Patent ID: 6907727

Claim:
An apparatus for producing electrical power within the natural gas pipeline infrastructure including a distribution pipeline main that branches off the pipeline main, utilizing pressure energy from natural gas flowing through a natural gas pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a pressure control system constructed and arranged to balance a flow rate of the natural gas, the control system including: a) a primary bypass conduit circuit constructed and arranged to divert gas flow from the distribution pipeline main; b) at least one pressure regulator valve constructed and arranged to reduce gas pressure within the primary bypass conduit circuit as needed; c) at least one modulating valve constructed and arranged to control gas flow within the primary bypass conduit circuit; and d) at least one or more flow sensors; a multistage, axial flow, impulse turbine disposed within the primary bypass conduit circuit and operatively connected to a generator, the turbine receiving gas flow from the natural gas pipeline through the primary bypass conduit circuit and converting the flow of gas to electrical power output; a microprocessor governor control system constructed and arranged to send and receive signals to initiate and regulate operation of the turbine; and wherein as electrical load on the generator and downstream customer demand for gas fluctuates, the pressure control system regulates the amount of gas flowing through the turbine so as to produce a steady state electrical output.