According to its physical properties, dimethyl ether (DME) can be used as fuel. It is comparable to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) so it can be used as heating fuel, either mixed with LPG or in its pure form. DME also has very good auto-ignition qualities which makes it a replacement fuel for diesel.
The energy efficiency chain is a key issue for choosing DME, which has a better life cycle CO2 balance than most of the other alternative fuels. DME is a commodity which can be made from various raw materials, including natural gas, coal, black liquor, biomass, and wastes.
As some national standards have been already issued, it seems important to create an international DME specification standard in order to unify the requirements at an international commercial level and to ease the international development of DME as fuels.
This International Standard focuses on DME as heating fuel for industrial boilers and for households for cooking and heating, and as alternative to diesel for vehicles.
WARNING The handling and use of products as specified in this International Standard can be hazardous if suitable precautions are not observed. This International Standard does not purport to address all of the safety and health considerations that can be associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the users of this International Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.