass, concentration, purpose, and batch allocation.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Alpha-amylase (alpha_amylase)

Record alpha-amylase as a separate enzyme input for starch liquefaction.

• Selected flow: Alpha-amylase enzyme preparation
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record formulated-product mass, activity, concentration, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Glucoamylase (glucoamylase)

Record glucoamylase separately when used for starch saccharification.

• Selected flow: Glucoamylase enzyme preparation
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record formulated-product mass, activity, concentration, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Feed-preparation electricity (feed_preparation_electricity)

Record electricity used by conveying, milling, pumping, agitation, and preparation equipment.

• Selected flow: Electricity, medium voltage, at plant
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh
• Amount rule: Use submetered electricity or documented equipment load and operating time.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Feed-preparation steam (feed_preparation_steam)

Record purchased or on-site steam delivered to pretreatment, cooking, hydrolysis, or evaporation without aggregating it with fuel.

• Selected flow: Saturated process steam
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Meter steam or calculate from mass, pressure, condensate return, and verified enthalpy.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Prepared fermentable mash (prepared_fermentable_mash)

The prepared sugar-containing mash or hydrolysate is the single intermediate transferred to fermentation.

• Selected flow: Prepared fermentable mash
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record transfer mass, dry matter, fermentable-sugar concentration, temperature, and batch identity.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_process_batches
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Waste flows

Pretreatment solid residue (pretreatment_solid_residue)

Record non-marketable solids removed from feed preparation as one wet or dry waste stream with destination and composition.

• Selected flow: Lignin-rich pretreatment solid residue
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record wet mass, dry matter, composition, recovery, storage change, and destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Feed-preparation wastewater (feed_preparation_wastewater)

Record wastewater transferred from feed preparation to on-site or off-site treatment separately from solid residue.

• Selected flow: Feed-preparation wastewater
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter or reconcile discharge volume and retain sampled pollutant concentrations.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Elementary flows

Grain particulate matter to air (grain_particulate_to_air)

Record direct particulate emissions from dry grain receipt, handling, cleaning, and milling when those operations are foreground.

• Selected flow: Particulate matter to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use site measurements or a documented source-specific calculation; do not use the AP-42 distilled-spirits section as an amount factor.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Process: Fermentation (fermentation)

Inputs

Product flows

Fermentable mash input (fermentable_mash_input)

Match this intermediate to the prepared fermentable mash transfer.

• Selected flow: Prepared fermentable mash
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Reconcile paired transfer records, line hold-up, and losses by batch.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_process_batches
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Fermentation yeast (fermentation_yeast)

Record purchased or newly propagated fermentation yeast without double counting internal recycle.

• Selected flow: Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation yeast
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record fresh or dry basis, culture source, propagated quantity, reuse, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_fermentation_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Urea (urea)

Record urea separately when used as fermentation nutrient.

• Selected flow: Urea
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record product mass, nitrogen content, purpose, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Diammonium phosphate (diammonium_phosphate)

Record diammonium phosphate separately when used as nutrient.

• Selected flow: Diammonium phosphate
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record product mass, nutrient concentration, purpose, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Polydimethylsiloxane antifoam (polydimethylsiloxane_antifoam)

Record this formulated antifoam only when used; do not group it with other process chemicals.

• Selected flow: Polydimethylsiloxane antifoam
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record formulated-product mass, concentration, and batch dose.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Fermentation cooling water (fermentation_cooling_water)

Record net make-up cooling water assigned to fermentation, excluding recirculated internal flow.

• Selected flow: Cooling water
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter make-up and blowdown and document the allocation of shared cooling systems.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Fermentation electricity (fermentation_electricity)

Record electricity for agitation, pumping, cooling, cleaning, and controls assigned to fermentation.

• Selected flow: Electricity, medium voltage, at plant
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh
• Amount rule: Use submetering or documented equipment load and operating time.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Fermented ethanol broth (fermented_ethanol_broth)

Record the single broth transfer to distillation with its ethanol concentration and batch identity.

• Selected flow: Fermented ethanol broth
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record transfer mass or volume and density, ethanol concentration, residual sugar, and temperature.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_fermentation_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Waste flows

Spent yeast slurry (spent_yeast_slurry)

Record surplus yeast leaving fermentation after subtracting internal reuse.

