Can this world invent gas cylinders early?

QUESTION

I'd like a nation in the world I'm working on to be able to transport natural gas and hydrogen, for fuel and possibly ballooning. Natural gas pipelines and cylinders were first invented in ancient China, but while impressive, these were rather leaky. I'd like it if the inhabitants of this world could store gas over time, and transport it over distance, rather than relying just on proximity to a reserve.

• Can my world invent reliable gas cylinders early? How large and efficient could they potentially make them?

NOTES

In general, the technology hovers between classical and medieval, but there are some important exceptions. They possess most metals and woods, but there are large regions of the world that do not have iron or nickle, and this culture may eventually be included among them. In terms of relevant unusual materials, assume also they have:

• Vulcanized rubber, from sulfur.
• Bamboo and silk equivalents.

They are familiar with creating relatively complex devices from building automated textile mills and similar technologies. There are good conditions for the exchange of ideas and invention in general. Chemistry, in particular is ahead of the game, so other materials may be available if necessary and plausible. Otherwise I prefer to keep things as outlined.

Finally, this question is related, but distinct.

posted about 6 years ago

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