DME technology advances provide clean alternative to diesel

R. G. Vedhara, Aum Energy Pte Ltd., Singapore While dimethyl ether (DME) might sound like an exotic chemical, it is, in fact, the simplest ether compound, with a chemical formula of C2H6O. DME is a clean, colorless gas at ambient temperatures, but it can be liquefied under moderate pressure. This makes DME quite similar to propane and LPG for handling purposes (Table 1). DME has been used for decades in the personal care industry, mainly as an environmentally benign propellant in aerosols, as DME is nontoxic and is easily degraded in the troposphere. The advantages of DME are many: Readily liquefies at 6 bar or –25°C Its transportability as a bulk commodity, which enhanc