Biomass
Natural gas
Coal
D
M
E
Diesel fuel
Chemicals
LPG substitute
Stationary power
Aerosol propellant
168
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
Figure 6.1
A schematic view of the flexibility of DME as a multisource–multipurpose fuel/chemical.
Mikkelsen 1995), interest in DME as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels
has grown and resulted in several demonstration projects, establishment of
international organizations related to DME, and practical implementation
of DME in the domestic market in China. In the following, the development
of interest in DME will be presented, along with its properties, as well as the
advantages and challenges of DME in the fuel area.
A large amount of research and development work has been performed in
Japan since 1995. It is reported in the DME Handbook (JDF 2007), published
by the Japan DME Forum. All aspects of DME use as a fuel are discussed
in this work, and it is recommended to the reader in need of more detailed
information than that which can be presented here.
In the following, a discussion of many aspects of DME use will be considered. Briefly, DME can be looked at as a multisource–multiuse chemical,
where fuel is a major application. This can be seen in Figure 6.1, which
illustrates the raw materials applicable to DME production, and the many
uses to which it can be put. Although they will not be discussed further
here, the chemical applications are important. DME can be used to produce acetic acid and is an intermediary in the production of propylene. It
is interesting to note that much of the DME capacity currently in the process of being constructed is in connection with the production of propylene
(Liebner 2006)
6.2 Properties of DME
DME is the simplest of all ethers, organic compounds that consist of an
oxygen molecule bonded to two organic radicals. The chemical formula of
DME is CH 3 O CH 3 . DME is a colorless gas, with a slight odor at room
− −
temperature and pressure. As such, it is necessary to keep DME in closed,
low pressure containers for normal use and distribution. This does have
Natural gas
Coal
D
M
E
Diesel fuel
Chemicals
LPG substitute
Stationary power
Aerosol propellant
168
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
Figure 6.1
A schematic view of the flexibility of DME as a multisource–multipurpose fuel/chemical.
Mikkelsen 1995), interest in DME as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels
has grown and resulted in several demonstration projects, establishment of
international organizations related to DME, and practical implementation
of DME in the domestic market in China. In the following, the development
of interest in DME will be presented, along with its properties, as well as the
advantages and challenges of DME in the fuel area.
A large amount of research and development work has been performed in
Japan since 1995. It is reported in the DME Handbook (JDF 2007), published
by the Japan DME Forum. All aspects of DME use as a fuel are discussed
in this work, and it is recommended to the reader in need of more detailed
information than that which can be presented here.
In the following, a discussion of many aspects of DME use will be considered. Briefly, DME can be looked at as a multisource–multiuse chemical,
where fuel is a major application. This can be seen in Figure 6.1, which
illustrates the raw materials applicable to DME production, and the many
uses to which it can be put. Although they will not be discussed further
here, the chemical applications are important. DME can be used to produce acetic acid and is an intermediary in the production of propylene. It
is interesting to note that much of the DME capacity currently in the process of being constructed is in connection with the production of propylene
(Liebner 2006)
6.2 Properties of DME
DME is the simplest of all ethers, organic compounds that consist of an
oxygen molecule bonded to two organic radicals. The chemical formula of
DME is CH 3 O CH 3 . DME is a colorless gas, with a slight odor at room
− −
temperature and pressure. As such, it is necessary to keep DME in closed,
low pressure containers for normal use and distribution. This does have