Green Horizons

The continued improvement of internal combustion engines using gas obtained from wood or charcoal is the cause of considerable elation on the part of European foresters, who see in this new development at least a partial solution of the problem of high-priced gasoline and a new market for many of the present waste or low-value products of the forest and sawmill. Two articles, both by foresters, have appeared in the Bulletin de la Societe Centrale Forestiere de Belgique, Vol. 33, No. 9 and Vol. 34, No. 9, describing the success of the manufacturers in using both wood and charcoal as the ‘carburant’ both for stationary and mobile gas engines.

According to these articles, branchwood, shavings, sawdust, and other waste products can be used to obtain this ‘forest gas.’ Tests with tractors, touring cars, and busses are reported as successful, although some improvements are recognized as desirable. The material is used either raw or converted to charcoal, and either serves as the sole fuel or is mixed with gasoline. The apparatus as shown by photographs is not exceptionally bulky. A test with a Titan tractor utilized 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of wood for 10 hours operation. One company is installing motors of this type on 50 canal boats.

The foresters extol the possible benefits of this new development in the practice of forestry. Not only will forestry be able to assist the country by furnishing a much needed fuel at a lower price, but the market for branchwood and the waste products of manufacturing plants is expected to be greatly improved.

H.T. Gisborne wrote this tidbit for the Journal of Forestry… in 1929!! Seems as though some things never change. Now, as Paul Harvey would say, "you know the rrrrest of the story!"