• Selected flow: Spent fermentation yeast slurry
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record wet mass, dry matter, internal recycle, storage change, and destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Elementary flows

Fermentation carbon dioxide (fermentation_carbon_dioxide)

Record biogenic carbon dioxide vented from fermentation after any recovery.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide, biogenic, to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Measure recovered and vented carbon dioxide or calculate from reconciled fermentable-carbon and product records with recovery explicitly subtracted.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Fermentation ethanol to air (fermentation_ethanol_to_air)

Record ethanol carried in fermentation vent gas as a separate elementary emission.

• Selected flow: Ethanol to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use site measurement or a documented vent mass balance; do not apply beverage-aging factors.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Process: Distillation and rectification (distillation_rectification)

Inputs

Product flows

Fermented broth input (fermented_broth_input)

Match this input to the fermented ethanol broth transfer.

• Selected flow: Fermented ethanol broth
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Reconcile paired transfer records, line hold-up, and measured ethanol concentration.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_distillation_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Rectification steam (rectification_steam)

Record steam supplied to beer, stripping, rectification, or dehydration units separately from fuel.

• Selected flow: Saturated process steam
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Meter steam or calculate from mass, pressure, condensate return, and verified enthalpy.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Rectification electricity (rectification_electricity)

Record electricity for pumps, vacuum, controls, cooling, and product-recovery equipment.

• Selected flow: Electricity, medium voltage, at plant
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh
• Amount rule: Use submetering or documented equipment load and operating time.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Rectification cooling water (rectification_cooling_water)

Record net make-up cooling water assigned to condensers and product recovery.

• Selected flow: Cooling water
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter make-up and blowdown and document allocation of shared cooling systems.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Rectified ethanol intermediate (rectified_ethanol_intermediate)

Record conforming undenatured ethanol transferred from rectification to storage.

• Selected flow: Rectified ethanol 276f1cf5-0aa1-4d57-ad95-9dada6e043a0
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record net transfer mass, alcohol strength by volume, measurement temperature, water or composition result, and losses.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_distillation_records
• Sources: unsd-cpc-3-0-24110; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Fusel oil (fusel_oil)

Record recovered fusel oil as a separate co-product only when it has a documented destination outside the process.

• Selected flow: Fusel oil
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record recovered mass, composition, stock change, and destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Waste flows

Whole stillage (whole_stillage)

Record distillation bottoms as whole stillage before any internal recycle or separation.

• Selected flow: Whole stillage from ethanol distillation
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record wet mass, dry matter, composition, internal recycle, stock change, treatment, and destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Elementary flows

Rectification ethanol to air (rectification_ethanol_to_air)

Record ethanol in condenser and column vent losses separately from fermentation and storage losses.

• Selected flow: Ethanol to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Measure vent emissions or calculate a documented recovery-system mass balance.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Rectification acetaldehyde to air (rectification_acetaldehyde_to_air)

Record direct acetaldehyde emissions when detected or required by the site emission inventory.

• Selected flow: Acetaldehyde to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use source testing, continuous monitoring, or a documented site-specific calculation.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Process: Product storage and dispatch preparation (storage_dispatch)

Inputs

Product flows

Rectified ethanol for dispatch (dispatch_ethanol_input)

Match this input to rectified ethanol transferred from the recovery process.

• Selected flow: Rectified ethanol
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Reconcile tank receipts, stock changes, quality holds, rework, and dispatch losses.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_storage_dispatch_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Dispatch electricity (dispatch_electricity)

Record electricity for storage pumps, ventilation, loading, filling, and dispatch equipment.

• Selected flow: Electricity, medium voltage, at plant
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh
• Amount rule: Use submetering or documented equipment load and operating time.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Nitrogen blanketing gas (nitrogen_blanketing_gas)

Record nitrogen separately when tank blanketing is used.

• Selected flow: Nitrogen gas
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record metered or purchased quantity assigned to ethanol storage and loading.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_material_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Steel drum (steel_drum)

Record one-way steel drums only when used for the declared dispatch form.

• Selected flow: Steel drum
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record drum count, verified unit mass, reuse status, and product allocation.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_packaging_records
• Sources: eu-environmental-footprint-2021

High-density polyethylene drum (hdpe_drum)

Record one-way high-density polyethylene drums separately when used.

