COAL GAS FOR CARS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22877, 25 November 1939, Page 15

COAL GAS FOR CARS

PETROL SUBSTITUTE IN BRITAIN most on om co&kiopoxiizht*)

LONDON, October 3. Coal gas, as an alternative to petrol, is likely to be used by djjivers of motorcars and vehicles of all types after the petrol rationing scheme comes into force. This will be a reversion to the practice begun in 1916, when cars with balloons of coal gas secured to their roofs first made their appearance. Apart from a mixing valve connected with the- carburettor, little alteration has to be made to the ordinary engine. Containers for the fuel are in the form of either canvas bags carried on the roof or metal cylinders in which the gas is charged under pressure. . . , Portable gas-producing plants for industrial and commercial vehicles are being produced by several firms. These gas-producers are designed for engines of from 10 horse-power upward. On the Continent, where they were in the main developed, they use charcoal or wood as fuel. In England, the chief fuel is anthracite. . The cost of a plant is from about £7O upward, with an additional charge for fitting and conversion of the existing engine. A considerable saying in fuel costs over petrol or even Diesel oil is claimed. . . , , The Bradford municipal gas undertaking, it is reported, is to’ open eight filling stations to supply motorists with coal gas as an alternative to petrol.