{Methane series} (Chem.), a series of saturated hydrocarbons,
of which methane is the first member and type, and
(because of their general chemical inertness and
indifference) called also the {paraffin (little affinity)
series}. The lightest members are gases, as methane,
ethane; intermediate members are liquids, as hexane,
heptane, etc. (found in benzine, kerosene, etc.); while
the highest members are white, waxy, or fatty solids, as
paraffin proper.
{Gas fitter}, one who lays pipes and puts up fixtures for
gas.
{Gas fitting}.
(a) The occupation of a gas fitter.
(b) pl. The appliances needed for the introduction of gas
into a building, as meters, pipes, burners, etc.
{Gas fixture}, a device for conveying illuminating or
combustible gas from the pipe to the gas-burner,
consisting of an appendage of cast, wrought, or drawn
metal, with tubes upon which the burners, keys, etc., are
adjusted.
{Gas generator}, an apparatus in which gas is evolved; as:
(a) a retort in which volatile hydrocarbons are evolved by
heat;
(b) a machine in which air is saturated with the vapor of
liquid hydrocarbon; a carburetor;
(c) a machine for the production of carbonic acid gas, for
a["e]rating water, bread, etc. --Knight.
{Gas jet}, a flame of illuminating gas.
{Gas machine}, an apparatus for carbureting air for use as
illuminating gas.
{Gas meter}, an instrument for recording the quantity of gas
consumed in a given time, at a particular place.
{Gas retort}, a retort which contains the coal and other
materials, and in which the gas is generated, in the
manufacture of gas.
{Gas stove}, a stove for cooking or other purposes, heated by
gas.
{Gas trap}, a drain trap; a sewer trap. See 4th {Trap}, 5.
{Gas washer} (Gas Works), an apparatus within which gas from
the condenser is brought in contact with a falling stream
of water, to precipitate the tar remaining in it.
--Knight.
{Gas water}, water through which gas has been passed for
purification; -- called also {gas liquor} and {ammoniacal
water}, and used for the manufacture of sal ammoniac,
carbonate of ammonia, and Prussian blue. --Tomlinson.
{Gas well}, a deep boring, from which natural gas is
discharged. --Raymond.
{Gas works}, a manufactory of gas, with all the machinery and
appurtenances; a place where gas is generated for lighting
cities.
{Laughing gas}. See under {Laughing}.
{Marsh gas} (Chem.), a light, combustible, gaseous
hydrocarbon, {CH4}, produced artificially by the dry
distillation of many organic substances, and occurring as
a natural product of decomposition in stagnant pools,
whence its name. It is an abundant ingredient of ordinary
illuminating gas, and is the first member of the paraffin
series. Called also {methane}, and in coal mines, {fire
damp}.
{Natural gas}, gas obtained from wells, etc., in
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and elsewhere, and largely used for
fuel and illuminating purposes. It is chiefly derived from
the Coal Measures.
{Olefiant gas} (Chem.). See {Ethylene}.
{Water gas} (Chem.), a kind of gas made by forcing steam over
glowing coals, whereby there results a mixture of hydrogen
and carbon monoxide. This gives a gas of intense heating
power, but destitute of light-giving properties, and which
is charged by passing through some volatile hydrocarbon,
as gasoline.