Why Filter is Important in Drip Irrigation System

The filter is one of the most critical components that ensure the smooth operation and longevity of drip irrigation systems. Drip irrigation systems are one of the most effective methods of delivering water to plants efficiently and equally. However, particles such as dirt, sand, silt and organic matter in the water can cause clogging of pipes and drippers. Such clogging reduces irrigation efficiency and prevents the equal distribution of water and nutrients that plants need. Filters prevent clogging of pipes and drippers by filtering these unwanted substances in the water. Using the right filter both increases the efficiency of the system and reduces maintenance and repair costs. Thus, drip irrigation systems become longer-lasting and sustainable.

You can also contact us to manage your irrigation system remotely and make all these processes easier. We would be happy to support you at every stage of your irrigation system with our expert team. https://esular.com/damla-sulama-otomasyonu

What are the Filter Types Used in Drip Irrigation?

The types of filters used in drip irrigation systems are of vital importance in terms of cleaning the water and preventing the system from clogging. Here are the types of filters commonly used in drip irrigation systems:

Disc Filters:
Disc filters are ideal for surface waters containing organic matter. These filters are formed by placing thin plastic discs on top of each other. The grooves on the surfaces of the discs clean the water by holding the particles in the water. Disc filters provide high efficiency against all types of water thanks to their 3-dimensional filtration body.
Screen Filters:
Screen filters are filters that allow the mechanical filtration of water. They usually consist of a perforated structure made of metal or plastic. Screen filters are frequently used in the filtration of underground water and the protection of sprinkler systems. They are preferred as the primary filter for well water in multiple water sources or single-year drip irrigation line applications.
Gravel Filters:
Gravel filters are filters preferred to filter living and non-living foreign bodies (moss, clay, sediment, insects) when used together with disc filters. These filters are especially effective when there is a high amount of organic matter in the water.
Hydrocyclone Filters:
Hydrocyclone filters are filters that separate heavy particles such as sand in the water by centrifugal force. They are ideal for water with high sand content and allow the water to pass through a pre-filtration before passing through a screen filter or gravel filter. These filters are widely used especially in water drawn from deep wells.

Choosing the right filter in drip irrigation systems is critical to ensure the efficient operation of the system and to reduce maintenance costs. The pollution status of the water source plays an important role in determining the filter type and extends the life of the system.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing Filters in Drip Irrigation Systems?

There are a few important points to consider when choosing a filter in drip irrigation systems. Choosing the right filter ensures the efficient operation of the system while also reducing maintenance and repair costs. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a filter:

Pollution Status of the Water Source:

The degree of pollution of the water source is the most important factor in choosing the type of filter. More powerful filtration systems are needed for very dirty water sources.
Hydrocyclone filters and disk filters should be preferred for waters with high particles such as sand, silt, and organic matter.

Type of Water Source:

It is important to use a hydrocyclone sand filter in water drawn from deep wells.
Gravel (moss) filters are more suitable for surface waters such as streams, creeks, lakes and canals.

Land and Water Capacity:

The size of the land and water capacity are also decisive in filter selection. Larger and more powerful filters may be required in large lands and in situations requiring high water capacity.
Choosing a filter suitable for the water capacity is critical for the proper operation and long life of the system.

Filter Type:

When choosing between manual, semi-automatic and automatic filters, the degree of pollution of the water source and the labor capacity on the field should be taken into consideration.
If the water source is very dirty and the labor cost is high, automatic filters should be preferred. Automatic filters have a self-cleaning feature and minimize labor.
Manual or semi-automatic filters can be used in areas with cleaner water sources and low labor costs.

Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning:

Filters should be easy to clean and maintain. Disc and screen filters can be easily cleaned by backwashing.
Regular cleaning of filters prevents clogging of the system and increases efficiency.

Pressure Adjustment:

The inlet and outlet pressures of the filters should be checked regularly. The filter should be cleaned when the difference between the inlet and outlet pressure is 0.5 bar or more.
The outlet pressure value should be around 2.5 bar.

Durability and Material of the Filter:

The material the filters are made of is also important. Filters made of durable materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene are long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Filter selection directly affects the efficiency and life of drip irrigation systems. Using the right filter saves water and ensures that the water and nutrients needed by the plants are distributed equally.