The blending of dimethyl ether (DME) with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is expected to see significant progress, as key industry standards are set to be released. In the first half of 2013, two major standards—*Standard for LPG Dimethyl Ether Mixed Gas* and *Liquefied Petroleum Gas Dimethyl Ether Mixed Gas Cylinder Standard*—are anticipated to be officially promulgated. These standards, previously listed by the National Energy Administration as part of the second batch of energy sector guidelines, aim to address long-standing challenges in the DME-LPG blending process.
As a clean and efficient alternative fuel, DME offers advantages such as low cost, easy compression, safe handling, and excellent combustion performance. It has potential applications in urban gas and can serve as a substitute for LPG. However, the lack of clear regulations has led to widespread informal blending practices, creating safety concerns and market instability.
Chi Guojing, Secretary-General of the China City Gas Association, highlighted that the urban gas market is growing rapidly but faces supply shortages. Traditional sources like artificial gas, LPG, and natural gas each come with their own limitations. Artificial gas is costly and environmentally harmful, while natural gas supply is constrained and heavily imported. LPG production also struggles to meet domestic demand, leading to heavy reliance on imports.
Chen Weiguo, Deputy Director of the DME Special Committee, noted that DME with a purity above 95% can directly replace LPG as a clean fuel. However, the implementation of the *National Standard for Municipal Gas DME Emissions* in July 2022 restricted its use to urban gas only, requiring special cylinders. This effectively blocked the DME-LPG blending route.
Since March this year, blending DME with LPG has become common across many regions, despite irregular storage and filling procedures. The price difference—DME being about 2,000–2,300 yuan per ton cheaper than LPG—has driven this trend. “Blending DME into LPG has become an unspoken rule in the industry,†said Li Fayou, Sales Manager at Shandong Qingda New Energy Co., Ltd.
The economic benefits have attracted many companies to invest in DME production, resulting in overcapacity. According to the R&D department head at Shandong Jiutai Energy Group, the production process of DME is simple, leading to numerous projects being launched without proper planning.
Data shows that by the end of 2022, China’s DME production capacity had risen to 12.118 million tons, with an additional 300,000 tons in non-operational plants. Over 20 million tons of DME projects are under construction. Despite regulatory efforts, such as the National Development and Reform Commission’s restriction on small-scale coal-based DME projects, local investment remains strong.
Safety risks associated with DME blending include its low flash point, which poses hazards during transport and storage, and its corrosive nature, which requires specialized cylinders. Without clear standards, these issues remain unresolved.
With the upcoming release of the two new standards, the situation is expected to improve significantly. Li Fayou emphasized that DME, as a clean fuel, is considered one of the most promising alternatives to hydrogen. Its physical properties closely resemble those of LPG, making it a viable replacement in the energy market.
Jiang Lianbao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Alcohol and Ethylene Cleaning Automobiles Committee, added that the introduction of these standards will not only help regulate the DME-LPG blending market but also support the methanol industry by absorbing excess production capacity. Overall, the new standards mark a critical step toward safer, more sustainable energy solutions.
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