Gasholder

A gasholder, also known as a gasometer, is a large, usually cylindrical structure used for storing large quantities of flammable gas. It is typically part of a larger gas production or distribution system. Gasholders serve to equalize the pressure and flow of gas, acting as a buffer between intermittent production and constant demand. They also help to maintain a steady supply of gas to consumers.

The most common type of gasholder consists of a series of nested, telescopic cylinders, each slightly smaller in diameter than the one below it. The bottom cylinder is fixed and contains water or another liquid to form a seal. As gas is pumped into the gasholder, the cylinders rise, telescoping outwards. When gas is released, the cylinders descend, and the stored gas is pushed out under pressure. Other designs exist, including dry-seal gasholders which use flexible diaphragms or seals rather than a water lute.

Historically, gasholders were a prominent feature of industrial landscapes, particularly in towns and cities where town gas, produced from coal, was supplied for lighting and heating. Many older gasholders have been decommissioned and dismantled due to the shift to natural gas and advancements in storage technology. However, some gasholders, particularly those with unique architectural designs, have been preserved and repurposed as heritage sites or for other uses. The presence of gasholders often indicates a former gasworks or a location within a historical gas distribution network.