Dimethyl Ether Production from Wood Chips

This report presents the economics of Dimethyl Ether (DME) production from wood chips. The process examined comprises a conventional gasification process followed by the indirect process of DME production from synthesis gas (syngas). In this plant, wood chips are dried, and then subjected to pyrolysis followed by partial oxidation, producing syngas. Syngas is further converted into methanol in an isothermal reactor combined in series with a gas-cooled reactor. DME is finally obtained after the catalytic dehydration of methanol over an aluminum-based catalyst.

The report provides a comprehensive study of Dimethyl Ether production and related Dimethyl Ether production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Dimethyl Ether production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Dimethyl Ether plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Dimethyl Ether plant operating costs (Opex).

The Dimethyl Ether production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The Dimethyl Ether plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The Dimethyl Ether plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.