Cockerill gas engine. Historical illustration (side view and view from above) of a gas engine designed by the Cockerill engineering company founded in Belgium by John Cockerill (1790-1840). The Cockerill engines were constructed from 1897 onwards. This is a double effect tandem engine. A gas engine is an internal combustion engine that runs on a gas fuel. Gas engines are usually used in heavy-duty industrial settings. Artwork from 'Moteurs' (1911) by French civil engineer Max de Nansouty (1854-1913), part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier.