Dimethyl Ether, also known as DME or blue fuel, is a simple hydrocarbon that burns very cleanly compared to other prominent fuel sources. Unlike diesel, DME does not have carbon chains and therefore burns very cleanly. When burned as fuel DME releases negligible amounts of oxides of Nitrogen: 90% less than standard fuel. When used as fuel in trucks, DME has 4% of the climate impact that diesel has. The most important fact about DME, however, is that it releases 95% less Carbon Dioxide than diesel!


Blue Fuel Energy

The production of DME is environmentally friendly too. DME can actually be obtained through the processing of a paper pulp byproduct called Black Liquor. Black Liquor is a combination of lignin from wood, paper making chemicals, and water; basically a waste byproduct that is often burned for disposal. After processing, the Black Liquor becomes DME gas and is stored as a liquid under pressure. DME is also produced from Methanol. The process is a little more complicated and not quite as green, however. Recycling the waste from paper making is more environmentally friendly and resourceful.

Although DME only provides 55% of the energy density of diesel, it burns more cleanly, and is therefore a desirable fuel. DME can be used in most diesel truck systems after modifications are made to the tank system and injection system.

Volvo is the current leader in the use and research of DME as an alternative fuel. Volvo has released 7 trucks that run on different types of Bio-Fuel, and it is researching the practicality of the various fuels. At this point, it seems that DME is the most efficient of the Bio-Fuels that Volvo has tested.

<

+

America is lagging behind Sweden and the EU in DME research. As a practical alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel, its potential should be fully researched. Think green, think blue, think DME!

This article originally appeared on GreenCarBuzz.com

Resources:
http://www.bluefuelenergy.com/index.html

http://www.dotyenergy.com/Markets/DimethylEther.htm

http://www.volvotrucks.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/VTC/Corporate/News%20and%20Media/publications/Volvo%20BioDME.pdf

http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/08/penn-state-pres.html

http://www.tc.gc.ca/innovation/tdc/summary/13700/13788e.htm