Application of DME Fuel to Marine Boilers

Abstract

DME: dimethyl ether is a kind of clean fuel made from natural gas. It is planned that DME will be produced overseas and transported using large-scale tankers. Our plan will contribute not only to the environment, but also to the utilization of medium and small-sized, undeveloped gas fields. Moreover, some DME projects in China, from coal, have now been started.
In this study, the combustion characteristics of DME gas, that burned in a full-scale marine boiler, were examined. As a result, DME could be burned with a clear blue flame and emitting much less NOx than regular bunker fuel combustion. Also, almost no CO. However, the heat flux measured in the furnace showed different distributions to that of bunker fuel combustion. It is important to make this clear, for the real application of DME in marine boilers.