Explainer: New substance mixture to be mixed in LPG cylinder? ‘DME’ will be the panacea, what is the technology

• Signs of LPG shortage in India
• Discussions about using alternative blends for LPG as well
• DME or dimethyl ether is a substance that can easily be mixed with LPG

Dimethyl Ether DME Mixing: As the war-like situation in Iran begins to affect the Gulf countries and especially the Strait of Hormuz, India is facing signs of LPG shortage. The central government has also admitted that LPG supply has been affected and that the crisis may worsen in the future. Against this backdrop, discussions have started on whether an alternative blend can be used for LPG on the same lines as 20 percent ethanol is blended in petrol.

Importantly in this context, efforts to blend in LPG have already started globally and in India as well. The LPG you get in future may be in ‘mixed form’. Like the ethanol that is mixed with petrol, the substance that is mixed with LPG is technically called ‘DME’ (DME – Dimethyl Ether).

‘Army is not a monopoly of men anymore!’ Supreme Court landmark decision for women army officers

What is DME?

DME or dimethyl ether is a substance that can easily be mixed with LPG. Interestingly, its chemical properties are similar to propane and butane, which are mainly found in LPG, so there is no adverse effect on fuel efficiency.

What is DME?

It is a clean burning fuel, which can be produced from coal, agricultural residues or municipal waste. According to experts, up to 20% DME can be mixed with LPG without any major changes. This will eliminate the need to change cylinders or stoves.

Current situation in India

India imports approximately 60-65% of its LPG requirement. The West Asian crisis has significantly affected LPG supply and prices. Indian government and scientists are actively working to solve this problem. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSI), Pune, has developed an indigenous technology for converting methanol to DME.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has already approved the standard for mixing 20% ​​DME in LPG. Scientists at BITS Pilani have also recently successfully developed a technology that converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted from power plants directly into DME.

China is the largest producer and consumer of DME in the world. There it is widely used mixed with LPG.

Indonesia – To reduce dependence on imports, the government has launched a major plan to produce DME from coal and blend it with LPG.

China’s installed DME production capacity is approximately 20 million metric tons, the highest in the world (AI News18 image).

Europe and the United States – regions like Sweden and California – are working on bio-DME and bio-LPG, which are made from waste and renewable sources.

‘Army is not a monopoly of men anymore!’ Supreme Court landmark decision for women army officers

Will it be cheaper than current LPG?

DME is likely to be cheaper in the long run and will reduce production costs. The subsidy burden will also be reduced. This increases the chances of getting cylinders at a lower price.

How safe is it?

A mixture of DME and LPG is considered quite safe in terms of safety and leakage, but it has some technical nuances. LPG has no smell of its own, so mercaptan is mixed with it to detect leaks. The same process is followed for DME, so if there is a gas leak you will notice it immediately.

The flammability of DME is similar to LPG. This means that it is no more dangerous than LPG, but it burns more cleanly, reducing the production of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.