Introduction
What is an irrigation an irrigation system and what is it used for?
The sprinkler system is used to water lawns, shrubs, trees and flower beds with undemanding plants. How it works: An irrigation element is installed on the lawn – it is called a sprinkler with a special attachment – a nozzle. During watering, the sprinkler, depending on the model, protrudes to a height of 5, 10, 15 or 30 cm, and watering is carried out through the nozzle.
The second type is drip irrigation. Drip hoses are used to water any type of flower bed, be it roses or dandelions. Also used for flower gardens, shrubs, hedges or vegetable gardens and greenhouse irrigation. Here’s how it works: the drip hose is a special tube with holes, which is placed above on the ground. The holes are located at intervals of 33 cm along the entire length of the tube, from which, during the operation of the system, water flows out.
Micro-drip irrigation. Used where a simple drip is missing or more precise water distribution is required. For example, in greenhouses, agricultural facilities and winter gardens.
What are the elements that make up the automatic irrigation system, using a project as an example:
- Water tank
- Pump
- Control unit
- valve box with solenoid valves
- Sprinklers, nozzles,
- flexible elbows
- Drip hose
- Water sockets
- compression fittings
Water tank
Water tanks are often an integral part of the system. Why is it so necessary? The system, depending on its size, requires a lot of water, and often the water supply is simply not enough. Certainly, it is also possible to draw from a well and water house connection.
Pump
The second, but no less important element is the pump. All elements operate under water pressure. For normal operation is a pressure of 3 bar per element. The higher the flow rate, the less zones are needed. Conventional pumping stations for water supply have lower characteristics, and the direct connection of irrigation equipment to the domestic water supply network can deprive the house of water.
Controller
The next element is the control unit. This is the brain of the entire system. It controls the entire process of the irrigation system. A timer for the watering time and for the number of times per day to turn on. The controller also receives the signal from frahling sensors and adjusts the irrigation program.
For example, if it is raining and no more watering is required, the rain sensor will turn off watering until the required moisture characteristics are set.
Controllers can be divided into two groups:
For outdoor installation
For indoor installation
Outdoor units have a sealed box with a closing door and padlock, and indoor units are without.
When watering ?
Early in the morning and late in the evening, solar activity is lowest and water is absorbed by the ground and does not evaporate.
Valve box with solenoid valves
The next elements of the system are solenoid valves and irrigation zones.
The whole system is divided into zones:
- Separate groups of sprinklers
- Drip zones
- Micro-drip irrigation
Why is it needed? Any automatic irrigation system has a general water consumption, which is much more than a normal household pump can pump. In order not to have to install expensive equipment, the whole system is divided into zones.
Different types of irrigation are divided into zones. Sprinkler and drip irrigation are divided differently. They require different run times and different pressures.
What is the division into irrigation zones ?
Each zone of sprinklers or drip irrigation has its own solenoid valve. It is located underground in a protected plastic box.
The solenoid valve receives a signal from the controller and opens according to a preset program. When the program ends, the valve closes and the water supply stops.
Sprinklers, nozzles & flexible pipes
The next element is a sprinkler, nozzle and flexible arc. Sprinkler is the most common irrigation element. It is installed underground and level with the lawn. When the irrigation starts, the sprinkler is extended due to the water pressure and the sprinkler starts watering. At the end of irrigation, the sprinkler retracts and nothing is visible, everything is underground.
Irrigation is carried out through a nozzle. There are two types of nozzles:
- Spray nozzles
- Rotating nozzles.
Let’s take a closer look. Fan nozzles are used for watering small areas with or without a lot of planting. The watering radius ranges from 1.8 m to 5.2 m. They are adjustable in watering angle from 0 to 360 degrees.
Rotating nozzles are designed for watering small and medium-sized areas with or without much planting. They are divided into groups according to the irrigation radius from 4 m to 10.5 m. And by adjusting the irrigation angles:
- 90 to 210 degrees
- 210 to 270 degrees
- 360 degrees without adjustment.
Flexible knees (leads), where are they used and what are they generally used for?
In order for the sprinkler to be flush with the lawn, a movable pipe element is needed that can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. Flexible elbows are used for this purpose. One end of the elbow is screwed into the bottom of the sprinkler, and the other thread is connected to the pipe through the fitting.
Drip irrigation tubing
Drip irrigation is the second most popular type of irrigation after a sprinkler. It is used for watering flowers of any kind and in places where sprinkler irrigation is not suitable in any way.
Why drip? The main advantage is that there is no splashing water. Watering is pinpoint and economical. Ideal for flowers, vegetable gardens and garden beds.
The hose is attached to the ground with special earth hoes.
Water outlets
For example, on a water socket you can connect a hose – a very convenient thing. On most sites there is also a parking space. It is convenient to wash the car at a water outlet, connecting a pressure washer or fill the pool.
Compression fittings
Compression fittings are the final element of the system. With the help of such fittings pipes and irrigation elements are connected into a single water supply system without welding.
