ABSTRACT
Dimethyl ether (DME), also called DME, is one of the newer candidates for replacement of conventional fuels in the transport, energy generation, and domestic cooking and heating markets. The production of DME and methanol are closely related. Basically to make DME, methanol is formed from syngas, and then DME is formed from the methanol by a dehydration process. The effectiveness of the conversion of syngas to DME or to methanol depends on the temperature and pressure of the reactor and the composition of the syngas. DME produced for aerosol cans has been produced by methanol dehydration, and was previously considered to be too expensive to be used as a fuel. Diesel engines operating on DME will probably eventually use common rail systems. The areas where special consideration for DME needs to be taken are in the fuel handling system and in particular the fuel injection nozzle.
