Homemade Motor Fuel... From Firewood
(Page 4 of 5)
March/April 1981
Mother Earth News staff
And, as you'll probably be glad to know, the bad news isn't all that bad: You see, because we really don't feel that a 1,000-mile test period is adequate to determine the long-term effects of producer gas on an engine, we won't release any detailed construction information—in the magazine or as a set of plans—until we've had a chance to put some more highway behind us ... and check the oil for contamination, look for unwanted deposits in the fuel distribution system, and inspect the valves and seats for wear.
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Furthermore, although we've tried several different filter mediums (all of which did a fine job of scrubbing solid particles from the gaseous fuel for a limited time), we're still looking for an inexpensive straining material that [1] is waterproof, so that it can maintain its integrity in a moist environment, [2] doesn't break down under prolonged use, and [3] is capable of serving as a "flame trap" in the unlikely event that a back flash should occur through the system.
So, at present—even though we feel we've taken a giant step toward developing a practical and affordable alternative to petroleum-powered transportation—we still believe that our design has room for improvement in several specific areas. And when those refinements are made, be assured that you'll be among the first to know about them!
HOW WOOD GASIFICATION WORKS
Our converted pickup's fuel—scraps of wood usually no larger than a 6" length of 2 X 4—rests on a cone-shaped hearth that is, itself, contained within an airtight drum. A limited amount of oxygen is allowed to enter the vessel through an inlet valve ... which also incorporates the forced-air blower used to create a draft when starting the fire (once the engine is running, its vacuum provides all the draw necessary to keep the fuel burningj.
As air enters the generator, it's directed—through a series of ducts—into the combustion zone just below the hearth. The wood chunks burning in this vicinity then consume most of the oxygen in the air—creating carbon dioxide end water vapor—and drop redhot embers onto a grate near the base of the cooker. At the same time, the heat from this reaction helps to drive moisture and convertible gases from the solid fuel stored above the "ignition" area.
The C0 2 and water vapor, together with some wood tar, are then pulled through a restrictor throat just above the charcoal grate. This venturi speeds the flow of gases, then forces them through the glowing coal bad ... and it's during this "trial by fire" that the fumes are converted into the burnable vapors carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and—to a lesser extent—methane. (The final product also contains a good amount of nitrogen, some tar and ash, and a bit of unconverted carbon dioxide and moisture.)
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