Brenngas

Brenngas, or fuel gas, is a general term for gases that are burned to release energy for heating, cooking, lighting, or propulsion. The concept has both historical and contemporary meanings, depending on the region and application.

Historically in German-speaking regions, Brenngas referred to manufactured gases produced for urban lighting and heating. Coal gas (town gas) was created by the destructive distillation of coal in gasworks; its composition varied but typically contained hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and other hydrocarbons, along with significant quantities of carbon monoxide. Water gas, produced by reacting steam with hot coal, and other manufactured gas mixtures were also used. These fuels were distributed through gas networks and provided service until natural gas largely replaced them in the mid- to late 20th century.

In modern usage, Brenngas broadly denotes any fuel gas suitable for combustion. The most important is natural gas (primarily methane), used for residential cooking and heating, as well as electricity generation and industrial processes. Other fuel gases include liquefied petroleum gases (propane and butane) used for portable heating and cooking, acetylene used in welding and metalworking, and other specialty gases such as hydrogen for high-temperature processes. In industry, gas fuels are selected for energy content, flame temperature, and operational safety.

Safety considerations include the flammable and sometimes toxic nature of certain gas mixtures, the need for leak detection and ventilation, and the odorization of unburnt gases to aid detection. Gas supply systems are subject to regulatory standards to minimize explosions, asphyxiation, and other hazards.