Comparison of CO and NO emissions from propane, n-butane, and dimethyl ether premixed flames

We report a comparison of CO and NO emissions from dimethyl ether (DME), pr opane, and n-butane laminar premixed flames. Measurements were made with a water-cooled stainless steel sampling probe situated above the visible reac tion zone of a co-flow burner. Species were measured by a Nicolet Magna 550 FTIR spectrometer. The fuels were compared on the basis of constant mass f low, constant C-atom flow, and constant firing rate. Results were corrected for dilution by entrained air. Our results indicate that on all bases cons idered, DME demonstrated lower CO emission than propane and n-butane over a broad range of stoichiometries. NO production from DME was generally less than or similar to propane and n-butane over the same stoichiometric range. We conclude that in terms of its relative CO and NO production, DME is a v iable alternative utility fuel.