The “Big Silo” was actually Clay lane Blast furnace gasholder. Unlike the local town gasholders which used a water seal, this one was “waterless” holder. Inside was piston which rose and fell depending on how much BF gas was being stored. All three furnaces supplied the gas, and the gas was then used by the furnace hot blast stoves. What remained was piped around the works to feed boilers in the power/blower stations and various other services. Just behind, on the other side of the railway was a similar, but smaller gasholder, which stored Coke oven gas from South Bank coke ovens. The Ironworks preferred this type of holder, the two at Redcar works are the same design.
The “Big Silo” was actually Clay lane Blast furnace gasholder. Unlike the local town gasholders which used a water seal, this one was “waterless” holder. Inside was piston which rose and fell depending on how much BF gas was being stored. All three furnaces supplied the gas, and the gas was then used by the furnace hot blast stoves. What remained was piped around the works to feed boilers in the power/blower stations and various other services. Just behind, on the other side of the railway was a similar, but smaller gasholder, which stored Coke oven gas from South Bank coke ovens. The Ironworks preferred this type of holder, the two at Redcar works are the same design.
Whilst doing apprenticeship at Cleveland works ,one shut down on the blast
We had to replace rollers on the piston.
The piston was at its lowest,entry was via a mandoor.
Also of interest was a “tardis” like lift ,hung above the piston.