illuminationgas

Illumination gas, also known as town gas, is a type of manufactured gas that was historically used for lighting and heating purposes. It is produced by the destructive distillation of coal, a process that involves heating coal in the absence of air to produce a mixture of gases, primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This mixture is then purified and compressed to form illumination gas.

The primary components of illumination gas are hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and small amounts of other hydrocarbons. The gas is typically stored under pressure in gas holders or underground storage facilities. It was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for street lighting, domestic heating, and industrial processes.

The production of illumination gas was a significant industry in many countries, contributing to urban development and economic growth. However, the advent of electric lighting and the discovery of natural gas led to a decline in its use. Today, illumination gas is largely obsolete, with its production and use having been largely replaced by more efficient and safer alternatives.

Illumination gas had several advantages, including its relatively low cost and the ability to be produced locally from coal. However, it also had significant drawbacks, such as the production of toxic byproducts like carbon monoxide and the potential for explosions due to its flammability. These factors, along with the development of more modern energy sources, have led to its eventual decline.