Filtration Systems

Filtration systems serve as the vital heart of any microirrigation setup. Even when the input water appears clean, a reliable filter is essential to prevent debris from entering the irrigation system. Even minute particles can lead to drip emitters clogging. Various types of filters are employed, including Hydrocyclone/Sand Separators, Media filters (such as sand filters), and Compulsory filters (screen/disc/turbo clean). The selection of filter types hinges on the quality of the input water, and their capacity is determined by system design and discharge requirements.

Hydrocyclone filters/Sand Separators are typically employed to capture sand particles, often originating from water sources like rivers, canals, or bore wells. Meanwhile, Media filters are adept at removing biological impurities like algae or slimy substances. Maintaining an optimum pressure at the filter inlet is crucial to ensuring uniform discharge through the drippers and minimizing clogging of laterals and drippers.

Monitoring pressure differentials between filters’ inlet and outlet is key to determining when cleaning is required. A pressure difference exceeding 0.3 kg/cm² (3 m of water for screen and disc filters) indicates the need for cleaning. This can be gauged using a pressure gauge with separate pressure check assemblies for inlet and outlet.