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Engineering Heritage Victoria

Institution of Engineers, Australia         Engineering Heritage Branch
Bi-monthly Speakers' Program

Producer Gas & the Australian Motorist
- the 'alternative fuel' of the 1939-45 fuel crisis.

Thursday, 21 February 2008

Speaker:	Don Bartlett, Chairman, Engineering Heritage Victoria
Where:	John Connell Auditorium, Engineering House, 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne
When:	Light refreshments from 5.30pm. Talk will commence at 6.00 pm, and conclude at 7:00pm

The Topic:
This talk will cover the history, development, construction, operation and performance of the WW2 gas producer units as a source of 'energy' to power cars, trucks, buses, trains - and to heat meat pies - during the uncertainties of wartime Australia. This Talk draws an extensive archival range of technical reports, reliability trials and contemporary articles - including interviews with those who made and used the devices.

From 1938 onwards, it was apparent that Australia would be vulnerable if fuel supply lines were cut in time of international conflict. Local sources of petroleum were not significant and the government, acknowledging the reliance that society placed on transport, looked to alternatives. Fuel rationing could be (and was) introduced but still left many essential users without enough fuel. In reality, it left many private motorists without any fuel - and no small number put their cars 'on blocks' for the duration.

To bridge the gap and to keep society running, the government promoted the use of charcoal to generate Producer Gas. The Gas Producer Units 'burned' charcoal in an enclosed environment to produce (usually) carbon monoxide. This gas was fed to the engine - after rudimentary filtering etc. The GPU was vehicle mounted and many ingenious variations were applied to the general theme. One common aspect was the ritual to be followed if you expected reliable performance - and the penalties to be paid by inattentive motorists. The start-up procedure was not as simple as unlocking the car, climbing aboard and turning a key - these things had to be 'lit' up to 15 minutes before you could start the engine. Wear and tear on the engine was significant. Fire and the occasional explosion were associated risks. Spare fuel was carried in hessian sacks - tied to the fenders or the running board and had to be kept dry in all weather conditions. These infernal devices needed constant attention during trips and hourly stops to recharge the Unit. Producer Gas was also used as a low cost source of fuel for the generation of electricity in many country towns right up to the 1960's. Producer Gas Units are still in use today - albeit now restricted to a small group of 'alternative fuel' enthusiasts. The talk will also cover relevant aspects of the production and distribution of charcoal and the use of other types of 'feed-stock' such as coke, wheat & wood.

The Guest Speaker:
The 'Guest' Speaker is Don Bartlett. Don is a Consulting Engineer in private practice and Chairman of Engineering Heritage Victoria. His special interest in this topic is part of a project to document information about 'how things were done' while there are still people around with first hand knowledge.

	Presented By:	Engineering Heritage Victoria
	Cost:	Free of Charge
	Registration:	Not necessary. The Talk is open to any member of the public who wishes to attend.
	Professional    Development:	Depending on individual requirements, attendance at this session may qualify towards continuing professional development.
	Contact Details:	ehv@engineersaustralia.org.au
	Other Activities:	What's Going On

Engineering Heritage Victoria on-line at:           http://www.vicnet.net.au/~engherit/

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