Comparison of Jet Diffusion Flame Characteristics and Flame Temperature of Dimethyl Ether (DME) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Dimethyl Ether (DME) is currently considered as alternative to be used as energy source. Its similar physical properties with LPG made it possible to be used in household gas stove using same apparatus. Concern comes on its combustion properties regarding its lower calorific value than LPG. This research aimed to investigate the jet diffusion flame characteristics of DME compare to LPG in terms of flame height and lift-off flame, with correlation being made with fuel flow rate and burner hole diameter. The flame temperature is also measured on the same experiments. The results show that DME produce lower flame height than LPG. The flame height produced by both fuels were independent to burner hole diameter. The transitional regime in term of Reynold number is differ significantly between DME and LPG where DME reach the transitional regime at lower Re . The flame temperature of DME at nozzle tip and dark zone is higher than LPG.