DME Fuel

Why in news?

• Recently, India’s first 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuelled tractor/ vehicle for on- and off-road applications has been developed by IIT Kanpur that exhibited higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions than the baseline diesel engine.
• The research received support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The project aligned with the 'Methanol Economy' program of NITI Aayog, aiming to reduce India's oil import bill and greenhouse gas emissions.

About DME Fuel:

• DME is a synthetically produced alternative fuel that can be directly used in specially designed compression ignition diesel engines for various purposes.
• DME is a renewable alternative to crude oil.
• Several countries, including Japan, USA, China, Sweden, Denmark, and Korea, are already using DME to power their vehicles.

Properties:

• Under normal atmospheric conditions, DME is a colourless gas.
• DME exhibits comparable calorific value and similarity of its thermal efficiency to traditional fuels
• It is a clean-burning fuel with low emission and low particulate matter.

Uses:

• It is used extensively in the chemical industry and as solvent, fuel, and refrigerant.
• It has already been used as an ozone-friendly aerosol propellant to replace ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
• It is an essential intermediate for producing valuable chemicals such as lower olefins, dimethyl sulfate, and methyl acetate.

Significance:

• The DME-fuelled engine exhibited remarkably low particulate and soot emissions, almost eliminating smoke generation.
• This was achieved without the need for expensive exhaust gas after-treatment devices or advanced engine technologies.
• The DME technology offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative for conventional diesel engines in agriculture and transport sectors.

DME as a Renewable Alternative:

• India heavily relies on crude oil imports to meet its energy demands across various sectors.
• DME presents a renewable alternative fuel option that can be produced domestically.
• Reinforcing Methanol Economy Programe:
• Converting domestic coal reserves, low-value agricultural biomass waste, and municipal solid waste into methanol and DME can contribute to achieving these goals.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Dimethyl Ether (DME)’:

1. It is used extensively in the chemical industry

2. It is a clean-burning fuel with low emission and low particulate matter

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer