Pipeline utilization enhancement including carbon dioxide gas transmission, distribution, and delivery technique

Abstract

The present invention involves utilization of carbon dioxide, CO.sub.2, gas produced from various natural and manmade sources. Where such gas is vented as a waste by-product into the atmosphere, it is a leading gaseous emission contributing to the Earth's atmospheric greenhouse effect and ultimately to devastating global warming. The present invention can include a method of transmission, distribution and utilization of CO.sub.2 gas. This aspect of the invention includes the transmission of CO.sub.2 gas through idled natural gas pipelines during summer months and delivery of the CO.sub.2 gas to field crops to increase crops' yields. This method will increase the seasonal utilization "load factor" of natural gas pipelines during "off peak" non-heating months, when natural gas is in low demand. Further, the invention can provide a distribution mechanism consisting of a series of trunk lines with gate valves linking to primary manifolds. The primary manifolds may in turn be connected to a series of secondary exhaust pipeline rows. This gas distribution system is compatible with existing farming practices and farming implements. Automated delivery of CO.sub.2 through the distribution mechanism's rows of exhaust pipes is easily adapted to remote control by electronic field monitoring devices that economically, precisely, and evenly distribute CO.sub.2 gas to field crops. The gas distribution grid, electronic monitoring and automated delivery controls can all be linked in a gas preparation facility designed to optimize the gaseous medium including CO.sub.2 concentrations and temperatures incident to crops for photosynthesis.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.