Band 9: The diagram below shows how ethanol fuel is produced from corn. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol fuel from corn.

Overall, the production involves multiple stages, starting from harvesting corn and ending with the transportation of the purified ethanol. The process includes both physical and chemical procedures and takes several hours to complete.

Initially, corn is harvested and stored before being sent for milling. Once milled, the corn is cooked for four hours with the addition of water. After cooking, the mixture undergoes a fermentation process, which lasts for 48 hours. This is the longest stage in the entire process.

Following fermentation, the mixture is separated into solid and liquid components. The solid by-product is removed, while the liquid is processed further. The liquid portion is then purified to extract ethanol, a process that takes approximately five hours.

Finally, the purified ethanol is stored and eventually transported for use. This structured process ensures the conversion of raw corn into usable ethanol fuel through a sequence of storing, cooking, fermenting, separating, and purifying steps.