The effect of gasses on the viscosity of dimethyl ether

Dimethyl ether (DME) has been recognised as a clean substitute for diesel oil as it does not form soot during combustion. DME has a vapour pressure of 6 bar at 25 °C; so pressurisation is necessary to keep DME liquid at ambient temperature. Inert gases are good candidates as pressurising media, but their effect on DME viscosity is unknown.Argon (Ar), nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2) and propane (C3H8) have been investigated at pressure levels of 12–15 bar. A Cannon-Manning semi-micro capillary glass viscometer, size 25, enclosed in a cylindrical pressure container, of glass, submerged completely in a constant temperature bath, has been used. A distinct reduction of efflux times was found only for the gas, CO2. The reduction in efflux time was about 9%.The kinematic viscosity of pure DME was determined to be: 0.188±0.001 cSt, 25 °C. A previously reported viscosity of pure DME has been corrected for the surface tension effect. Viscosity determination was initially based on a direct comparison of efflux times of DME with that of distilled water. The calculation gave a revised viscosity of 0.186±0.002 cSt, 25 °C, consistent with the above experimental result.