Simulation-based feasibility study of dimethyl ether (DME) production through indirect route

In this study, dimethyl ether environmental characteristics has been compared with fossil fuels such as diesel and its global market has been analyzed to give more realistic insights into the DME global trends. Following, different routes for production of DME has been compared regarding the environmental and economic concerns; it shows that indirect synthesis for DME production is the best industrial route. Finally, the indirect route has been simulated and a feasibility study of the production of dimethyl ether from methanol has been evaluated for Iran market. Results show that the net present value of the project is expected to be more than ۴۴ million dollars with a payback period of ۰.۸۲ years. Also, sensitivity analysis shows that raw material/product prices are the most crucial factors which need to be forecasted accurately.

Keywords:

dimethyl ether , market analysis , process simulation , feasibility study , economic evaluation