Dimethyl ether (DME) is a colorless and non-toxic fuel. It is an alternative fuel for diesel engines. DME, like methanol, can be made from any carbon based feedstock, including biomass. It can be made directly from methanol by a catalytic dehydration reaction, or by a reaction of syngas in a catalytic reactor. DME is a colorless gas at an ambient condition and is easily liquified with light pressure. DME is easily handled in the same way as a propane gas, it boils at -25℃ (-13°F) and has a vapor pressure of 6 bar (87 psi) at 25℃ (77°F). Our existing LPG distribution structure can easily be used with only minor modifications. DME has a cetane number of (55-60), making it a good substitute or supplement for diesel. The DME increases efficiency of diesel engines. Due to the lack of C-C bonds and the high oxygen content, the exhaust if practically free of soot and particulates. This can result in lower NOx emissions as well. The liquid density of DME is about 80% of diesel fuel, and the specific energy content is about 70% of diesel fuel. Therefore, one must inject about twice the fuel volume compared to diesel fuel, in order to ensure the same power output as the diesel engine.
Properties of DME compared to Diesel:
DME can be used alone or by blending with diesel. It can be used in modified diesel engines with a closed pressurized fuel system. Many new DME production facilities are going into commercial operation around the world as demands for diesel alternatives are growing.
R3 Sciences is developing a modular DME reactor to compliment the R3 G2M system allowing for production of DME from methanol.