US Patent 9090543 Method for producing dimethyl ether from methane

The invention relates to processes for production of dimethyl ether from methane or natural gas comprising: a dry-reforming step, wherein methane and carbon dioxide are converted into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a DME synthesis step, wherein the carbon monoxide and hydrogen formed in the dry-reforming step are converted into dimethyl ether, wherein the dry-reforming step and the synthesis step are carried out at identical pressures or at pressures, which do not differ more than 3 bar, preferably not more than 1 bar.