The evolution of the dripper

El drip irrigation It has been a valuable resource in agriculture for decades. To give us an idea, there are writings where it is stated that in the 1860st century BC in China, buried clay vessels were used in order to capture rainwater so that it reached the plant in a more leisurely manner. But it was not until the XNUMXs, in Germany, when the first pipe prototypes began to be included in these vessels.

The Australian Hannis Thill invented and patented the first plastic microtubes, he developed a method that improved drip irrigation using plastics and microtubes that were installed in crop fields releasing water through small holes, however, it is important to highlight that he was the Israeli engineer Simcha Blass and his son who made a much more modern version by developing the current system, releasing the water through larger pipes and using friction to stop the flow of water inside a plastic emitter, inventing the first external drip system and improving irrigation optimization and efficiency.

In today's article you will discover how this technology has revolutionized agriculture and has made it possible to have more efficient and sustainable crops, even in any home.

What is a dropper?

A dripper is a device that provides a precise and controlled way of supplying water to plants. It consists of a small conduit that, through a system of internal elements, allows water to drip slowly onto each of the plants. This ensures that they all receive the exact amount of water needed, avoiding waste and ensuring efficient absorption.

How were the first droppers that were implanted in agriculture?

In the beginning, the first drippers were made with clay pots that were buried near the plants. These pots were filled manually or collected rainwater to slowly supply it to the plants and provide the necessary water to the crop. Although it was an effective method, it had the drawback of constant review and maintenance. Over time, irrigation systems have been modified and improved, not only to improve the amount of water supplied to the crop, also with the idea of ​​avoiding blockages, reducing maintenance, improving performance and even enriching the water supplied using fertilizers through different devices.

The technical data of the first drippers showed approximate flow rates of 2 to 4 liters per hour, and their efficiency in applying water was around 70-80%. Although simple, these devices marked the beginning of a revolution in agricultural irrigation, paving the way for the advanced drip irrigation systems we use today.

Evolution of the dripper: from turbulent to self-compensating

In the beginning, turbulent drippers were the most used, but they did not offer a uniform distribution of water, which resulted in uneven irrigation and crop losses due to excess or lack of water. However, over time, self-compensating drippers were developed, a revolutionary innovation that ensures uniform water delivery regardless of pressure differences in the system. This optimizes irrigation and guarantees more homogeneous plant growth, saving water and improving agricultural yields.

For the proper functioning of these drippers, a minimum working pressure is required (between 1-1,5bar depending on the manufacturer).
Here is a short video that perfectly explains its features.

Evolution of the dripper: from punctured to integrated

The pinched drippers were clearly an improvement over the early in-line drippers, as cutting the tubing to add the dripper was avoided. The punctured drippers only require one hole for installation, leaving aside the in-line drippers. Over time, integrated drippers emerged, which incorporate the drippers inside the pipe, so it is not necessary to measure the distance between drippers to puncture them, avoiding time and labor savings in installation. Currently it is the most used system to integrate the dripper, mainly in large agricultural irrigation installations.

Evolution of the dropper: from cylindrical to tablet

In the evolution of the integrated dripper, we have seen above all changes in its design and functionality. The first models were usually cylindrical, but over time, pill-shaped drippers were developed. The latter have the advantage of having a smaller surface area inside the pipe, achieving a lower pressure loss and longer branch lengths compared to the same cylindrical dripper. In addition, the internal labyrinth is usually larger, allowing better internal filtration of the drippers against clogging.

Types of Dripper

Today there are many types of drippers available on the market, each designed to meet specific irrigation needs in agriculture. Below we leave you a link to our website so you can see some of what we have available (see irrigation drippers from here). But now let's look at its classification based on its characteristics:

According to the pressure regulation:

• Turbulent dropper: one of the first designs of drippers that were used. They provide water irregularly, since their flow depends on the water pressure. They are not recommended for long distances or for sloping terrain (Check their technical sheet to find out their maximum distance). Its use is frequent in small gardens and water with low pressure.
• Self-compensating dripper: This type of dripper is the evolution of the turbulent one. It has a membrane that guarantees a constant water flow regardless of pressure variations in the system. Improves irrigation uniformity and optimizes water use. Common use in most current drip irrigation installations.

According to the installation of the dripper:

Pierced dripper: these drippers are installed by making small holes using a suitable tool in the polyethylene pipe, and then piercing the drippers into the pipe. With this system we can install them at the distance that we see as appropriate. A microtube (carpenter dripper) could be inserted into this dripper, to carry the water further from the pipe. Frequent use in orchards and drippers with different distances between them.

Integrated dripper: the dripper is located inside the pipe, at the same distance between the emitters. In this way we avoid labor for installing punctured drippers (and time for measuring and installing drippers), and breakages when stepping on during collection or maintenance are also avoided. It is the most used for large agricultural facilities and can even be installed for underground irrigation.

According to the shape of the integrated dropper:

• Cylindrical dripper- This is the oldest design for integrated drippers, but is still used in most integrated dripper pipes. These drippers have a cylindrical shape inside the pipe, and can be either turbulent or self-compensating.
• pill type dropper: They are an improved version of cylindrical drippers. They have an internal labyrinth that allows more precise regulation since they slow down the water through friction, this reduces pressure losses, in addition to improving the internal filtration of the dripper. The surface of these drippers is smaller than the cylindrical ones

Types of self-compensating drippers:

• Self-compensating dripper (PC): This dripper is the standard model that we use to uniformly regulate the flow rate of the drippers, regardless of their working pressure. The dripper includes a silicone membrane that regulates the flow when reaching the minimum pressure required by the dripper to open.
• Anti-suction dripper (AS): They are self-compensating drippers designed for use in underground irrigation systems. This system is located internally in the dripper, and manages to prevent the entry of dirt or sand, thus avoiding clogging. There are models that also incorporate a mechanical anti-root system. Anti-suction drippers can only be integrated into the pipe, never punctured.
• Anti-drain dripper (CNL): this type of self-compensating dropper Prevents dripping at the end of irrigation, reducing unnecessary water losses. Remember that, when irrigation ends, the water tends to go towards the lowest point of the installation. The anti-draining system consists of that, when the pressure of the irrigation system is lowered to a certain value, the membrane that carries the dripper closes and prevents the water from escaping. This model has several advantages over the others:
  • There is no water drainage at the lowest point of the installation at the end of irrigation.
  • Because the system is full of water, time is saved when starting to irrigate again.

Of course, the choice of dripper type will depend on factors such as the type of crop, soil conditions, the size of the irrigation area and water availability. Once we are clear about the characteristics of each crop, farmers can select the most appropriate dripper to maximize the efficiency and productivity of their plantations.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you will be able to get the most out of your drip irrigation system, optimizing water and obtaining healthier and more abundant crops. Take advantage of the advantages that the evolution of drippers has brought to agriculture!

And finally, we leave you with some of the most outstanding products on our website that will help you choose the type of dripper you need.