Response and emissions performance of diffusion combustion fueled with DME and natural gas blends

Tests of component response on burner flame tube and furnace heat transfer and combustion performance of small industrial furnace bench are carried out by adjusting the proportion of dimethyl ether (DME) in natural gas. Results show that compared with pure nature gas, dimethyl ether mixed gas has the similar thermal efficiency and heating load, which states that mixed gas possesses the favorable interchangeability with natural gas. There is not big difference of pollutant emissions between blends and pure natural gas, with NOx emission keeping in a relatively low level. What's more, from economic view a ratio of dimethyl ether between 10% and 30% is advisable to improve combustion efficiency.