When to Use Pressure Compensating Drip Tape？

As a drip irrigation pipe manufacturer your produced pipe will be used for a wide variety of applications; from small greenhouses and large open farmlands, to exotic applications such as heap leach mines for extracting uranium, gold and other precious metals. While there is a wide range of applications that your pipe can be employed the construction and components used in your drip irrigation pipe will seriously affect the effectiveness of your pipe.

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However, environmental conditions can affect emitter operation, such as the varying elevation of an irrigated field. In this article, we will breakdown the uses of Pressure Compensating (PC) drippers are and how they solve such issues in comparison to traditional non pressure compensating emitters.

Why are PC Drippers Necessary?

An important environmental condition that affects the operation of drip irrigation pipe is the angle, inclination, grade, or slope of the irrigated area. In relatively flat terrain a properly operating drip irrigation pipe can achieve predictable and uniform water delivery throughout all dripping points, without requiring special drippers.

However, in areas of uneven terrain, extra-long laterals, and fields of varying elevation, pressure differences across the drip line can lead to non uniform water distribution between drippers. Pressure regulated drip irrigation emitters have been developed to address such issues, with the introduction of various types of Pressure Compensating (PC) drippers.

PC VS Non-PC Drippers

There are a number of factors to take into account when deciding what type of drippers you want to use in your production line. To pick the best one for your customers undertaking, you need to consider a few variables such as; grimy or hard water, elevation changes, and fluctuating water requirements in the length of a drip line. In light of all that, you need to understand the similarities as well as the differences of these drippers.

Similarities of PC & Non-PC Drippers

Both PC and regular non-PC drippers:

• Deliver uniform flow throughout a properly designed irrigation system
• Must be clog-resistant
• Must be durable and resistant to UV radiation.
• Must be easy for pipe manufacturers to work with when producing drip irrigation pipe

Differences between PC & Non-PC Drippers

While non-PC drippers are most common in the majority of drip lines, there are a number of cases where a pressure compensating drip emitter is the wisest choice:

• PC drippers exhibit stable drip flow within a relatively large pressure range
• PC drippers ensure uniform water distribution in varying slopes or long lateral runs
• PC drippers self-regulating flow allows the use of more drippers in one line, without compromising dripping flow rate stability

Specialized types of PC drippers exist for servicing different applications: Pressure Compensating Non Drain (PCND) drippers seal when the line pressure falls below a certain threshold, to prevent water from draining out of the pipe at shut-off. Pressure Compensating Anti-Siphon (PCAS) drippers do not allow soil contaminated water to siphon into the drip irrigation line, protecting drippers from clogging.

Storm PC Drippers

DRTS can provide a wide range of drippers, and its drip irrigation pipe production lines work with all dripper types. A high performance PC emitter, made to withstand even the most challenging applications, is our Storm-PC dripper, employing high drip stability over a wide pressure range, due to its advanced pressure compensation ability. It is also self-cleaning, durabile, clog resistant, and is available in multiple types covering a wide range of pipe diameters and flow rates.

Get in Touch with DRTS

Contact us here to get a quote on our PC and NPC drip irrigation emitters.

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Pressure Compensating vs. Non-Pressure Compensating Drip Systems: Which is Right for Your Farm?

Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of the plants through a network of underground pvc pipes that deliver water to above ground drip hoses. There are two main types of drip systems: pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating.

Pressure compensating drip systems are designed to deliver a consistent flow of water to the plants, regardless of changes in the water pressure. This is achieved through the use of special pressure compensating emitters, which adjust the flow rate to maintain a consistent output.

The benefits of pressure compensating drip systems include:

• Uniformity: The pressure compensating emitters help to ensure that the plants receive a consistent amount of water, even if the water pressure changes. This can help to improve crop yields and reduce the risk of under and over watering.
• Less maintenance: Pressure compensating systems are generally more reliable and require less frequent maintenance compared to non-pressure compensating systems.
• Better water use efficiency: By delivering water directly to the roots of the plants at a rate that is measurable regardless of water pressure, farmers can improve water use efficiency.

However, pressure compensating drip systems also have some limitations:

• Higher cost: Pressure compensating systems are generally more expensive than non-pressure compensating systems, which may be a barrier for some farmers.
• Limited flexibility: The pressure compensating emitters may not be suitable for all crops or growing conditions, and may not be able to deliver the optimal amount of water to the plants in all situations.

Non-pressure compensating drip systems, on the other hand, do not have pressure compensating emitters. This means that the flow rate can vary depending on the water pressure, which can affect the amount of water delivered to the plants. Non-pressure compensating systems are generally less expensive than pressure compensating systems, but they may be less reliable and may require more frequent maintenance.

The benefits of non-pressure compensating drip systems include:

• Lower cost: Non-pressure compensating systems are generally less expensive than pressure compensating systems, which may be attractive to some farmers.
• Flexibility: Non-pressure compensating systems may be more flexible and able to deliver the optimal amount of water to the plants in a wider range of situations.

However, non-pressure compensating drip systems also have some limitations:

• Inconsistent water delivery: The flow rate can vary depending on the water pressure, which may result in inconsistent water delivery to the plants.
• Higher maintenance: Non-pressure compensating systems may require more frequent maintenance and may be less reliable compared to pressure compensating systems.
• Lower water use efficiency: The inconsistent flow rate may result in water waste and lower water use efficiency.

Both pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating drip systems have their own benefits and limitations, and the most appropriate type of system will depend on the specific needs and conditions of the crops being irrigated. Farmers should carefully consider the pros and cons of each type of system before making a decision. 

For more information, please visit Pressure Compensating Drip Tape.