Inverted microsprinklers for irrigation of bench crops

In this category we have selected four different Microsprinklers with four flow rates and two configurations.

How to Select and Size Your Upright Microsprinkler in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Visualize the area and see your bench layout. You may need single or multiple lines with low flow for narrow benches, or multiple lines with high flow rates for good overlap in wider benches. When using an inverted installation make sure there are no obstacles, such as hanging baskets, beams, curtains and anything else that can prevent good coverage. Last, determine the height at which you plan to have the sprinkler installed above the benches.

Step 2: Select the inverted microsprinkler head from the product list based on your application requirements and design features, such as desired flow rate, sprinkler spacing and uniformity (see chart for spacing and uniformity of microsprinklers below)

• Inverted Microsprinklers or sprayers spacing and uniformity
  

  Coefficient of Uniformity (CU)
  Bench Width in Feet
  2'	3'	4'	5'	6'	7'	8'	10'	12'	13'	14'	15'	16'	17'	18'	20'
  Green Kiwi Spinner																Ht.
  		94	94	94	92	96	86			93	91	98				2'	Low Application Rate (18 to 19 GPH)
  		96	94	94	90	85	93			90	91	91	88			4'
  										93	93	93	93			6'
  										95	95	95	95	95	93	4'	High Application Rate (32 to 43 GPH)
  											94	94	94	94	93	6'

  Determine the quantity of sprinklers needed. For information on how to select and size the polytubing laterals, filters initial start of the system, troubleshooting and maintenance see steps 3 thru 8 below

Step 3: Sizing the sprinkler lateral lines for your bench length based on the maximum number of heads allowed on each lateral
We strongly recommend polyethylene pipe (polytube) for use in the laterals in your layout. Light can penetrate PVC pipe, which can cause algae to grow, leading to many problems, including plugged emitters.

Information you will need to finalize your installation:
Bench length and number of sprinklers, sprayers or foggers allowed on the polytube (see chart for max recommended # of heads allowed on laterals)

Maximum Recommended number of Inverted Microsprinkler and Sprayers on Polytube

Step 4: Sizing the distribution main line
Use the chart below to select the size for your distribution line up to 100 feet, and for your main line up to 125 feet in length. This chart should serve as a general guideline only.

Step 5: Sizing the main control components, such as valves and filters
The components should be sized according to the flow range of the filter. Make sure not to exceed this recommendation.

Step 6: Starting the system for the first time and flushing the system
The most important thing for you to remember when starting a new system for the first time is to flush the lines. Debris from the installation can pass into the sprinklers and foggers and can cause the system to plug, or to operate improperly. To properly flush the system, first connect the valves, filters, and main and distribution pipes. Then flush the line. Second, connect the lateral pipes and then flush the whole system again. Third, attach the sprinklers or foggers, open the ends of the laterals and have a final flushing of the whole system. Close the ends of the laterals one by one before the water is turned off. After complete flushing, check that the system is operating correctly and adjust if needed.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

• Problem: Flow line broken, filter clogged, microsprinklers, drippers or foggers clogged or faulty
  • Cause: Pressure too high or too low
  • Solution: Check polytube, clean or replace screen filter, replace or clean microsprinklers or foggers, check pressure regulator.
• Problem: Microsprinklers, drippers or foggers have uneven or no flow at the end of the drip line
  • Cause: Too many microsprinklers on the drip line or too long a run of polytube
  • Solution: Make sure that you did not exceed our recommendations.
• Problem: Fittings separating from polytube
  • Cause: Fittings improperly installed; compression fitting is not far enough inside the tube, or it is the wrong size fitting.
  • Solution: Make sure you used the correct size color-coded fittings
• Problem: Microsprinklers, drippers, foggers or micro tubing popping out of polytube
  • Cause: Pressure regulator is defective, microsprinklers, drippers or foggers are installed improperly, faulty or worn punch
  • Solution: Replace pressure regulator, check or replace microsprinklers or foggers, plug hole with goof plug, replace or clean punch, or if pressure is too high, install (or replace) pressure regulator
• Problem: Clogged microsprinklers, drippers or foggers
  • Cause: The use of incorrect filter mesh
  • Solution: The use of a proper filter should avoid clogging Problems
• Problem: Microsprinklers, drippers or foggers have calcium deposits (white color buildup)
  • Cause: Hard water
  • Solution: Inject a 1% to 2% chlorine Solution through the system
• Problem: Plants appear stressed
  • Cause: Run time is inadequate for the plants
  • Solution: Reset controller for more time

Step 8: Maintenance

• Inspect microsprinklers, foggers, and drippers periodically to insure that none are clogged. It is also important to check the microtubes to see if they are clogged. It is also important to check the microtubes to see if they are out of place.
• Filter screens should be flushed and cleaned at least once a month depending on water quality. Check the filter one week after installation. It should give you an idea of how often to schedule cleaning.
• Tubing lines should also be flushed periodically; again, water quality will determine the frequency of flushing.
• Remove end caps, or open hose ends, to flush the line once a year.