Kiserian,Kenya
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ONION DOCTOR
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July 20, 2023
Drip Irrigation Farmers

COMPONENTS OF A DRIP KIT


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  • Water Source: There are mainly two type of Water sources Groundwater and Surface water Surface waters
  • Pumps and motors:  The pumping devices are required to provide the pressure to pass water through the control head, different accessories and pipe network and then to the emitting devices at desired pressure. The pressure can be developed by using the elevated tanks or pumps. The elevated tanks can provide the pressure to the small system with micro tubes as the emitting devices. Other systems need the pumps. The pumps to be used may be centrifugal pump, submersible pump, turbine pumps. They may be powered by the electric motor or the diesel pump.
  • Filter Filtration: Is the key to the success or failure of a drip irrigation system. Its reliable and expensive but essential for ensuring that drippers work properly and do not get blocked.
  • Types of filters
  • Gravel Filter (Sand Filter):The filtration process of these filters is inspired by the natural flow of water that passes through the soil layers before reaching the underground aquifer. Water is introduced into the filter, which consists of a generally metallic container with a layer of filtering mass inside, made up of “sand” – preferably a siliceous type– of various sizes, commonly, between 0.3 and 1.5mm, so that the passage holes between them result to be <100 microns. Suspended particles present in the water, both organic and inorganic, are blocked passing through this layer. As the liquid gradually flows down, it becomes cleaner. The grit can be composed of: sand, gravel or other selected granular materials. The degree of filtration depends on the actual size of the compound and the speed of the water passing through the filter. Eventually the water is drained by further draining elements to come out clean.
  • Screen Filter: The screens are usually cylindrical shape and are made of non-corrosive metal or plastic material.
  • Disc Filter: A disc or ring filter is a type of filter most commonly used in drip irrigation systems to remove solid particles and sediment from the water before it reaches the irrigation emitters. These filters are composed of a series of stacked rings or discs that, when compressed, form a filtering mesh. Filtration takes place as the water flows through the grooves formed by the rings, retaining the solid particles on their surface. Ring filtration is especially useful in places where water is scarce, as it allows a better use of the water resource by avoiding clogging of drip irrigation emitters and ensuring a constant and uniform flow of water.
  • Main Line: Pipelines carry water through the entire irrigation system, from the pump through the filters, the valves and onward to the drippers. They are normally made of HDPE/PVC pipes in order to minimize corrosion and clogging. Usually, they are placed below the ground, so that they will not interfere with cultivation practices. Their diameter is based on the system flow capacity. The velocity of flow in mains should not be greater than 1.8 m/s.
  • Submain:  The Submain conveys the water mainline to the laterals. They are also buried in ground below and made of HDPE/PVC. The diameter of Submain is usually smaller than main line. There may be number of Submain from one mainline depending upon the plot size and crop type.
  • Lateral /Dripline:  Driplines are small diameter flexible pipes or tubing made of low density polyethylene (LDP) or liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and of 12 mm, 16mm, and 20 mm size. Their color is black to avoid the algae growth and effect of ultra- violet radiation. They can withstand the maximum pressure of 2.5 to 4 kg/cm2. They are connected to Submain at predetermined distance. The pressure variation between two extreme points of lateral should not be more than 15-20 % and discharge variation should not be more than 10%. On slopping ground, the laterals are placed along the contour with 1% extra length for sagging purpose.
  • Drippers Emitters : Emitters are classified into two types
  • Non-pressure compensating emitters: Use a turbulent flow action which provides greater durability and longevity along with clogging resistance and low maintenance.
  • Pressure-compensating emitters -  It is the main component of Drip irrigation system for discharging water from lateral to the soil. PC emitters deliver a precise amount of water regardless of changes in pressure due to long rows or changes in terrain. They can simplify the designing of a system and greatly reduce maintenance since they rarely get plugged.
  • Controls Valves (Ball Valves) These are used to control the flow through particular pipes. Generally, they are installed on filtration system, mainline, and on all Submain. They are made up of gunmetal, PVC cast iron
  • Flush Valve: It is provided at the end of each sub main to flush out the water and dirt’s.
  • Air valve: help in ejecting trapped air, which ensures the smooth flow of water in the pipelines and smooth functioning of the irrigation system. This happens when the Air Release Valve opens up against the internal pressure built up inside the water pipe.
  • Non-Return Valve It is used to prevent the damage of pump from flow of water hammer in rising main line.
  • Water Meters :Water meters monitor and record the amount of water moving through a pipe where the water meter is installed. It is used to measure discharge of system.
  • Pressure Gauge: This instrument is used for measuring the force of pressure in water. It can be used to determine is you have any errors in your tank or system. Based on where the pressure gauge is installed, it will measure water pressure in a various range, from 0 to 10 kg/cm2 near the pump to 0-2 kg/cm2 at the end of drip lateral. Pressure gauges may be installed at set points (near the pump, before and after the filter, near the field). They can also be mounted as portable devices and installed temporarily at the end of a drip lateral.
  • Gromate and Take-off: These are used to connect the lateral to Submain. A hole is punched with hand drill of predetermined size in Submain. Gromate is fixed into the hole. Take off is pressed into the hole. Take off is pressed into the gromate with take of punch upto the step provided. Gromate acts as a seal. The sizes are different for 12 mm, 16mm, and 20 mm lateral.
  • End Caps (End Sets): They are used to close the lateral ends, Submain ends or mainline ends. Sub mains and mains are preferably provided with flush valve. They are convenient for flushing the line.
  • Fertilizing System: This category of parts delivers important nutrients to crops while the irrigation system is running. Injectors are set up inline so that when the timer starts the irrigation cycle, a precise amount of fertilizer will be carried into the main irrigation line.


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