Executive Summary.
Aerosol hairspray cans are a cosmetic product used by 86% of women in the United States.(3) The consumer demand for hair products has stayed relatively steady since the invention of hairspray. Industrial suppliers can increase their net profit of aerosol hairspray production by analyzing and possibly optimizing their manufacturing process, mores specifically, the production of the most widely used aerosol propellant, dimethyl ether (DME). The optimization of a thermally coupled DME reactor (OTCDR) proves to be economical, energy sufficient, and increase the net profit of the industrial plant. It is in the best interest of industrial aerosol hairspray manufacturers to consider multiple alternative production…show more content… DME has relatively low toxicity, high volatility, and photochemical reactivity. DME does not emit sulfur oxides or soot, and can be used as an efficient H2 carrier for fuel cell and other applications. The Melting point is -141.5°C, Boiling point is -24.8°C. The vapor pressure at 25°F is 4450 mmHg. The water solubility is 35.3 g/l at 25°F. (3) Molecular weight is equal to 46.07 gmol-1, flash point occurs at -5.5°C, and DME has a density is 1/918 g/l at 25°C and 1 atm.
DME is considered a prospective “future fuel”, particularly as a diesel substitute. Dimethyl ether is a suitable alternative for diesel fuel due to its high octan number (55-60), low engine noise, low emission of CO, NOx and particulates upon combustion.
