PETROL ALTERNATIVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 12

PETROL ALTERNATIVE

GAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES PLANT FOR NEW ZEALAND CHEAPER RUNNING COSTS [from our own correspondent] LONDON, Feb. 27 A plant for producing gas as an alternative fuel to petrol for commercial and passenger service vehicles is to be sent to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in New Zealand. Applications to produce these plants in the Dominion have been made by New Zealand firms. The type of plant to be sent to the department is that recommended in the report of the committee of which Sir Harold Hartley, of the Fuel Research Board, was chairman. It may be mounted on vehicles or towed on a trailer, and is designed for vehicles having a gross laden weight of six tons with engine capacities of three to four litres. It burns low volatile anthrocite and certain low-temperature cokes.

Although it is difficult to estimate accurately tlio overall costs of operation, it is claimed that actual fuel costs should be appreciably less than with petrol. Modifications to engines are not essential, but may improve performance. The use of a certain amount of petrol is necessary. The producer consists of a thin steel cylindrical shell, approximately 4ft. Gin. high, and Ift. Gin. in diameter. It is fitted with a fuel charging door at the to]), an ash discharging door at the base, an air intake, and a good offtake, protected by a detachable grid. The gas is introduced into the induction system between the inlet jnnnifold and the normal petrol carburettor, which is not altered in any way except that the throttle is hand-controlled. The gas throttle, controlled by the usual acceleration pedal, is fitted close to tlie junction. An air admission valve is fitted just before the throttle.

The plant has been used with success in Britain.