• Selected flow: High-density polyethylene drum
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record drum count, verified unit mass, reuse status, and product allocation.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_packaging_records
• Sources: eu-environmental-footprint-2021

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Reference ethanol output (reference_ethanol_output)

This is the declared reference product leaving the production-site gate.

• Selected flow: Rectified ethanol 276f1cf5-0aa1-4d57-ad95-9dada6e043a0
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Set to 1,000 kg of net conforming output after quality holds, stock changes, and dispatch losses.
• Value mode: Fixed value (fixed_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: 1,000 kg conforming undenatured ethanol at least 80% vol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Identity reference (identity_reference)
• Sources: unsd-cpc-3-0-24110

Waste flows

Off-spec ethanol (off_spec_ethanol)

Record ethanol that leaves the product system for treatment or disposal; internal rework remains an internal transfer.

• Selected flow: Off-spec ethanol waste
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record mass, alcohol strength, reason for rejection, rework, recovery, and final destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Elementary flows

Storage ethanol to air (storage_ethanol_to_air)

Record working, breathing, loading, and fugitive ethanol losses from storage and dispatch.

• Selected flow: Ethanol to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use site measurement or a documented tank and loading mass balance; do not use beverage-aging factors.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Process: On-site utilities and wastewater treatment (onsite_utilities_wastewater)

Inputs

Product flows

Natural gas (natural_gas)

Record natural gas only for on-site combustion assigned to the ethanol system.

• Selected flow: Natural gas
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Record metered volume, standard conditions, lower or higher heating value, and allocation to utility output.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_fuel_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Bagasse fuel (bagasse_fuel)

Record bagasse separately when combusted on site for steam or cogeneration.

• Selected flow: Sugarcane bagasse fuel
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record wet and dry mass, moisture, heating value, internal origin or purchase, and allocation to utility output.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_fuel_records
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Heavy fuel oil (heavy_fuel_oil)

Record heavy fuel oil separately when used as boiler or cogeneration fuel.

• Selected flow: Heavy fuel oil
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record delivered mass, heating value, sulfur content, stock change, and allocation to utility output.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_fuel_records
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Ammonia refrigerant (ammonia_refrigerant)

Record ammonia make-up separately when an R717 refrigeration system is used.

• Selected flow: Ammonia refrigerant
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate make-up from purchases and beginning/end inventory and reconcile service recovery.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_refrigerant_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Sodium hydroxide for wastewater treatment (treatment_sodium_hydroxide)

Record sodium hydroxide separately when consumed in on-site wastewater treatment.

• Selected flow: Sodium hydroxide
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record delivered product mass, concentration, stock change, and treatment use.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_chemical_receipts
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Wastewater to treatment (wastewater_to_treatment)

Record the combined wastewater entering on-site treatment after preserving source-process records.

• Selected flow: Ethanol-plant wastewater
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter influent volume and retain flow-weighted chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, and temperature.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

On-site steam (onsite_steam)

Record steam generated on site as the single utility output paired to boiler or cogeneration inputs.

• Selected flow: Saturated process steam
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Calculate from measured steam mass, pressure, temperature, feedwater, and condensate return; prevent double counting with purchased steam.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_utility_meters
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Treated wastewater (treated_wastewater)

Record treated effluent leaving the site or transferred for further treatment.

• Selected flow: Treated ethanol-plant wastewater
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Meter effluent volume and preserve discharge destination, permit point, and paired pollutant samples.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Waste flows

Wastewater sludge (wastewater_sludge)

Record dewatered or wet sludge leaving treatment separately from effluent.

• Selected flow: Ethanol-plant wastewater-treatment sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Record wet mass, dry matter, composition, storage change, and destination.
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_coproduct_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Elementary flows

Fossil carbon dioxide to air (fossil_carbon_dioxide_to_air)

Record fossil carbon dioxide from on-site combustion separately from biogenic carbon dioxide.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide, fossil, to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate from each fossil fuel record and documented carbon factor, subtracting captured carbon where applicable.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Biogenic carbon dioxide to air (biogenic_carbon_dioxide_to_air)

Record biogenic carbon dioxide from bagasse or other biomass combustion separately from fermentation carbon dioxide.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide, biogenic, to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate from biomass fuel carbon records and documented factors, subtracting captured carbon where applicable.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Nitrogen oxides to air (nitrogen_oxides_to_air)

Record direct nitrogen oxides from on-site combustion as one pollutant exchange on the declared reporting basis.

