DME basics

Whereas methanol is the simplest alcohol, DME is the simplest ether. A synthetic compound, DME’s physical properties are similar to those of liquefied petroleum gases (i.e., propane and butane). Gaseous in ambient conditions, DME becomes a liquid when cooled to -25C or pressurized to about six atmospheres. Until recently it was primarily used as an ozone-friendly aerosol propellant, replacing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in hair sprays, for example, and in the production of ultra-pure glass because it burns without forming soot. DME is hydrogen-rich and contains no direct carbon bonds or sulfur, which is why it is so ultra-clean burning. DME is truly a multi-purpose fuel with a range of compelling applications, including: a gas turbine fuel that can be used directly for power generation without modification to turbines or combustors; a cooking and heating fuel that can be blended with propane (20% DME/80% propane) without requiring equipment modifications; and as a transportation fuel, primarily as a diesel replacement, requiring no modifications to the engine, but some to the fuel supply system.