Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Bets on Dimethyl Ether for Sustainability

In humanity's pursuit of sustainable development, energy transition plays a pivotal role. Facing increasingly severe environmental challenges, the search for clean, efficient, and versatile energy alternatives has become a global imperative. Among various options, dimethyl ether (DME) is emerging as a promising solution due to its exceptional properties and wide-ranging applications.

Energy serves as the foundation of modern society, yet excessive reliance on traditional fossil fuels has led to significant environmental issues including air pollution and climate change. Dimethyl ether, a readily liquefiable gas known as the "clean fuel of the 21st century," offers a viable alternative with its clean, efficient, and multipurpose characteristics.

With the chemical formula CH ₃ OCH ₃ , dimethyl ether is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. Its easy liquefaction under moderate pressure at room temperature makes it convenient for storage and transportation. Compared to conventional fossil fuels, DME presents several advantages:

• Clean Combustion: DME produces minimal pollutants during combustion, particularly nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, significantly lower than diesel and other traditional fuels.
• High Efficiency: With excellent combustion efficiency and moderate energy density, DME can replace liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for residential use or serve as a diesel engine fuel.
• Versatility: Beyond fuel applications, DME serves as an important chemical feedstock for producing formaldehyde, acetic acid, and olefins, while also functioning as an aerosol propellant and refrigerant.

With decades of experience in chemical production, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) has established itself as a leader in DME technology. The company's products are recognized globally for their exceptional quality and reliable performance.

MGC maintains rigorous production standards to ensure product purity and quality. Key characteristics of MGC's DME include:

• High Purity: Typically exceeding 99.9% purity to prevent performance interference from impurities.
• Low Impurity Content: Strict limits on carbon dioxide (below 0.1wt%), methyl formate and methanol (below 0.01wt%), and water content (below 0.002wt%).
• Consistent Properties: Carefully controlled vapor pressure and specific gravity ensure stability across various applications.

MGC's dimethyl ether products serve multiple industries through various applications:

As an alternative to LPG for residential use or diesel for transportation, MGC's DME significantly reduces emissions while maintaining high energy efficiency.

The non-toxic, non-irritating properties of DME make it ideal for cosmetic and pharmaceutical aerosol products, ensuring uniform dispersion of active ingredients.

Serving as a precursor for formaldehyde, acetic acid, and olefins, DME enables cleaner production processes for plastics, rubbers, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.

With favorable thermodynamic properties and environmental compatibility, DME presents an ozone-friendly alternative to traditional fluorocarbon refrigerants in both household and industrial cooling systems.

MGC prioritizes safety through comprehensive measures:

• Strict compliance with international regulations for flammable and high-pressure gases
• Implementation of robust safety management systems including training and emergency protocols
• Utilization of advanced safety equipment and specialized monitoring teams

MGC continues to advance DME technology through:

• Capacity expansion to meet growing demand
• Ongoing research to improve production efficiency
• Development of new high-value applications
• Strategic partnerships across industries and governments

Through continuous innovation, MGC aims to strengthen DME's role in global energy transition, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems worldwide.