4 BULLETIN 1203, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
ber proper was water jacketed, with connections for the continuous 
flow of water therein, in order that the <ras and scrubber might be 
properly cooled. 
The gasometer had a volumetric capacity of about LOO cubic feet. 
The upper bell, supported by three uprights, had at its top an ex- 
tended rim in which water could be placed as ballast, thereby in- 
creasing the pressure and quantity of the £as stored. 
This equipment was at all times considered to be a strictly de- 
monstrational and experimental unit. When obtained it had some 
unnecessary and undesirable features, such as heaY^y 6-inch wrought- 
iron pipe for the main line, a small expensive gasometer, a retort not 
readily accessible, and a bulky, inconvenient scrubber. 
Miscellaneous equipment for the utilization of the gas produced 
consisted of several gas-mantle lamps and hot plates, a reflector stove, 
a H-horsepower stationary gasoline engine, and a gas meter. 
OPERATION OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT. 
In making an experimental run, about 50 pounds of unbaled. sun- 
dried straw or similar material was placed in the retort through the 
two oval openings, and the two cover plates, equipped with gaskets, 
were tightly clamped in place. Heat was applied to the retort by 
burning suitable fuel, generally straw, in the fire box. The charge 
could be carbonized in from 30 to 45 minutes. 
The combustible gases began to come off when a temperature of 
about 200° C. (39*2° F.) was reached. Maximum production Avas 
obtained when a temperature of about 500° C. prevailed. 
Entering the scrubber at its base, the gas bubbled up through water. 
then passed through line-mesh screens and a quantity of coke or char- 
coal. From the scrubber the gas passed through a gate valve into the 
gasometer for storage. 
RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL WORK. 
A very satisfactory gas was secured from wheat and oat straw 
and from corn stalks. - 
Most of the experiments were conducted on wheat straw. A ton of 
sun-dried wheat straw gave approximately 10,000 cubic feet of 
purified gas. 625 pounds of carbon residue. 10 gallons of tar, and a 
large quantity of ammoniacal liquors. 
Table 1 gives an average analysis of this gas which has a heating 
value of aboul 400 British thermal units per cubic foot. 
Table 1. Composition of gas from sun-dried wheat straw' 
Per cent. 
CarboD dioxid (CO*) 30.0 
Carbon monoxid (CO) — • »- * ► 
Bydrogen (II.) _ 26. 
Methane (CH*) 15.0 
[Ruminants (ethylene, etc.) (CsH* etc.) 1.5 
Nitrogen (N 2 ) (by difference) i.O 
Oxygen (O.) .5 
100.0 
•Other Investigators have reported the product ion of a satisfactory gas from flax, 
barley, rye, rice, and other straws, fr corncobs, and from wood waste and other 
cellulose material. 
This table was prepared from analyses obtained from Prof. K. D. McLaurin, formerly 
of rlie University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. 
