A mathematical model for a bubble column slurry reactor is presented for dimethyl ether synthesis from syngas. Methanol synthesis from carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide by hydrogenation and the methanol dehydration are considered as independent reactions, in which methanol, dimethyl ether and carbon dioxide are the key components. In this model, the gas phase is considered to be in plug flow and the liquid phase to be in partly back mixing with axial distribution of solid catalyst. The simulation results show that the axial dispersion of solid catalysts, the operational height of the slurry phase in the bubble column slurry reactor, and the reaction results are influenced by the reaction temperature and pressure, which are the basic data for the scale-up of reactor.