From Town gas to Natural gas
This new postage stamp is issued to mark the centenary of the Esch-sur-Alzette gas-works which started production on 30 December 1899. The painting by Luxembourg artist Harry RABINGER (1895-1966) reproduced on the figurine, shows the works’ production and storage installations in the mid 1930s.
The gas, known as town gas, was produced in works called cokeries: combustion of coal in a battery of ovens released gas and, at the end of the cycle, coke too was recovered. This process took place under extremely tough working conditions due to heat, noise, dust and in particular the foul smells and toxic gases released during production.
The gas manufactured varied in quality according to the mixture and quality of the coal used in its production. Its calorific value was relatively low and the product was extremely toxic because of its high CO content. Town gas had just one advantage over natural gas: it had a very strong " gassy " smell so that any leaks were easily detected. The same effect has to be achieved artificially with natural gas.
Natural gas arrived in Luxembourg on 3 January 1972. This type of gas basically consists of methane, giving it a calorific value more than twice that of manufactured gas. As it does not contain carbon monoxide, natural gas is not toxic and, as it gives off less CO2 when burnt than other fossil fuels, is very environment friendly.
| Painting: | Harry Rabinger (1895 - 1966) |
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| Printing process: | Photogravure by Hélio Courvoisier SA; La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH),5 colours; |
| Stamp's price: | 18 LUF |
| Format: | 41,10 x 28 mm; 20 stamps per sheet |
Post eShop
Competition
PostEurop 2013
