“Gas holders, also known as gasometers, are large storage structures designed to store and regulate the supply of natural gas, town gas, or other gases. These structures consist of a large, movable cylindrical container (the gas bell) that rises and falls within a fixed, water-filled cylindrical tank (the gas holder tank). The gas holder tank is open at the bottom and filled with water. When the gas is pumped into the gas bell, it rises, displacing the water and storing the gas. When the gas is needed, the pressure of the gas pushes the water out, and the gas bell descends, releasing the gas for use.

Gas holders were historically used to store and regulate the supply of gas in cities and towns before the advent of more modern gas distribution systems. They were common during the 19th and early 20th centuries when gas was used for street lighting, cooking, and heating in many urban areas.

However, with the advancement of gas distribution infrastructure, including pipelines and advanced storage systems, gas holders have become less common and have largely been phased out in many places. The modern gas supply systems use high-pressure pipelines and underground storage facilities, which are more efficient and cost-effective for gas distribution.

While gas holders are no longer as prevalent, some older structures have been preserved for their historical significance and architectural value. Some may even be converted into other uses, such as museums or cultural centers. However, for practical purposes, gas holders are not widely used in contemporary gas distribution systems.”