US4133671A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for enhancing fertilizing characteristics of irrigation water
Assignee: Fuel Inc
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Filing: 1978-03-22
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Granted: 1979-01-09
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Expires: 1998-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for enhancing fertilizing characteristics of irrigation water by adding carbon dioxide and nitrogenous compounds, derived from exhaust gases, to irrigation water so as to produce a fertilizing solution which promotes crop growth. The method comprises scrubbing exhaust gases derived from a natural gas, liquified petroleum or diesel engines by utilizing direct contact with water and thereafter injecting the treated enriched water into a standard supply of irrigation water. The engine is operated so as to provide the greatest amount of carbon dioxide, and (NO x ) nitrogen oxides practical.
Inventors
- 👤 Merle E. Mikel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 15:56
CPC Classifications
C; C05; C05C; C05C11/00; F; F02; F02B; F02B3/00; F02B3/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S71/00; Y10S71/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for producing and adding fertilizing ingredients to irrigation water by converting exhaust gases from an engine to obtain an aqueous solution comprising from about 15 to 50 ppm CO 2 and about 2 ppm nitrogen, the method comprising the steps of: operating an internal combustion engine, said engine being operated at a temperature range of 1200° F. to 1500° F. in the combustion chamber of said engine and with an air to fuel ratio ranging from about 12 to 15 parts air to 1 part fuel and increasing the voltage from 15,000 volts to about 40,000 to 50,000 volts across the spark plugs of the engine so as to produce an exhaust gas having a maximum of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases; absorbing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases in water to form treated water; and adding said treated water to said irrigation water.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for producing and adding fertilizing ingredients to irrigation water by converting exhaust gases from an engine to obtain an aqueous solution comprising from about 15 to 50 ppm CO 2 and about 2 ppm nitrogen, the method comprising the steps of: operating an internal combustion engine, said engine being operated at a temperature range of 1200° F. to 1500° F. in the combustion chamber of said engine and with an air to fuel ratio ranging from about 12 to 15 parts air to 1 part fuel and increasing the voltage from 15,000 volts to about 40,000 to 50,000 volts across the spark plugs of the engine so as to produce an exhaust gas having a maximum of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases; absorbing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases in water to form treated water; and adding said treated water to said irrigation water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said internal combustion engine is powered by a fuel selected from the group consisting of natural gas, liquified petroleum, diesel fuel, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said internal combustion engine is used to drive an irrigation pump.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which said exhaust gases are directly contacted with a continuous flow of water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as defined in claim 1 in which said internal combustion engine is powered by natural gas, said engine is adjusted to provide a temperature in the combustion chamber of about 1200° F. to 1500° F., and in which said exhaust gases are directly contacted with a continuous spray of water in a countercurrent manner.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-01-08 | 1982-07-10 | 1983-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-01-08 | 1986-07-10 | 1987-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-01-08 | 1990-07-10 | 1991-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |