Fermentation Conditions

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:
  1. The sugars being in solution (involving mashing of grain or fruit if necessary).
  2. The presence of yeast (which contains certain enzymes).
  3. A temperature of approximately 37°C (blood temperature).
  4. 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.