Recent DME production technology and its possibility as an alternative fuel

摘要

Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a clean and economical alternative fuel which can be produced from various resources as natural gas, coal or biomass through synthesis gas. The properties of DME are similar to those of LPG and it is expected to be used for various fields of power generation; transportation, homes, etc. Development of direct synthesis process of DME has been much advanced. As a result, it will realize a mass production of DME at the reasonable price. Recently, not only production technology, hut also technical and legislative studies on transportation and utilization for commercialization has been started. DME chain can contribute utilization stranded low rank coal, natural gas from small field, associated gas from oil well and so on and supply of clean fuel in Asian area.