• Selected flow: Nitrogen oxides to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use source testing, continuous monitoring, or fuel- and equipment-specific calculation with the reporting basis declared.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Sulfur dioxide to air (sulfur_dioxide_to_air)

Record sulfur dioxide from sulfur-bearing fuels as a separate elementary emission.

• Selected flow: Sulfur dioxide to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use source testing or a fuel sulfur mass balance with retention explicitly documented.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Particulate matter to air (particulate_matter_to_air)

Record stack particulate matter separately from grain-handling particulate emissions.

• Selected flow: Particulate matter to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Use source testing, continuous monitoring, or equipment-specific calculation and state the particle-size basis.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Fuel inventory (fuel_inventory)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997

Ammonia refrigerant to air (ammonia_refrigerant_to_air)

Record unrecovered R717 refrigerant loss as ammonia emitted to air.

• Selected flow: Ammonia to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate from refrigerant inventory, purchases, recovery, and service records.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_refrigerant_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Chemical oxygen demand to water (cod_to_water)

Record chemical oxygen demand discharged in treated effluent as one elementary exchange.

• Selected flow: Chemical oxygen demand to water
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate flow-weighted load from paired effluent volume and representative concentration measurements.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Total nitrogen to water (total_nitrogen_to_water)

Record total nitrogen discharged in treated effluent separately from chemical oxygen demand and phosphorus.

• Selected flow: Total nitrogen to water
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate flow-weighted load from paired effluent volume and representative concentration measurements.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

Total phosphorus to water (total_phosphorus_to_water)

Record total phosphorus discharged in treated effluent as a separate elementary exchange.

• Selected flow: Total phosphorus to water
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg
• Amount rule: Calculate flow-weighted load from paired effluent volume and representative concentration measurements.
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1,000 kg conforming ethanol
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_wastewater_records
• Sources: nrel-ethanol-design-2011; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

7. Allocation and Co-product Handling

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
allocation_avoid	Multi-output foreground processes	First subdivide separately metered processes and internal transfers so ethanol, steam, electricity, stillage, fusel oil, carbon dioxide recovery, and other outputs receive only causally connected exchanges.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
allocation_system_expansion	Marketable co-products	Where subdivision is insufficient and a documented displaced product exists, apply system expansion or substitution and disclose the substituted function, market, quality, and sensitivity case.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022
allocation_physical_then_economic	Residual unresolved multifunctionality	If substitution is not justified, use a relevant physical causal relation; use economic allocation only when no defensible physical relation exists, with prices, period, geography, and sensitivity disclosed.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
allocation_waste_or_coproduct	Stillage, fusel oil, recovered carbon dioxide, lignin residue, and surplus energy	Classify each output by actual destination and marketability before allocation; do not grant a co-product credit to material sent for disposal or treatment.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021; arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022

