Round vs Flat Drip Emitters: Which Type Is Right for My Business

Many new manufacturer of drip irrigation pipe will be forced to decide between producing one of two main types of drip irrigation piping, round vs. flat drippers. The broad range and many advantages of micro irrigation has resulted in the development of various types of drip irrigation. This article focuses specifically on two types of drip irrigation, round drip pipe and flat drip tape. We take an overview into each type, analyze their characteristics, and go over how to select the type most suitable to your business.

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Round Drip Irrigation Pipe

An Overview of Round Drip Irrigation Pipe

Round drip irrigation pipe is the most common type of micro irrigation pipe used. This thick walled, semi flexible tube is produced from Polyethylene (PE) in a continuous extrusion process and is sold in coils of long length. On the inside of the pipe, cylindrical shaped inline drip emitters such as the DRTS Monsoon round dripper, are inserted in fixed spaces corresponding to the distance of the crops plants.

Round Drip Irrigation Pipe Characteristics

PE drip irrigation pipe features excellent stability, long lasting performance, and offers multiple advantages for micro irrigation applications. Firstly, round drip irrigation pipe can accommodate almost any type of dripper, such as anti-clog, pressure compensating, anti-siphon, and non-drain. Moreover, it’s relative rigidity and durability make it suitable for use in subsurface drip irrigation applications. Lastly round drip irrigation pipe can last for many years, depending on the application’s conditions and the type of drippers used.

Flat Drip Irrigation Tape

What Is Flat Drip Irrigation Pipe?

Flat drip tape is a type of thin walled micro irrigation flat tubing, that serves as a low cost alternative of round drip pipe. Due to its shape, flat shaped inline drippers such as the DRTS Centra dripper, are inserted on the inside of drip tape. As with round drip pipe, drip tape is also produced in a continuous extrusion process and contains inline drippers in fixed spaces along the length of the tape.

Flat Drip Tape Characteristics

Drip tape can also accommodate both plain constant flow drippers, as well as the more specialized types mentioned in drip irrigation pipe. But that’s where the similarities between the two types, end. Compared to drip pipe, drip tape is a low cost micro irrigation proposition, as it uses a lot less material to manufacture, thus resulting in a much more affordable product. However, this affordability does come at a disadvantage since drip tape is a product for seasonal use and requires replacement each farming season.

Choosing Round vs Flat Types of Drip Irrigation

Choosing between the two types of drip irrigation, requires knowing the specifics of both the farming application, as well as budget planning. For example due to its characteristics, flat drip tape offers an excellent alternative for farmers looking for a low cost option to take advantage of the benefits, or wanting to simply test micro irrigation. In these cases, installing drip tape could make more economic and practical sense, compared to round drip pipe.

On the other hand, in the case of large farming fields with ongoing farming operations, the slightly higher upfront installation cost of round drip pipe can be quickly amortized. More so once we factor in the installation costs, the use of round drip pipe clearly becomes the best solution in those cases.

So if you want to try micro irrigation, require micro irrigation for just one season, or budget micro irrigation year by year, then drip tape is your best option. If you’re after a more permanent micro irrigation installation, looking to amortize its cost over a certain period of years, then round drip pipe is certainly the way to go.

Getting Help From the Experts

Get help with the details and specifics of each drip irrigation type and ensure selecting the best choice for your business. DRTS has over 35 years of experience in helping new and existing manufacturers produce quality drip irrigation pipe. Schedule a call with a DRTS expert to receive a free consultation focused on your needs and tailored to your budget.

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In the realm of modern agriculture, efficient irrigation systems play a pivotal role in optimizing water usage, enhancing crop yields, and reducing production costs. Among the various irrigation methods, drip irrigation stands out for its precision and water-saving capabilities. Flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper are two key components of drip irrigation systems, each offering unique advantages and applications. Join us as we delve into the world of flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper, exploring their significance, working principles, benefits, and factors that influence their selection.

Delving into the Significance of Flat Emitter Drip Tape(pt,sr,th) and Online PC Dripper

Flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper are essential components of drip irrigation systems, designed to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing water wastage and maximizing nutrient absorption.

Unveiling the Working Principles of Flat Emitter Drip Tape and Online PC Dripper

1. Flat Emitter Drip Tape: Flat emitter drip tape consists of a thin, flat tube with evenly spaced emitters that discharge water in a flat, ribbon-like pattern. The emitters are integrated into the tape during the manufacturing process, ensuring uniform water distribution along the entire length of the tape.
2. Online PC Dripper: Online PC drippers are individual drippers that are inserted into a mainline tubing at regular intervals. Each dripper consists of a pressure-compensating mechanism that ensures a consistent flow rate regardless of variations in water pressure, providing precise and uniform irrigation.

Exploring the Benefits of Flat Emitter Drip Tape and Online PC Dripper

Both flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper offer numerous benefits for efficient irrigation:

1. Water Conservation: Drip irrigation systems, including flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper, significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional irrigation methods, conserving this precious resource.
2. Nutrient Delivery: Drip irrigation allows for precise application of fertilizers and nutrients directly to the root zone, enhancing nutrient uptake and minimizing wastage.
3. Weed Control: By delivering water directly to the plant’s roots, drip irrigation minimizes weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides and manual weeding.
4. Disease Reduction: Drip irrigation helps prevent the spread of soil-borne diseases by minimizing contact between water and plant foliage.
5. Adaptability: Flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper can be easily adapted to various field shapes and crop types, ensuring efficient irrigation for a wide range of agricultural applications.

Factors Influencing the Selection of Flat Emitter Drip Tape and Online PC Dripper

Choosing between flat emitter drip tape and online PC dripper depends on several factors:

1. Crop Type and Spacing: The emitter spacing and flow rate of the drip tape or dripper should match the water requirements and spacing of the specific crop being grown.
2. Field Topography: Flat emitter drip tape is well-suited for flat or gently sloping fields, while online PC drippers can accommodate varying terrains.
3. Water Quality: Online PC drippers are less susceptible to clogging compared to flat emitter drip tape, making them suitable for areas with poor water quality.
4. Cost and Maintenance: Flat emitter drip tape is generally more cost-effective than online PC drippers, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent clogging.

Conclusion