Irrigation pipes, everything you need to know about them

The pipes used for the irrigation systems They can be used in various materials depending on the use that is going to be given to them, or the pressure at which they work. Depending on a combination of variables, we can expect a series of benefits or others. We explain the different types of irrigation pipes and their main characteristics. 

What types of pipes exist?

 

The classification of pipelines can be done in multiple ways. For example, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are commonly used in construction. In the industrial sector, methacrylate is common. One of the ways to categorize pipe types would be to do a first sweep based on their use. In this case we focus on the most suitable pipes for agricultural irrigation.

What are their characteristics?

 

The characteristics of the pipes for use in irrigation will depend mainly on the material they are made of. The most used irrigation pipes for agricultural irrigation are made of polyethylene (PE) and PVC.

In either case, it is important to note that both types of pipes have one main and common characteristic: they are all totally harmless, which means that they do not affect the water that flows through them in any way, even if they contain fertilizer products.

Another aspect in which they coincide and why they are so widely used in agriculture is because they are light and with a minimum interior roughness for a better flow rate. We go on to describe both pipelines very briefly. 

Polyethylene or PE

 

This polyethylene pipe It is the most used in agriculture mainly due to its flexibility and having the capacity to work outdoors and buried. It is the one used for drip pipe and for secondary pipes with a larger diameter. They are manufactured in both agricultural quality (PE32 black with green stripe) and food grade (PE40- PE100 black with blue stripe). Internally they would be classified according to their diameter and the pressure they can withstand. Other uses that can be given are for drainage, sanitation or electrical channeling.

polyvinyl chloride or PVC

 

Polyvinyl chloride pipes, also known as PVC pipes, have a much broader classification. For agricultural irrigation, the pressure pipe is widely used, mainly for the supply of water to the secondary irrigation pipes. They can also be used for the evacuation of rainwater, sanitation, and they are even made transparent for subscriber visors.

PVC pipes are usually supplied in rigid bars, although we can also find flexible models. The joints are usually glued or by elastic joint. They must always be buried, since they cannot be exposed to UV rays, since they would lose part of their properties when exposed to the sun. It has a great insulating capacity and has a Long useful life thanks to its high resistance. Another of its greatest advantages is that it is sustainable since it is a product 100% reusable.

Which pipe to choose?

 

To choose the type of pipe that we need, it is important to take into account several aspects such as the use that is going to be given to it, the pressure at which it is worked, its location and the water needs of the installation.

As a general rule, in an agricultural installation, the main pipe is normally made of PVC, and the secondary and tertiary pipes (those that carry the drippers or sprinkler points) are supplied in polyethylene (PE).

Other uses that can be given to these pipes are for drinking water, (PE40-PE100), land drainage, buried sanitation in water evacuation, building downspouts, electrical channeling, etc...

If we are not completely clear about the needs of our installation, we recommend seeking direct advice from a professional in the sector, and contacting CONTACT with Mundoriego.