Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISEDME is already an important basic chemical today. DME plays a key role as an intermediate product in the large-scale methanol-to-chemicals and methanol-to-fuels processes. Olefin synthesis is the decisive process step in the production of fuels such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF/kerosene), diesel and gasoline from methanol or DME. Compared to methanol, DME offers numerous advantages in terms of catalyst stability, reaction speed and selectivity. It has been shown that the DME-to-olefin reaction enables higher olefin yields than the comparable methanol-to-olefins process. At the same time, the use of DME is associated with reduced exothermicity and lower water requirements for the reaction medium. Both have a beneficial effect on catalyst life. All in all, this results in great potential for producing fuels and chemicals based on DME more efficiently, with lower CO2 emissions and at lower costs.
Dimethylether as a Platform Molecule
Results from the “E-Fuels for the LÄND” project: Comparison of production costs for gasoline in the reference scenario (left: methanol) and innovation scenario (right: DME). Finland, Spain, and Brazil are considered export regions. The process steps that take place in Baden-Württemberg are indicated by hatching.
Our R&D Services in the Field of "Dimethyl Ether as a Platform Molecule"
- Process development and conceptual engineering of efficient, cost-optimized processes for the production of fuels and chemicals based on DME
- Independent comparison and evaluation of different process variants (experimental and simulated)
- Fast, customized, and precise characterization of catalysts through screenings, kinetic investigations, and state-of-the-art analysis methods
- Customized production or adaptation of our reactors and test benches to the needs of our customers
- Characterization and evaluation of reactors/test benches on behalf of our customers
- Techno-economic feasibility studies and life cycle assessments (LCA) of processes