Drip Irrigation: The importance of top-class, well-designed valves
Valves are crucial to control pressure, flow and distribution under different conditions to optimise performance, facilitate management, and reduce maintenance requirements.
The first real developers of valves were the Romans. Moving water efficiently over long distances was their forte. These valves were a plug or stopcock type. It was made of bronze,which was rich in lead, anti-corrosive, ductile, able to weld to the pipes of bronze or lead, and essentially equipped with properties that facilitated rotation of the plug.
During the Renaissance era, the construction of canals, irrigation systems and other hydraulic works introduced more sophisticated valves. Valves were also an important inclusion in Leonardo Da Vinci’s extraordinary sketches.
The modern history of the valve industry starts with the Industrial Revolution. In 1705, Thomas Newcomen invented the first steam machine. The steam machine required valves to keep and regulate steam at high pressure. As new inventors created new machines, they also improved the design of valves.
Irrigation systems
In drip irrigation systems, the water flow rate and pressure have to be perfectly controlled throughout the system to ensure efficient and timely water application. Valves are crucial to control pressure, flow and distribution under different conditions to optimise performance, facilitate management, and reduce maintenance requirements.
Netafim valves come with a wide range of different specifications and features. The valves are designed to address all requirements, from the need to make precise or delicate adjustments, to the need to shut off all mainlines and sub-mainlines.
A sample of the wide variety of valves available from Netafim:
Hydraulic valves
SERIES 100: These powerful, reliable metal valves give you remarkable hydraulic performance and impeccable control over the irrigation system. Series 100 valves are ideal for systems with high water pressure (up to 25 bars) and are designed to make it easier for you to configure the valve for different purposes.
SERIES 80: Equipped with a unique mechanism for fast reaction, these globe and angle valves are the right product for high-frequency irrigation or climate control. Made of composite materials these valves are highly resistant to chemicals, UV light and corrosion. The Series 80 valves are also designed to make it easy for you to configure the valve for different purposes, such as regulating pressure, sustaining pressure or quick relief.
SERIES 75: Made from composite materials, these valves exhibit exceptional hydraulic characteristics and provide optimal control of irrigation systems. The Series 75 valves are highly resistant to chemicals, UV light and corrosion. And they’re designed to make it easier for you to configure them for different kinds of uses.
AQUANET: Electrically operated, these control valves allow manual override and throttling, and are specially designed for greenhouses and landscape applications. The Aquanet valves are also available in both straight and angled configurations.
Manual throttle valves
Manual throttle valves allow for manual restriction of irrigation head controls and field plots. These valves are ideal for fertigation purposes, especially when you need to make subtle or precise adjustments to flow rates.
Backflush valves
Backflush valves are designed for automatic backflushing of filters. Series 350 backflush valves are highly durable reinforced plastic valves with a double chamber design for a wide application range. Backflush valves are hydraulically operated with dynamic sealing diaphragms for a tight seal.
Share your thoughts
Comments
We'd love to hear your thoughts! To enter a comment, type your name and email address.