8. Foreground Data Collection, Calculation, and Quality Rules

Data Collection Protocols

protocol_id	process_id	flow_role	record_type	raw_fields	collection_method	unit	frequency	temporal_coverage	site_scope	aggregation_rule	quality_evidence
cp_material_receipts	feedstock_preparation; storage_dispatch	Feedstocks, nitrogen, and other received materials	invoices, weighbridge tickets, tank gauges, inventory logs, certificates	material identity; supplier; mass or volume; density; moisture or concentration; beginning and ending inventory; batch; date	reconcile receipts plus beginning stock minus ending stock and transfers	native unit and kg	each receipt and monthly close	common reporting period	all included site operations	aggregate by atomic material and route before reference normalization	calibrated scales or gauges; supplier certificate; inventory reconciliation
cp_chemical_receipts	feedstock_preparation; fermentation; onsite_utilities_wastewater	Each enzyme, nutrient, antifoam, acid, alkali, or treatment chemical	invoices, batch sheets, warehouse issues, formulation certificates	chemical identity; formulated-product mass; active concentration or activity; purpose; batch; inventory	reconcile receipts, issues, return, and stock; allocate only to the consuming process	kg formulated product and declared active basis	each batch and monthly close	common reporting period	all included process areas	sum each chemical separately and normalize after stock reconciliation	product specification; batch record; inventory record
cp_process_batches	feedstock_preparation	Prepared mash and internal transfers	batch sheets, transfer meters, laboratory results	transfer mass or volume; density; dry matter; fermentable sugar; temperature; batch id; losses	pair source and destination records and reconcile line hold-up	kg or m3 plus composition	each batch	common reporting period	all included preparation lines	aggregate matched transfers without counting internal circulation	calibrated transfer meter; laboratory certificate; reconciliation
cp_fermentation_records	fermentation	Fermentation inputs, broth, and yeast	batch logs, tank gauges, laboratory analyses	mash input; yeast dose; fermentation time; broth mass or volume; density; ethanol; residual sugar; recovered carbon dioxide	reconcile each fermenter batch and product transfer	kg or m3 plus concentration	each batch	common reporting period	all fermenters in scope	aggregate conforming batches and separately report aborted batches	calibrated tanks; laboratory method; batch approval
cp_distillation_records	distillation_rectification	Broth, rectified ethanol, and recovery performance	flowmeters, tank gauges, laboratory analyses, production logs	broth input; ethanol concentration; product mass; alcohol strength; water or composition; temperature; reflux or recovery records; stillage	reconcile ethanol and total mass through recovery and transfer	kg and % vol	each campaign or daily	common reporting period	all recovery trains in scope	aggregate only output meeting the category threshold	calibrated meter; alcohol-strength method; mass-balance closure
cp_utility_meters	all processes	Electricity, steam, water, and utility outputs	meters, invoices, equipment runtime, steam logs	meter id; start and end readings; process area; pressure; temperature; condensate; operating time; conversion factor	use submeters first; otherwise calculate from verified load and operating time	native utility unit	continuous or each shift, monthly close	common reporting period	all included meters and shared systems	subtract internal circulation and allocate shared services with disclosed drivers	calibration; invoice reconciliation; engineering calculation
cp_fuel_records	onsite_utilities_wastewater	Each on-site fuel	flowmeters, weighbridge records, invoices, fuel certificates	fuel identity; quantity; moisture; heating value; carbon and sulfur; stock change; boiler or turbine	reconcile fuel receipt and consumption by equipment	native unit, kg, and MJ	each receipt and daily or monthly meter close	common reporting period	all included combustion units	aggregate each fuel separately and allocate to measured utility output	calibrated meter; supplier certificate; stock reconciliation
cp_refrigerant_records	onsite_utilities_wastewater	Ammonia refrigerant	purchase, inventory, recovery, and maintenance logs	refrigerant identity; initial and final charge; purchase; recovery; service addition; incident loss	annual or campaign mass balance	kg	each service event and annual close	common reporting period	all included R717 systems	purchases plus initial inventory minus recovery and final inventory	technician log; cylinder weights; incident record
cp_storage_dispatch_records	storage_dispatch	Product storage, quality release, and dispatch	tank gauges, weighbridge tickets, quality certificates, shipping records	receipt; stock; rework; off-spec quantity; dispatched net mass; alcohol strength; temperature; package form	reconcile tank movements and net dispatch	kg and % vol	each tank movement and shipment	common reporting period	all product tanks and loading points	normalize only released product meeting at least 80% vol	calibrated scale or tank; signed quality release; dispatch record
cp_packaging_records	storage_dispatch	Each one-way packaging component	purchase, issue, count, and unit-mass records	package material; count; unit mass; reusable or one-way status; product allocation; waste count	multiply verified count by unit mass and reconcile stock	item and kg	each filling run and monthly close	common reporting period	all packaging lines in scope	report each component separately and exclude reusable assets unless consumed	supplier specification; count reconciliation; sample weighing
cp_waste_coproduct_records	all processes	Each waste or co-product	scales, tank gauges, manifests, invoices, destination records	identity; wet mass; dry matter; composition; stock; destination; revenue; treatment	reconcile generation, internal reuse, sale, treatment, and stock	kg or m3	each movement and monthly close	common reporting period	all included waste and co-product stores	separate marketable output, internal recycle, and waste by destination	calibrated measure; signed manifest; buyer or treatment record
cp_wastewater_records	all processes	Wastewater, treated effluent, and water pollutants	flowmeters, composite samples, laboratory reports, discharge records	source; influent and effluent volume; COD; total nitrogen; total phosphorus; pH; temperature; sampling time	pair representative concentration with flow over the same interval	m3 and kg pollutant	continuous flow; representative composite sampling	common reporting period	all included drains and discharge points	calculate flow-weighted loads; do not sum concentration values	calibrated flowmeter; accredited or documented laboratory method; permit record
cp_direct_emissions	all processes	Each direct air emission	stack tests, continuous monitoring, vent flow and concentration, mass-balance inputs	source id; pollutant; flow; concentration; operating time; fuel; recovery; method	calculate each pollutant by source and reconcile recovered material	kg	monitoring or test frequency required by permit, plus annual close	common reporting period	all included vents, stacks, tanks, and loading points	sum each elementary flow separately after source-level calculation	calibration; test report; permit method; mass-balance evidence

