Processes for the production of OME fuels

Abstract

Poly(oxymethylene) ethers (OME) are synthetic diesel fuels, which show extremely low soot formation during combustions. They are heavily discussed as future climate-friendly alternative to fossil diesel fuels, e.g. via an efuel route. To put this discussion on solid grounds, it is important to look at how OME are actually produced. This paper given an overview of the technology for the production of OME. The raw materials and the roles of the intermediates (synthesis gas, methanol, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, and trioxane) in the valued added chain toward OME are explained. Technically feasible process concepts are described and assessed regarding economics and energetic efficiency. Current and future research directions for finding novel, improved production routes are discussed, before the paper is concluded.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Large Scale Production of Poly(oxymethylene) Dimethyl Ether Fuels from Methanol in Water-Tolerant Processes

“…These results are in good agreement with other publications that analyze comparable routes. Burger and Hasse [25] give OME cost of 668 EUR/t for methanol costs of 401 EUR/t. Their results are also shown in Figure 5 and 6 for other methanol costs.…”

“…Similarly, Burger and Hasse [25] reported the production cost of OME 3-5 as a function of the methanol cost. However, they did not describe how the result was obtained.…”