Question

What is Water gas used for?

Answer 1

Hint: Water gas is a gas consisting of a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (combustible gas). It may be contaminated by small amounts of Methane, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen or oxygen (Non-combustible gases). Water gas is produced by passing steam over hot coke. It is highly flammable and requires proper handling.

Complete answer:
The reaction of water gas formation is shown as-
\[C + {H_2}O \to {H_2} + CO(\Delta H = + 131KJ/mol)\]
This reaction is endothermic. Red hot coke is maintained at a temperature of $900$ to $1000^\circ C$.
Following are some important uses of water gas-
(1) It is used in the production of Ammonia by producing hydrogen.
(2) It is used in welding and glass making.
(3) It is used for several organic compound synthesis in industries like the production of several hydrocarbons.
(4) Water gas helps in the removal of Carbon dioxide from fuel cells.
(5) Used in production of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol).
(6) It is a good source of production of Pure Hydrogen at large scale.
(7) It is used as a heating fuel due to its high calorific value (The energy contained in a fuel or substance).The calorific value of water gas is $2800Kcal/{m^3}$.
(8) It is used for heating and for lightning purposes.
(9) It is used in the Fischer-Tropsch process.

Note:
 Both the constituents of water gas are gaseous in nature. It is highly poisonous in nature as well due to the presence of Carbon Monoxide. It is also called synthesis gas. It is called blue water gas because it burns with a non-luminous blue flame. It is produced from sewage, newspaper, wood etc. Water gas is produced in cylindrical steel vessels.