Session 20. Water Filtration for Microirrigation
Long-Term Operation of Microirrigation Filtration Systems; Successes, Failures and Operational Solutions
Kenneth P. Phillips
Most filtration equipment installed in microirrigation systems is being operated at less than optimum levels. In reviewing product performance it is observed that errors in original product selection and inadequate field monitoring and maintenance result in the ultimate compromise of filtration system performance. The purpose of this review is to address those factors which impact the operating performance of filtration systems. The review will discuss filter product selection and operating needs for the long-term successful operation of a micro system. Given proper product selection and attention to operational requirements of the filtration equipment, the irrigation designer and user will be provided with information to maintain predictable water quality during the life of the irrigation system.
Keywords: Filtration, filters, water quality, water quality improvement, water quality enhancement
Abstract taken from paper found on pages 579 to 585 in Proceedings of 5th International Microirrigation Congress, April 2-6, 1995, Orlando, Florida. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085-9659, USA. Phone: 616-429-0300 FAX: 616-429-3852 EMAIL: HQ@ASAE.ORG
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Measuring the Dirtiness of Irrigation Water for Microirrigation Filters
A. S. van Niekerk
An easy to build instrument that measures the dirtiness of irrigation water regardless of the kind of dirt, or it's concentration, was developed and tested in South Africa. With a constant dirtiness of the water, the instrument produces a repeatable numerical value for the dirtiness of the water which stays in the same order of magnitude. Different mesh sizes may be used in the instrument to measure the dirtiness of water with regard to other particle sizes, for filters with different mesh sizes.
The instrument can be used to produce better filtering station designs and to manage them better. Controlled blocking tests can be done on all filters under a wide range of dirtiness conditions to forecast how quickly they will block under given conditions. Filtering efficiency tests can be easily and effectively done under laboratory and field conditions on all filters. This is especially valuable because it can help identify faults in any microirrigation system. The construction, measuring theory, operation, test results and applications of the Dirtiness Index Meter will be described herein.
Keywords: Measuring dirtiness, Dirtiness index meter, Filter efficiency, Irrigation water, Blocking tests of filters
Abstract taken from paper found on pages 586 to 591 in Proceedings of 5th International Microirrigation Congress, April 2-6, 1995, Orlando, Florida. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085-9659, USA. Phone: 616-429-0300 FAX: 616-429-3852 EMAIL: HQ@ASAE.ORG
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Experience with Fiberglass Filters in Hawaii's Sugar Industry
Win Bui
Since the early 1970's, Hawaii's sugar industry has been using media filters for removing solids from surface runoff waters used for drip-irrigating sugarcane. Carbon steel vessels have been used predominantly and are usually replaced every 12 years despite being painted every other year. On the average, the painting and replacement costs are about $4,000 each.
In 1984, Hawaii's sugar industry began using fiberglass filter vessels for all waters including factory waste water. An evaluation on the existing fiberglass vessels was made in early 1994. The vessels have thus far held up well, required no painting, and provided adequately clean water for drip irrigation. Physically and hydraulically, the latest model of fiberglass filter vessels is far superior than those previously manufactured. In addition, it is guaranteed for 25 years and priced competitively with steel vessels. Using fiberglass vessels makes more economic sense since they require no painting and provide a longer service life.
Keywords: Drip Irrigation, Microirrigation, Media filters
Abstract taken from paper found on pages 592 to 596 in Proceedings of 5th International Microirrigation Congress, April 2-6, 1995, Orlando, Florida. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085-9659, USA. Phone: 616-429-0300 FAX: 616-429-3852 EMAIL: HQ@ASAE.ORG
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Study Approaches for Trickle Irrigation Screen Filters
H. S. Chauhan
Screen filters constitute an important component of drip irrigation systems. Not much literature is presently available on the hydraulic behavior of such filters. In this paper, literature available from various sources, such as the chemical industry, well screen flow system, and others, have been reviewed to provide an understanding of, and possible application to the design of drip irrigation screen filters.
Keywords: Filters, Drip/Trickle irrigation, Irrigation equipment
Abstract taken from paper found on pages 597 to 602 in Proceedings of 5th International Microirrigation Congress, April 2-6, 1995, Orlando, Florida. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085-9659, USA. Phone: 616-429-0300 FAX: 616-429-3852 EMAIL: HQ@ASAE.ORG
