New Principle of Gas Production.

Progress, Volume III, Issue 10, 1 August 1908, Page 338

New Principle of Gas Production.

K. M Cubson, a Brisbane chemist, has discoveied a now principle m gas production. He found that by passing air through a mixtuie of oil and water, and making a further admixtuie of air. he obtained a gas o± greater heatmg power than any yet adapted to commercial purposes. Of course the oil and water are not actually m a state of admixtion, the union between them being only a temporary one produced by violent agitation of the two liquids in combination. Any sort of oil may be used — e^ en castor oil. Tallow may be used instead ot oil, provided it is kept m a liquid condition by heating the water in the generator. The gas is of a dry quality, and can be stored for any length of time and carried any distance by means of pipes. It is inexpensive, too. When gasoline is used, the gas formed consists of only 7 per cent, of gasoline, the oxygen, hydrogen and nitiogen supplying the remaining 93 per cent. The apparatus required for manufactuiing it is extiemely simple, consisting of a generator, a -\essel for holding the water and oil, an air-pump, and a gas reservoir. When the gas is required for power, the air-pump is dispensed with The cost of production is estimated at Is. Bd. per 1000 ft. It is alleged that with one laige burner a twenty-gallon vessel can be boiled, and kept boiling for twenty minutes, at a cost of Id. It is also stated that the gas is odor 'ess when burning, and explosions aie practically impossible where it is concerned.