EXPERTS' REPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 228, 25 September 1940, Page 10

EXPERTS' REPORT.

PRODUCER GAS UNITS. The findings of an expert committee which has been conducting experiments into the possibilities of producer gas plants as an alternative fuel supply for automobiles are surveyed in a brochure issued by the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. It is pointed out in the brochure that the chief disadvantages of producer gas are a loss of power, the initial cost of the plant, the bulk and weight of the equipment, and the time occupied in filling and cleaning. Loss in power was more noticeable on the hills than on the flat. However, they find, on the whole, that producer gas is a desirable alternative fuel to petrol and that the greatest efficiency with such units attached is gained by raising the compression and advancing the spark. Frequent servicing is also recommended. Charcoal, brown coal (char) and some special types of coke are considered euitable fuels, but it must be remembered that some types of fuel produce quantities of ash or clinker, which limits the distance which can be covered without cleaning, while charcoal, without this disadvantage, is bulkier end produces more dust. The weight of each fuel consumed per mile is approximately the same by comparison with petrol, about 151b of charcoal are equaJ to a gallon of spirit.