subject: Drip Irrigation Systems, Learn to install by yourself in few simple steps [print this page] Author: koby zucker Author: koby zucker
Installing a new drip irrigation systems requires deep understanding in various engineering disciplines. Sometimes the first or second http://www.irrigationglobal.com">irrigation project assemblycould be a somehow difficult for inexperienced assemblers. Having installed large number of drip and mini sprinkler systems for the past 28 years around the globe, I will try to provide free of charge simple instructions to help the novice farmer or assembler. In this article I will describe the specific process related to drip irrigation systems; however, it is almost 100% resemble when you come to install: mini and midi sprinkler systems, or other sprayers and mist sprayers http://www.irrigationglobal.com">irrigationsystems. I divided this article in 16 chapters, the order of the chapters is a general recommendation and it should be adapted to each project's specific conditions and needs. 1. Marking all pipe lines and intersections.
2. Main lines ditches excavation
3. Assembling irrigation control and distribution heads
4. Main lines piping placement and union
5. Connections between main lines with control and distribution heads.
6. Main lines ends and intersections and anchoring
7. Covering main lines ditches
8. Sub main lines ditches excavation
9. Sub-main lines pipes placement, union and lateral outlets preparation
10. Covering sub-main lines ditches
11. Drip irrigation (mini sprinklers) laterals distribution
12. Main lines flushing and testing
13. Sub-main lines flushing and testing
14. Emitters insertion and placement
15. Laterals flushing and testing, emitters inspection
16. Irrigation shifts flow rates measurement inspection Marking pipe lines and intersections The first step in drip irrigation system installation, prior to any action should be verification and comparison of irrigation plan to the actual field, crops and water source geometrical and topographic dimensions and quantities. Good practice is to count trees or to sum all sub plots areas. Try to pick at least 4 topographical points in the field to compare the height to that of point with the same point on the plan. Start marking all the pipe lines and intersections, according to the updated drip irrigation project plan*. That step should be done by the project manager itself, sometimes with the help of a professional surveyor. The best way is to marc the end points of each line with wood stakes, using a rope to spread lime powder along the lines with the aid of a rope. In every intersection it is recommended to stick a bigger stake with the intersection number and ditch depth and width dimensions. * A good practice in large irrigation systems installations is to attach the plan to plywood and to cover it with plastic sheet (mulch), that way you will always have it ready to use in the field itself. 1 out of 16 Copyrights, irrigationglobal.com 2009About the Author:
Koby Zucker
Irrigation expert with many years of field experience, wish to share his experience in irrigation projects planning and installation around the globe.
