kaupunkikaasun

Kaupunkikaasu, also known as town gas or coal gas, is a flammable gaseous fuel produced from the destructive distillation of coal in the absence of air. This process, known as carbonization, typically occurs at high temperatures, usually between 900 and 1300 degrees Celsius. The primary components of kaupunkikaasu are hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide, along with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and inert gases.

Historically, kaupunkikaasu was a crucial energy source for urban areas, serving purposes such as lighting, heating, and cooking. Its widespread adoption began in the 19th century, transforming urban life by providing a convenient and relatively clean alternative to wood and coal fires. Gasworks, facilities for producing kaupunkikaasu, became prominent features of industrial cities. The gas was distributed through a network of underground pipes to homes and businesses.

The composition of kaupunkikaasu varied depending on the specific coal used and the carbonization process. The presence of carbon monoxide made it toxic if inhaled in significant concentrations, a factor that led to fatalities in some cases. Over time, the development of natural gas extraction and its more efficient production and distribution methods led to the gradual phasing out of kaupunkikaasu in most parts of the world. By the latter half of the 20th century, it had largely been replaced by cleaner and safer alternatives.