Gas holder

Lazarus Thick Shell Gasholder

Gasometer in East London

gasometer

Gasometer with dumpling

Telescopic Gasometer raised

Gas holder (also known as a gasometer) is a large container where natural gas or town gas is stored near atmospheric pressure at ambient temperatures. The volume of the gas holder adjusts to accommodate the quantity of stored gas, with the container rising or falling accordingly. Historically, gas holders played a key role in the gas industry, providing a buffer to meet peak demand periods and ensuring a steady supply of gas was maintained.

History

The invention of the gas holder in the early 19th century revolutionized the gas industry. Initially, gas was used for lighting streets and houses in urban areas. The first gas holders were simple structures, but as the demand for gas grew, so did the complexity and size of these containers. They became iconic structures in many towns and cities, symbolizing progress and industrialization.

Design and Operation

Gas holders can be of the "water-sealed" type or the "piston" type.

Water-Sealed Gas Holders

Water-sealed gas holders consist of a large, open-topped cylindrical tank containing water. A movable, piston-like structure, which is open at the bottom and closed at the top, sits in the tank. As gas is pumped into the container, the piston rises, and as gas is used, it falls. The water creates a seal around the edge of the piston, preventing gas from escaping.

Piston Gas Holders

Piston gas holders, on the other hand, do not use water to create a seal. Instead, they rely on a telescopic, piston-like structure that moves up and down within a fixed cylinder. These are more modern and can hold a larger volume of gas.

Decline and Legacy

The use of gas holders has declined with the advent of the natural gas network and the ability to store gas in the pipeline system or in large, pressurized gas storage facilities. Many gas holders have been dismantled, but some remain as historical landmarks, reflecting an era of industrial growth and innovation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

While gas holders were an essential part of the gas supply system, they also posed environmental and safety risks. Leaks could lead to explosions, and the industrial processes associated with gas production and storage contributed to pollution. Modern regulations and technologies have significantly reduced these risks in remaining operations.

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Some disused gas holders are being preserved as part of industrial heritage. There is a growing interest in the adaptive reuse of these structures, with proposals including their conversion into residential, commercial, and public spaces. This approach balances the preservation of historical industrial architecture with contemporary needs and sustainability goals.