Gas service is radically different from every other kind of public-utility service in that the gas can not be used by the consumer as received, but --

First, must be mixed in proper proportion with another substance, atmospheric air.

Second, this mixture must be completely burned.

Third, the flame must be so directed that the heat generated will effectively get into the food, air, water, or mantle that is being heated with minimum loss.

The results obtained will depend primarily on the gas-utilization appliance and the consumers' skill in operating. All these operating features are beyond the gas company's control, but are vital in determining the quality of the service produced by one consumer and the effect on the service of other consumers. Women, as a class, do not take easily to manual matters involving mechanical adjustments; so these facts, therefore, make obvious the need of education in the correct use of gas in the home. To meet this service situation, gas companies should give demonstrations and teach consumers correct and safe use of gas.


ABSENCE OF GAS-APPLIANCE REGULATIONS.

Much money and effort have been spent in developing and enforcing standards of gas quality. However, it has not been appreciated that the type of appliance and method of use are of much more consequence in determining the kind of service the consumer can get than the specific quality of gas delivered to the appliance.^[13]


WHAT MUST HAPPEN WHEN GAS IS BURNED.

The combustion – that is, the burning of manufactured gas – can take place only by first mixing the gas with the proper proportion of

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^[12] This discussion in part is similar to the original presentation in Technical Paper 257, U. S. Bureau of Mines, entitled Waste and Correct Use of Natural Gas in the Home.

^[13] For further discussion see Technologic Paper No. 193, entitled Design of Atmospheric Gas Burners, U. S. Bureau of Standards, Washington D. C.
 



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