Bryan Donkin Booster Engine in action

The Bryan Donkin Booster Engine in action at the Dunedin Gasworks Museum. The Bryan Donkin booster was used when demand was high to ensure an adequate supply of gas to the outer areas of the city. When demand was low, electric boosters were adequate and late at night the pressure within the gasholders was enough without boosting at all. It is a horizontal, steam-driven, duplex reciprocating compressor installed in 1926 and capable of passing 100,000 cubic feet of gas per hour at a pressure of 5lbs per square inch. In 1964, a new 6lbs per square inch, high pressure main was installed, supplied by electric-driven compressors, and the old system was re-designated as the medium pressure network. It could also be configured to transfer gas between gas holders. Today, the engine has the steam and exhaust connections to one steam cylinder disconnected. Videography services kindly provided by Eric G Studios https://ericgstudios.co.nz/ ‪@ericgstudios‬