Micro-irrigation, saving you time

[Andy Collins]

Following a frustrating, non-productive day, I finally discovered why the emitters werent...well.... emitting!

I've now copied this from somewhere, just in case any of you fortunate souls find yourself in the same boat.

"Water to be used for microirrigation should be carefully examined to assess any potential clogging problems. The stream of water carries inorganic particles such as sand, silt and clay as well as organic particles like algae and weed seeds. These particles can block emitter flow passages or settle out in the lateral lines or filters. High loads of suspended particles in the irrigation water may require prefiltration treatment. A settling pond may be used for this purpose where sand and silt size particles are separated by sedimentation. Clear water is then pumped through the filter of the microirrigation system. Larger filtering capacities may also be considered in the design. Fine silt and clay particles which pass through the filter may settle out of the water in the laterals or emitters. Lateral lines should be flushed regularly to remove these sediments. "

 

Unfortuately it doesnt state how often to flush through the system, and as I only installed the faulty run 3 days ago, its a little annoying!!

[Dean Lofthouse]

Following a frustrating, non-productive day, I finally discovered why the emitters werent...well.... emitting!

I've now copied this from somewhere, just in case any of you fortunate souls find yourself in the same boat.

"Water to be used for microirrigation should be carefully examined to assess any potential clogging problems. The stream of water carries inorganic particles such as sand, silt and clay as well as organic particles like algae and weed seeds. These particles can block emitter flow passages or settle out in the lateral lines or filters. High loads of suspended particles in the irrigation water may require prefiltration treatment. A settling pond may be used for this purpose where sand and silt size particles are separated by sedimentation. Clear water is then pumped through the filter of the microirrigation system. Larger filtering capacities may also be considered in the design. Fine silt and clay particles which pass through the filter may settle out of the water in the laterals or emitters. Lateral lines should be flushed regularly to remove these sediments. "

 

Unfortuately it doesnt state how often to flush through the system, and as I only installed the faulty run 3 days ago, its a little annoying!!

 

Where do you buy them from Andy. I have struggled to find anywhere round here that sells them.

[Andy Collins]

What, the system?

One thing I had overlooked was that the water supply was recently installed, sub soil with a mole, and in the pressure relief valve filter was larger sediment, I'm now assuming microscopic particles have clogged the fine filters in the emitters. The system I set up running from the household supply is fine (for now, watch this space)

As for the whole system, I didnt buy it in, the client chose it against my recommendations, but it is simple to set up.

[Dean Lofthouse]

What, the system?

One thing I had overlooked was that the water supply was recently installed, sub soil with a mole, and in the pressure relief valve filter was larger sediment, I'm now assuming microscopic particles have clogged the fine filters in the emitters. The system I set up running from the household supply is fine (for now, watch this space)

As for the whole system, I didnt buy it in, the client chose it against my recommendations, but it is simple to set up.

 

Yes it was the system I was after, I'll just have to do some more googling.

 

might just be that the supply wanted a good flushing before use??

[Andy Collins]

Hang on I'll find the supplier and link.

[Andy Collins]

http://www.garden4less.co.uk/automatic_watering_systems.asp its easy to follow and set-up, although rudimentary. No wiring necessary.

[Dean Lofthouse]

http://www.garden4less.co.uk/automatic_watering_systems.asp its easy to follow and set-up, although rudimentary. No wiring necessary.

 

That's the Baby, thanks for that Andy.

 

I like the way it says connect the self cleaning nozzles, you need to ring them. :wave:

[Andy Collins]

I could only work with what the client supplied, unfortunately, but luckily I found half a dozen of these in the box. Its now a case of back-flushing thru all emitters, and hopefully this will remedy the problem.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-757/442-757.html gives all the information on problems found in m/i systems, and how to eliminate some of them.

[Andy Collins]

might just be that the supply wanted a good flushing before use??

 

This was an oversight tbh, I simply assumed it would have been flushed thru by the installer. Valuable lesson #1, never assume anything!!!!!