Abstract
THE liquid products of the carbonisation of coal at low temperatures have been disappointing because they lack the chemical characteristics which give special value to high temperature products. Thus, low temperature tar oils have had to be used as boiler fuel oils—which is the lowest use to which a manufactured oil can be put. It is, however, satisfactory to know that the Admiralty has been able to use such oils as fuel and thus satisfy its needs from British coal. Researches now proceeding may pro vide new outlets for low temperature oils. As a source of motor spirit, low temperature products are also at a disadvantage, the crude spirit being troublesome to refine owing to a high proportion of unsaturated compounds liable to form gums on the engine. Moreover, the spirit, when refined, lacks the aromatic compounds which give to benzole its high ‘anti-knock’ value. The necessity for removing the unsaturated compounds is regrettable because they also possess ‘anti-knock’ qualities. Modern methods of refining benzole permit the retention of the unsaturated compounds while inhibiting their tendency to form gums. It is noteworthy that the spirit produced in the manufacture of coalite has given such satisfaction in use by a squadron of the Royal Air Force that, according to the Times of March 1, the Air Ministry has awarded a new con tract for this spirit to cover the requirements of seven squadrons.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Petrol from Coal. Nature 133, 353–354 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/133353d0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/133353d0