ZHU Qingxia, WANG Heping, GONG Xiaolong

(Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics of Jiangxi Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic

Institute, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Abstract: The performance index, calorific value, theoretical combustion temperature and cost of commonly-used fuels in the ceramic kiln were compared in this paper. The application prospects and the existing bottleneck problems of dimethyl ether (DME) as alternative fuel in the ceramic kiln were discussed. DME has the optimal performance index and the obvious advantages in the comparison of calorific value, theoretical combustion temperature and cost, indicating that DME can completely replace the currently used ceramic fuels. Solving the problems of steady provision and equipment modification, controlling the burning process and pollutant emissions may promote the application of DME as alternative fuel in the ceramic industry.

Key words: dimethyl ether; alternative fuel; ceramic kiln