The term "gas liquor" refers to a mildly acidic byproduct of coal gasification. The spelling of the term is as follows: /gæs ˈlɪkər/, with the first syllable pronounced as "gæs," similar to the word "mass." The second syllable is pronounced as "lɪk-ər," like "licker." The term "gas liquor" has been used since the 1800s, and its meaning and spelling have remained consistent over time. Today, the term is primarily used within the energy industry.
Gas liquor refers to a liquid substance that is derived from the gaseous byproducts of industrial processes, particularly those related to the production of coke, coal gas, or natural gas. It is commonly obtained from the purification or refining processes where the gases are cleansed of impurities and transformed into a liquid form.
Gas liquor typically contains a mixture of various chemical compounds, including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, tars, and other volatile organic compounds. It may also contain traces of contaminants such as heavy metals or other harmful substances, depending on the specific industrial process from which it originates.
The primary use of gas liquor is often for further treatment or disposal purposes. For example, it may be subjected to various treatment methods to remove or neutralize the harmful components present in the liquid prior to its release into the environment or its safe disposal. Additionally, certain portions of gas liquor may be further processed to extract valuable chemicals or utilized for energy generation.
It is worth noting that gas liquor can pose significant environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Due to its potentially hazardous nature, careful handling, storage, and disposal practices are crucial to prevent pollution and any adverse impacts on human health or the ecosystem. Appropriate regulations and guidelines are often in place to dictate the safe management of gas liquor to ensure minimal harm to the environment and surrounding communities.
The term "gas liquor" is derived from two words: "gas" and "liquor".
- "Gas" comes from the Greek word "khaos", meaning "void" or "empty space". It was later adapted into Latin as "chaos" and referred to a formless or disordered state. In the 17th century, the English word "gas" was coined to describe a substance in a state which is neither solid nor liquid but instead fills the available space it occupies.
- "Liquor" originates from the Latin word "liquor", meaning "liquid" or "fluid". It has its roots in the Latin verb "liquere", which means "to be fluid or liquid".
Combining these two words, "gas liquor" describes a substance that is in a gaseous state but retains some liquid properties.