Question

A mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and hydrocarbons is known as: (a) Producer gas (b) Water gas (c) Semi water gas (d) Carbureted water gas

Short answer

(d) Carbureted water gas.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Components

The question refers to a mixture containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons. We need to relate the possible names to these components.

Review the Options

Let's go through each choice: - **Producer gas**: Typically contains carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and a small amount of hydrogen. - **Water gas**: Composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. - **Semi water gas**: Combination of water gas with producer gas. - **Carbureted water gas**: Water gas enriched with light hydrocarbons (usually by adding petroleum or cracking natural gas), giving it some hydrocarbon content.

Match the Mixture to the Options

Since the mixture in the question contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons, it aligns with the description of **carbureted water gas**, which is enriched with hydrocarbons.

Conclude the Correct Answer

Based on the components listed in the mixture (carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons), the correct identification is **(d) Carbureted water gas**, as it includes all these elements.

Key concepts

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that plays a significant role in various industrial processes. This gas is composed of one carbon atom bonded to a single oxygen atom. It is

• Deceptively dangerous due to its invisibility and lack of odor.
• Produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials.

Common sources include car exhausts, wildfires, and some industrial processes.

In the context of carbureted water gas, carbon monoxide is a crucial component. It forms part of the basic water gas, which is subsequently enriched with hydrocarbons. This enriched mixture is then used as a fuel that offers a higher calorific value than basic water gas alone.

When working with carbon monoxide, safety is paramount. Good ventilation and detection systems are critical in areas where CO exposure might occur, ensuring that people are not put at risk.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element, distinguished by its single proton and electron. It is a key component in many processes and applications. In nature and industry, hydrogen is known for its:

• Abundance as a part of water (H₂O).
• Role as a clean fuel option, producing only water when combusted.

In carbureted water gas, hydrogen is derived from the water gas before being combined with hydrocarbons to enhance the fuel mixture.

Hydrogen is attractive for its high energy content and minimal emissions during combustion. It is used in various fields, from energy solutions to chemical production. However, handling hydrogen requires caution due to its high flammability and ability to diffuse quickly through materials.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They're the foundational elements of many fuels and chemical products. Hydrocarbons can range from simple molecules like methane (CH₄) to complex ones found in crude oil.

• They serve as a primary source of energy in the form of natural gas and petroleum.
• They are used as building blocks in the chemical industry for plastics, solvents, and more.

In the creation of carbureted water gas, hydrocarbons are added to basic water gas to enhance its energy capacity. This process involves enriching the primary gas mixture with light hydrocarbons, often obtained from cracking processes or refined petroleum.

The presence of hydrocarbons in gas mixtures increases their fuel value and overall energy output, making them highly desirable in many industrial applications.