What is "water gas"

Water gas \Wa"ter gas`\ (Chem.) See under Gas.

n. A mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced by passing steam over hot coke; used as a domestic fuel

n. a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with small amounts of other gases; made by blowing steam over hot coke or coal

Water gas is produced from synthesis gas, which is composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Syngas is a useful product but requires careful handling due to its flammability and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Water gas shift reaction can be used to reduce the carbon monoxide while producing additional hydrogen, resulting in Water Gas.