Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- Gas as an energy supply medium (and Discussion)
- In
- Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Transactions
- Imprint
- vol. MC3, no. 1, May 1967, pp. 99-
- Description
[This paper was awarded the Chemical Engineering Prize 1967]
- Abstract
This paper considers briefly various aspects of the contribution of reticulated gas to the community's energy requirements, Fuel gases are classified according to a calorific value spectrum which has particular significance in the application area along with flame speed and specific gravity. An alternative classification, after C.U.R.A.C., according to method of manufacture is also given.
It is shown that the selection of gas or blends of gases in the utility field is a judicious balance of economic and application factors. An economic parameter is provided for comparing various fuels, combining the costs of manufacture, distribution and application factors. Two types of burner are used, pre- or post-aerated, the type being determined by the properties of the fuel gas.
Typical appliance pressures are given for various gases. Reticulation practices in Australia follow the tradition of low-, intermediate- and high-pressure systems. Appliance operating pressures determine the lowest value practicable for the low-pressure portion- of the system. Current trends are towards governed high-pressure systems allowing minimal cost of installation. Leakage may even be the determinant in reticulation pressures and appliance design in certain circumstances.
A select list of manufacture processes is described briefly and compared against the background of the Australian economic structure. It is concluded that gaseous fuels provide a necessary contribution to the community's energy requirements especially in the low and medium temperature range where high rates of heat release are required in small installations and under strict control.