Dimethyl ether: A fuel for the 21st century

Kinetic Understanding of the Syngas-to-Dme Reaction System and Its Implications to Process and Economics

“…For example, our kinetic study demonstrates that the best overall reaction for the syngas-to-DME reactor is 3H 2 + 3CO → CH 3 OCH 3 + CO 2 (4) While this gives the highest reactor productivity, it also sacrifices one third of the carbon to CO 2 . In addition to low carbon utilization, generation of CO 2 is an environmental concern because CO 2 is a greenhouse gas.…”

“…The first part of the current section demonstrates that, for the process involving various recycle schemes, a possible best choice for the overall reaction is, again 3H 2 + 3CO → CH 3 OCH 3 + CO 2 (4) This can be achieved by recycling methanol and water along with the unconverted syngas. The method is a design choice, since the overall reaction scheme in a process with recycle can be done in many different ways.…”

“…Liquid Phase Dimethyl Ether (LPDME) is the next process in this progression [2,3]. Dimethyl ether (DME) has been identified as a potential diesel, cooking and power plant fuel [4][5][6], and can serve as a building block for liquid oxygenated compounds with high cetane numbers [7]. DME is also a potential chemical feedstock [8] and refrigerant replacement [9].…”

Toward zero emissions from coal in China

“…Because it has no carbon-carbon bonds, soot emissions from its combustion are zero; also, NOx emissions can be much less than with ordinary diesel fuel. Truck engine emissions tests show that NOx and particle emissions are down 55-60 % and 75 % [40] , respectively, relative to diesel fuel [Fleisch and Meurer, 1995].…”

“…Particle emissions are not zero despite absence of carbon-carbon bonds and zero sulfur content. Some particles are apparently generated from engine lubricating oil [Fleisch and Meurer, 1995].…”