Produced by Encyclopedia Brittanica, “Gas for Home and Industry” (1949) showcases the production and distribution of gas, including details on coke ovens, pipelines, and early applications of natural gas in industrial and domestic settings. Explains the role of fuel gas as a source of energy. Begins with the history of gas lighting. The cleanliness, efficiency and versatility of gas is investigated. Describes the production of various types of manufactured gas, using natural photography and animated drawings. Details the production of coke oven gas and carborated water gas, including the collection of raw materials, heating, cooling and purification. Examines how the by-products of the production of gas are used. Shows how natural gas is obtained from wells and distributed through pipelines to population centers. Discusses the importance of research and education in gas conservation. Discusses future technological developments being made in gas manufacture through testing fuel burning equipment and studying new chemicals.

It underscores gas as a cornerstone of modern living and industrial progress, while stressing the need for continued research and responsible use to sustain it into the future.

0:00 – Introduction with music and nostalgia: the “old lamplighter” symbolizes the era when gaslight first illuminated the night, transforming daily life.

1:25 – Gaslight brought a new way of life, changing evening routines and beginning what is remembered as the Gaslight Age.

1:56 – Modern uses of gas have expanded dramatically, used in thousands of applications beyond lighting.

2:10 – Gas is an instant, clean, controllable heat source, adaptable to many modern tasks.

2:48 – In over 25 million U.S. homes, gas is used for cooking, heating water, and even gas-powered refrigeration.

3:26 – Gas enables clean, efficient home heating and even year-round air conditioning with modern systems.

3:45 – A vast pipeline network supplies gas across the U.S., reaching homes, stores, and factories.

4:14 – Two types of gas supply: natural gas via pipelines and manufactured gas from coal.

4:24 – Coke oven gas production begins by heating pulverized coal in ovens to extract gas and byproducts.

5:48 – The gas is purified by removing substances like coal tar and ammonium sulfate.

6:10 – After gas removal, remaining coke is processed for industrial uses, cooled, and sorted.

7:19 – Carbureted water gas, the most used manufactured gas, is made from steam, oil, and coke.

8:01 – Process: coke is heated with air and steam, then enriched with oil gas in carburetors and superheaters.

9:08 – Straight oil gas is another type, made without mixing with water gas.

9:17 – After purification, the gas is stored and distributed via large gas holders and pipelines.

9:31 – Natural gas is stored in underground reservoirs, accessed by deep drilling.

10:00 – Wet and dry gas types: dry gas is ready to use; wet gas must be processed to remove liquids.

10:22 – Growing demand leads to constant expansion of pipelines.

10:54 – Natural gas has transformed industries, providing a reliable and cheap heat source.

11:16 – Bottled gas (butane/propane) offers flexibility where pipelines don’t reach.

12:17 – How long will the gas supply last? U.S. reserves are significant but not unlimited.

13:03 – Though many wells are exhausted, new reserves are discovered, often outpacing consumption.

13:35 – To prepare for future shortages, gas science focuses on conservation, improvement, and invention.

14:06 – Efficient use of gas and proper burner adjustments play a role in energy conservation.

14:41 – Ongoing research in fluidized coal and petroleum-based gases.

15:06 – Invention: catalyst cracking of hydrocarbons is now used commercially to produce gas.

15:27 – A new process gasifies pulverized coal, producing both fuel gas and synthetic oil.

15:49 – Gas production is critical to modern technology and the economy.

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