Flow Regulated Micro Sprinkler

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  Demonstration Connecting a Micro Sprayer to .700 Poly Tubing

About

DIG’s Flow Regulated Micro Sprinkler mechanism is constructed of a plastic wing mounted on top of the micro sprinkler housing with a color-coded nozzle, and supported by a mini filter press-in. When in operation, the wing is elevated upwards and spins, dispersing the droplets evenly over the soil profile in a full circle. The ideal spacing for a full coverage is 5’ to 7’ between the micro sprinklers or one per tree for a maximum distance of 130’ in length, using 1/2” drip tubing with .600 ID as the main lateral.

Micro sprinkler irrigation system operates utilizing low flow at relatively low pressure compared to conventional sprinkler systems. Low-flow overhead with low-application-rate irrigation can be used for any areas where drip emitters are not practical, for keeping plant foliage constantly moist or when overhead watering is required. Mini-sprinkler or micro-sprinkler irrigation applies water to the surface area in a very light precipitation rate and in a low tension to the soil, allowing the water to dissipate in a wetted profile that provides high uniformity. One of the main features of the mini sprinkler or micro sprinkler is that it can prevent plant stress by maintaining low water tension in the soil, using a low-flow application rate.

Installation

The micro irrigation systems consist of a system “head” and distribution laterals. The system head assembly consists of backflow device, filter, fertilizer injector (optional) and pressure regulator. Generally, the head assembly parts can be found in any store that carries drip irrigation components. The fertilizer applicator and AC or DC controllers are optional equipment but highly desirable because they can help by adding flexibility to the system. The distribution laterals consist of main line pipes, usually made of PVC, the sub lateral pipe, made of polyethylene (PE), fittings and accessories. The system automation can be actuated electrically by an AC controller connected to an AC solenoid valve, or by a hose end timer or battery operated controller.

Installation suggestions:

Basic installation recommendations for this product include first reviewing the area and then making a drawing of the garden or site with your preferred layout.
If automation is required, use one of DIG’s hose end timers, battery operated controllers or solar powered controllers. The ideal controller should have flexible scheduling and two to four start times per day for added flexibility.

Start the installation from a PVC pipe or to pipe thread

1. If the micro irrigation installation is started from a PVC pipe, first shut off the main water supply.
2. If an automated system is preferred, we recommend installing a 3/4” ball valve or gate valve before the battery operated controller or AC valve, if used. This ball valve can be very useful as an emergency backup to turn the system off. This type of arrangement is used by professional installers.
3. Turn the water supply on to flush the line and then shut the water supply off using the new ball or gate valve.
4. Install an AC valve or battery operated controller, wrapping TEFLON tape on all the male thread fittings used.
5. Turn the water supply on again to pressurize the system. The unit will open momentarily and then will shut off.
6. Test the valve, battery operated controller or the solar powered controller and make sure that it is working correctly. If using a battery operated controller or solar powered controller, program it.
7. After the valve or controller, add a 3/4” screen filter with 155-mesh (model D55). The screen filter is used to protect the micro irrigation system. Next, add a preset 25 PSI pressure regulator (model D46P) or adjustable pressure regulator (model PRV075). The pressure regulator is used to lower the pressure to the suggested operating pressure for a micro/drip system. Follow with a 3/4” swivel adapter (model 50001) to the drip tubing or 3/4” PVC thread x slip adapter to the PVC line.

Start the installation from a faucet or hose thread

1. If an automated system is preferred, install a hose end timer.
2. Test the timer to make sure that it is working correctly and then program it. To the timer, add a backflow device (model D45), then a 25 PSI pressure regulator (model D46) and follow with a 3/4″ swivel adapter with a screen (model C34). If water quality is a concern, we highly recommend using a fine mesh 3/4″ filter with 155-mesh (model D57A).

Product installation

1. Use the drip tubing as the main lateral or sub lateral and lay out the drip tubing per your layout. Secure the drip tubing to the ground using stakes (model R60). Use the stake holders to secure the drip tubing or drip line to the ground in key areas and add more stakes as you unroll the drip tubing. Add stakes every 10′-20’ and at the end of each section, or as needed. An extra 1% of drip tubing length should be added to each lateral to compensate for drip tubing contraction at low temperature.
2. Throughout the installation and per your drawing layout, add, if needed, 1/2” fittings, such as tees (model C35) and elbows (model C36), leaving the end of the drip tubing open. To install the 1/2″ compression drip fittings, cut the drip tubing with a hand pruner, being careful to keep dirt from entering the line. Hold the fitting in one hand and the drip tubing in the other and force the drip tubing into the compression fitting by wiggling it from side to side.
3. The micro sprinklers or micro sprayers are installed along the drip tubing at varying or at specific intervals. The distribution uniformity of water from the micro sprinklers or micro sprayers along the line depends on the incoming pressure, number of micro sprinklers or micro sprayers used per lateral, and length of the laterals. Special care should be taken to ensure high uniformity of water along the laterals by not exceeding the product recommendations. To install a micro sprinkler, punch a hole into the drip tubing using the small punch (model D44) or the gun punch (model 16-035), and snap the 1/4” barb at the end of the micro tubing into the drip tubing. The micro sprinkler should be elevated to a minimum of 8” above ground for best coverage.
4. To replace or clean the micro sprinkler, review the following steps (all parts are press-fit for easy assembly and disassembly).Step 1: Turn the micro sprinkler left to right to remove the micro sprinkler nozzle assembly.
   Step 2: Pull out the mini filter assembly and rinse the nozzle under water to clean.
   Step 3: Insert the mini filter into the nozzle and insert the nozzle assembly into the micro sprinkler housing.
   Step 4: Insert the micro sprinkler into the flow regulator assembly.
5. Turn the water on and flush the line.
6. Close the end of the drip tubing using the hose end (model Q58) or figure “8” (model F68B).
7. Pressure-test the system to identify leaks in the drip tubing laterals, fittings and barb connections. Make sure that all the micro sprinklers are standing in a vertical position and operating with good uniformity, and then program the hose end timer or battery operated controller.