Story: Energy supply and use

Palmerston North gasometer (1st of 3)

Palmerston North gasometer

Locals gather in front of a gasometer in Palmerston North in the late 19th century. Gasometers stored coal gas at atmospheric pressure, and assisted in the regulation of pressure in supply pipes. The Palmerston North gasometer was the spiral-guided type – as more gas entered its height increased, and when gas was drawn out, the structure dropped, guided by the sloping runners lying across the sides.

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Palmerston North City Library
Reference: 2008N_G6_WOR_1429

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Energy supply and use - Coal and coal gas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/21455/palmerston-north-gasometer (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 11 Mar 2010