What is the Difference Between Water Gas and Producer Gas?

The main difference between water gas and producer gas lies in their compositions. Both are mixtures of several gases, but they contain different types of gases:

• Water Gas: This is a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) gases. It is produced by passing steam over red-hot coke. Water gas has a lower calorific value than coal gas.
• Producer Gas: This is a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2) gases. Producer gas is manufactured by blowing air and steam simultaneously through a coke or coal fire. It has a low calorific value due to its high nitrogen content.

In summary, while both water gas and producer gas are important fuel gases, they differ in their compositions. Water gas contains only flammable gases (carbon monoxide and hydrogen), whereas producer gas contains a mix of flammable and non-flammable gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen).

Comparative Table: Water Gas vs Producer Gas

Here is a table comparing the differences between water gas and producer gas:

Both water gas and producer gas are important fuel gases, but they differ in their composition and production methods. While water gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases, producer gas contains both flammable and non-flammable gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Water gas is produced by passing steam over red-hot coke, whereas producer gas is obtained via combustion of carbonaceous materials.