Calculation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Formula or rule	Inputs	Output	source_ids
calc_reference_normalization	Every foreground exchange	normalized amount = reconciled exchange amount × 1,000 kg / reconciled conforming ethanol output kg	period exchange; net conforming output	amount per 1,000 kg reference flow	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
calc_volume_to_mass	Liquid transfers recorded by volume	mass = measured volume × density at the declared temperature; retain measured volume, density, temperature, and method	volume; density; temperature	kg liquid	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
calc_ethanol_quality_gate	Reference product	segregate output with measured alcohol strength below 80% vol from conforming output; no production-weighted averaging across the threshold	batch output; % vol; test method	conforming output kg and off-spec kg	unsd-cpc-3-0-24110
calc_internal_transfer_reconciliation	Prepared mash, broth, ethanol, steam, and recycled materials	destination input = source output - measured transfer loss - documented inventory change; internal transfers do not create upstream burden	paired records; line hold-up; loss	reconciled transfer	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
calc_wastewater_load	COD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus	pollutant load = sum of representative interval volume × paired concentration, with unit conversion documented	effluent volume; paired concentration	kg pollutant to water	nrel-ethanol-design-2011
calc_refrigerant_loss	Ammonia refrigeration	loss = purchases + initial charge - recovered quantity - final charge, adjusted for documented transfers	purchase; initial and final inventory; recovery; transfer	kg ammonia to air	nrel-ethanol-design-2011
calc_mass_balance	Each process and full site	reconcile input, product, internal transfer, recovered co-product, waste, emission, and inventory change on compatible wet, dry, carbon, or ethanol bases; investigate material closure gaps	collected flow records; composition; stock change	balance and unresolved difference	eu-environmental-footprint-2021; nrel-ethanol-design-2011

Data Quality Requirements

requirement_id	Applies to	Requirement	Evidence
dq_product_identity	Reference product	Retain alcohol-strength result, measurement temperature and method, undenatured-status evidence, water or composition result, product grade, and dispatch form for every aggregated product family.	quality certificate; laboratory result; product specification
dq_temporal	Foreground data	Use one common period of at least 12 consecutive months unless a shorter period is demonstrably representative of a new or changed operation; disclose seasonality and shutdowns.	dated raw records; production calendar; justification
dq_technology_route	Process inventory	Identify feedstock and pretreatment route, fermentation organism, recovery configuration, dehydration step, utility supply, wastewater treatment, and co-product management.	process flow diagram; equipment list; operating narrative
dq_measurement	Metered and sampled data	Use calibrated instruments and documented laboratory methods; retain native values and conversion factors.	calibration certificate; method; chain of custody; calculation sheet
dq_completeness	All included processes	Reconcile all identified atomic material, energy, waste, co-product, and elementary flows and explain missing or estimated values.	completeness matrix; mass and energy balances; variance review
dq_supplier_background	Upstream links	Match supplier, feedstock route, geography, technology, and year where material; disclose proxies and data quality limitations.	supplier data; dataset metadata; proxy rationale
dq_allocation	Multi-output processes	Retain subdivision, substitution, physical relation, or economic data and the sensitivity case needed to reproduce allocation.	meter map; market evidence; price series; allocation calculation

