Research Projects

Objective: Process technology for the synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol by catalytic dehydration method and its scale-up studies up to 2kg and 5kg catalyst loading

Summary: CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) has started the work for the development of laboratory-scale catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) under the mission mode programme to revive the mention economy. CSIR-NCL patented clean-burning dimethyl ether (DME) production technology from methanol dehydration is ready for pilot plant demonstration at TRL6 level. Dimethyl ether is a globally approvedfuel that can replace diesel and LPG is most of the significant applications. Diesel is one of the causes of air pollution. LPG is mainly imported into the country. Both fuels are dependent on crude oil and are susceptible to vagrancies of the crude oil market. As globally approved, DME can be blended with LPG (max. 20%) and contibutes to PM's Ujjwala scheme in reducing LPG imports DME is also expected to replace diesel mainly in large-bore engines wiht out modification to such engines. Moreover, DME production kits can be set up onboard ships with minimum modification to the fuel system (and not to the engines) plying on coastal and river transportation routes would contribute to commercial shipping under the Sagarmala scheme. DME can be used for the entire energy requirement of the Indain Armed Forces. The indigenously developed catalyst by CSIR-NSL has alraedy tested for 20 Kg/Day DME production, and at this stage, it is entirely ready for further scale-up