A critical component of any drip irrigation system is the dripper (emitter) incorporated into the pipe and provides predictable and uniform water delivery throughout all dripping points in a pipe. Drippers come in both flat or round (cylindrical) form, for use with thin wall flat drip tape and round drip irrigation pipe respectively.
How does a PC dripper work?
The most common plain dripper type is NPC (Non Pressure Compensating), which ensures the same flow for every dripper in a properly installed drip irrigation system and provides anti-clogging resistance through specially designed flow channels. However in sloped applications and extra-long laterals, pressure differences across the drip irrigation pipe can have a big effect on the flow rate of an NPC dripper, leading to a non uniform water distribution between drippers.
Pressure compensating drippers mitigate those problems by maintaining the same amount of water flow within a relatively large pressure range, ensuring uniform water distribution for every dripper even in steep slopes or long lateral drip irrigation pipe runs. When planning for a drip irrigation system for a field with varied conditions such as slopes and valleys, the PC drippers self-regulating flow allow using more drippers in the same line, greatly simplifying the system design. Moreover, PC drippers allow for longer lateral runs, giving the ability to reduce the installation cost of a drip irrigation system, by using less pumps, main lines, parts & fittings.
The DRTS Storm-PC dripper
A best in class pressure compensating dripper, Storm – PC dripper offers several clear advantages making it the dripper of choice in high performance and challenging applications:
- Excellent pressure compensation: High performance, steady flow rates over a large pressure range.
- Self cleaning & clog resistant: Utilizing a silicone diaphragm, large cross-section labyrinth and elevated dual fitler, the Storm-PC dripper ensures trouble free operation, even when water with higher content of suspended solids is used.
- Durability: Storm-PC is produced with high quality virgin PE and additives, ensuring UV resistance and preventing damage caused from commonly used agricultural chemicals and fertilizers.
- Range of options: Available in a range of pipe diameters (16, 18 and 20 mm) and drip flow rates (1.6, 2 and 4 litres per hour)
Other dripper types
Apart from the NPC and PC drippers, mainly two more types of drippers exist in order to service specific needs. DRTS can provide all types of drippers and its drip irrigation pipe production lines work with every dripper type.
Pressure Compensating Non Drain (PCND) dripper
In addition to providing a steady flow for a large pressure range, PCND drippers seal when the line pressure falls below a certain threshold, to prevent water from draining out of the pipe at shut-off. This feature provides an advantage in sub-surface irrigation applications, pulse irrigation and highly undulating fields.
Pressure Compensating Anti-Siphon (PCAS) dripper
PCAS drippers prevent the backflow of water from the external environment to the internal of the drip irrigation pipe. This can be useful in subsurface applications, where PCAS drippers do not allow soil contaminated water to enter the drip irrigation line, avoiding possible downstream problems.
Get in Touch with DRTS
For more information on dripper types, their features and benefits, contact a DRTS specialist to get a free consultation, discover the ideal dripper for your case, and get a price quote tailored to your specific needs.
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