In recent years, significant advancements have been made in heterogeneous catalysts that convert dimethyl ether to alkylate-like branched paraffins and olefins. The catalyst formulations and operating conditions influence the selectivity and formation rate of products, with a wide range of value if scaled to commercial output. This presentation will highlight the mechanisms for DME to alkylate catalysis over large-pore zeolites, methods to shift selectivity toward desired products, and the relative value of accessible products, including impacts on downstream separations. Process economics including impacts of catalyst productivity and coproduct recycle will be discussed. Specific emphasis will be placed on DME homologation targeting high octane gasoline blendstock and synthetic jet blendstock.

DME to alkylate: Implications of catalyst performance on commercialization

255th National Meeting (2018)

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