9. Validation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
validate_identity	Reference flow	Fail category conformance if the product is denatured, the measured alcoholic strength is below 80% vol, or the strength, temperature, and method are missing.	unsd-cpc-3-0-24110
validate_reference_amount	Reference flow	Require exactly 1,000 kg net conforming output after stock change, off-spec product, and dispatch loss reconciliation.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
validate_process_coverage	Foreground dataset	Require feedstock preparation, fermentation, distillation and rectification, and storage/dispatch inventories; require each applicable on-site utility and wastewater process or an explicit linked external service.	nrel-ethanol-design-2011
validate_atomic_inventory	Inventory rows	Reject aggregated selected-flow labels and require electricity, steam, each fuel, each refrigerant, each feedstock, each chemical, each package, each waste, and each elementary emission to remain separate.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021
validate_transfer_balance	Internal intermediates	Require paired preparation-to-fermentation, fermentation-to-recovery, recovery-to-storage, and on-site steam transfers to reconcile after explicit loss and inventory change.	nrel-ethanol-design-2011
validate_mass_and_ethanol_balance	Process and site totals	Require documented mass and ethanol-balance checks and investigation of material unexplained differences.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021; nrel-ethanol-design-2011
validate_emissions_wastewater	Direct emissions and discharge	Require each applicable vent, stack, refrigerant loss, wastewater flow, COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus record or a documented not-applicable determination.	nrel-ethanol-design-2011; us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997
validate_allocation	Multi-output processes	Reject unreported or unreproducible allocation and any credit assigned to an output sent for treatment or disposal.	eu-environmental-footprint-2021

10. Published Dataset Profile

Field	Value
dataset_role	secondary_dataset or background_dataset after independent review
downstream_use	Plant-gate foreground production package for process datasets and lifecycle models of undenatured ethanol at least 80% vol
allowed_use	Studies matching the declared feedstock route, technology, geography, alcohol strength, water or composition, utility supply, co-product treatment, dispatch form, and reference mass basis
excluded_use	Denatured or synthetic ethanol; ethanol below 80% vol; beverage products; unqualified global average; downstream blending, distribution, or combustion without added stages
required_metadata	PCR id and version; product flow UUID; alcohol strength, temperature, and test method; undenatured status; water or composition; feedstock and route; site and geography; technology; reporting period; dispatch form; boundary; upstream links; co-product and allocation method
required_quality_disclosure	Primary-data share; meter and laboratory coverage; mass, ethanol, water, and energy balance results; missing flows; proxies; range-evidence gaps; uncertainty; allocation sensitivity; reviewer status
update_trigger	Change in feedstock, fermentation or recovery technology, alcohol-strength specification, energy or water system, co-product destination, wastewater treatment, dispatch form, site boundary, or representative data period

11. Data Sources

Source id	Type	Reference	Used for
unsd-cpc-3-0-24110	official_guidance	United Nations Statistics Division, Central Product Classification Version 3.0, subclass 24110. https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/CPC (retrieved 2026-08-23)	Official category identity, undenatured status, and minimum 80% vol threshold
eu-environmental-footprint-2021	official_guidance	European Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 on Environmental Footprint methods, Annex I. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2279/2021-12-30/eng (retrieved 2026-08-23)	Functional unit, boundary completeness, company-specific data, data quality, multifunctionality, allocation, and validation
us-epa-ap42-distilled-spirits-1997	official_guidance	United States Environmental Protection Agency, AP-42 Section 9.12.3, Distilled Spirits, 1997. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/c9s12-3.pdf (retrieved 2026-08-23)	Grain preparation, mashing, fermentation, distillation and rectification, stillage, and direct emission candidates; its beverage-aging factors are excluded
nrel-ethanol-design-2011	official_guidance	Humbird et al., Process Design and Economics for Biochemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Ethanol, NREL/TP-5100-47764, 2011. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/47764.pdf (retrieved 2026-08-23)	Lignocellulosic route process decomposition, pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, product recovery, wastewater treatment, lignin combustion, utilities, and process balances
arcentales-bastidas-ethanol-lca-2022	literature	Arcentales-Bastidas, Silva, and Ramirez, The Environmental Profile of Ethanol Derived from Sugarcane in Ecuador, Energies 15 (2022) 5421. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155421	Verified sugarcane route decomposition, juice and molasses fermentation, yeast and urea, distillation, stillage/vinasse, bagasse cogeneration, and co-product system-expansion case