Evaluation of Microirrigation Self-Cleaning Emitters

Abstract

Characteristics of six different self-cleaning emitters were obtained under clear-water conditions. Three of the emitters, each with a different flushing principle, were evaluated with water of definable quality under laboratory conditions as follows: l) phase 1 - 1,000 h operation with water plus sand impurity; 2) phase 2 - 1,000 h operation with water plus algae impurity; and 3) phase 3 - 2,000 h operation with water plus sand and algae impurities. Twenty-five emitters of each type were monitored during each phase, and the statistical uniformity coefficients were determined. All emitters were relatively successful in self-cleaning when the waters impurities were inorganic. Organic impurities, however, resulted in gradual clogging through microbial growth within the emitters. Periodic acid injection partially corrected the problem.