Process intensification for dimethyl ether production by self-heat recuperation

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 90; no. P1; pp. 122 - 127
• Main Authors: Kansha, Yasuki, Ishizuka, Masanori, Song, Chunfeng, Tsutsumi, Atsushi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2015; Elsevier
• Subjects: Dimethyl ether; Dimethyl ether production; Energy; Energy conservation; Feasibility; Methyl alcohol; Process design; Process intensification; Production methods; Self-heat recuperation; Synthesis; Synthetic fuels; Process design; Self-heat recuperation; Energy; Dimethyl ether production
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2015.05.037

DME (dimethyl ether) is categorized as a green energy source and the demand for DME continues to increase. DME is commonly produced by two methods: indirect and direct DME synthesis. In the indirect method, methanol is produced and then converted to DME. In the direct method, DME is directly synthesized from syngas without methanol production. In this research, we investigated the feasibility of self-heat recuperation technology to the DME production process using the indirect method and developed an innovative process for DME production from an energy saving point of view, thereby considerably reducing the energy consumption of the thermal and separation processes. •Application of self-heat recuperation to DME (dimethyl ether) production was investigated.•A new process for DME production was developed, including in-process energy savings.•The new process is found to be a viable option for DME production.