QUALITY IRRIGATION PIPES FOR CROP FARMING.

Quality irrigation Pipes for farming

Quality irrigation pipes for crop farming is a network of pipes used to convey water into the crops from a certain water source. Irrigation pipes are used as part of the conveyance system and distribution system of an irrigation scheme. The conveyance system provides water from the water source to the pump. The distribution system delivers water from the pump to the crops.

There are various types of irrigation pipes in the Kenyan market today.

  • Polyethylene (PE) pipes.
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.
  • Galvanized iron pipes.
  • Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.
  • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipes
  • PVC Lay flat hose

Popular Irrigation Pipes in Kenya

Quality irrigation Pipes for farming
Quality irrigation Pipes for farming
Poly-vinyl-chloride-PVC-pipes
Quality irrigation Pipes for farming

Polyethylene (PE) pipes

Polyethylene quality irrigation pipes for crop farming are made using thermoplastic material through extrusion.

Characteristics

  • Different sizes of pipes can be made.
  • PE pipes come in various colors, with standard black and blue colors
  • They are flexible and not easy to break, even in icy conditions.
  • Their toughness makes them be used on almost any surface.   

Polyethylene (P.E) pipes have different rating as follows:-   

  1. PN 2.5    
  2. PN 16
  3. PE  PN 4 
  4. PN 6

Details 

   Polyethylene pipes come in diameters ranging from 12 mm to 1200 mm and are rated in different classes depending on the pressures they can withstand. . The minor PN rating in PE pipes is PN 2.5, while the highest rating is PN 16. This means that a PN 2.5 PE pipe is most suitable for use with less than 2.5 bars of water pressure. A PN 16 PE pipe can be used for water pressures below 16 bars. The available PN classes in PE pipes are; PN 2.5, PN 4, PN 6, PN 10, and PN 16. Small PE pipes come in coils, whereas large PE pipes come in straight lengths.

 

 

 

Galvanized iron pipes

Galvanized iron pipes for irrigation are metallic pipes coated with zinc to avoid rusting and increase the longevity of the pipes. Galvanized pipes can be covered using two processes, i.e., hot dipping galvanizing or electro galvanizing. Pipes coated through the hot dipping process have a thick and uniform layer of zinc. The coat adheres firmly to the pipes, and longevity is assured. Galvanized pipes painted using electro galvanization process lack a smooth layer and have poor corrosion resistance. Although the electro galvanization process is a cheap method, the durability of the pipes is not assured. Nowadays, galvanized pipes in irrigation systems are being done away with. Studies have shown that when the pipes are used for a long time, they begin to rust and corrode on the inside. It is advisable to change the use of galvanized pipes to better quality irrigation pipes for crop farming.  Some of the problems associated with rust and corrosion build up in the galvanized pipes are;

cons

  1. Low water pressure – Due to the build-up of rust in the pipes, the frictional head loss will be significantly increased in the pipes. This will cause most systems to fail or work poorly.
  2. Uneven distribution of water – corrosion in the galvanized pipes will build up differently in various parts of the pipes. This uneven build-up will result in uneven distribution of water due to different resistances in the system.
  3. Blockage of sprinkler nozzles and drip emitters – Drip emitters and sprinkler nozzles are very sensitive to particles in the water. Although the filter will filter out soil particles and other materials, the rust inside the pipes will be carried by the water to the drip emitters or sprinkler nozzles.
  4. Leaks – continued corrosion in the galvanized pipes will result in leakages. Leakages reduce the water pressure in the irrigation system, reducing efficiency.

PROS

  • Durable.
  • Can be used in large project to convey water.
  • High pressure resistance.

Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC)

PVC pipes are quality irrigation pipes for crop farming made out of polyvinyl chloride. They are light and resistant to corrosion. Most PVC pipes come in either black, white, or grey color and lengths of 6 m. PVC pipes come in various diameters, ranging from 16 mm to 110 mm. They are also grouped according to their pressure classes, like in the PE pipes. The lowest pressure class in PVC pipes is PN 4, and the highest-pressure class available at Eunidrip irrigation systems is PN 20. PVC pipes are not suitable to be used above the surface. This is because PVC pipes are affected by sunlight and become brittle. The best way to counter this problem is by burying the pipes or if they are needed above the surface, then using foam pipe insulation or latex paint is recommended. 3 to 4 coats of latex paint are recommended to protect the PVC pipes against sunlight. Another reason to bury the PVC pipes is to protect them against mechanical damage on the surface.

What are the advantages of using PVC quality irrigation pipes for crop farming?

  1. They are light, making them easy to transport and install
  2. They have corrosion resistance
  3. The inside of PVC pipes is made to be smooth, reducing pressure losses in the system
  4. PVC pipes can be recycled, helping in protecting the environment
  5. There are no leakages in the pipes when sealed properly
  6. They are tougher than PE pipes when it comes to the stress by flowing water.

Various fittings are bought with PVC pipes to assist in laying the irrigation pipes on the farm. These fittings include; PVC elbows, PVC tees, PVC sockets, PVC end caps, PVC bushes, PVC reducing sockets and reducing sockets and bushes, etc.

Low-density polyethylene pipes

LDPE pipes are transparent, flexible, non-toxic, quality irrigation pipes for crop farming. They are corrosion, heat, and chemical resistant. Compared to PVC pipes, they don’t have excellent resistance to chemicals, e.g., chlorides and solvents. However, LDPE pipes are much cheaper than PVC pipes. The temperature ranges that LDPE pipes work efficiently range from – 500 C and 800 C. The melting temperature of LDPE pipes is 120 0 C. LDPE pipes have high compressive strength, flexibility, and high expansion properties than high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.

High-density polyethylene pipes

High-density polyethylene pipes are the most preferred types of pipes to be used for irrigation presently. They are high-quality irrigation pipes for crop farming that operate over a wide range of temperatures. They are black due to carbon black added during manufacturing. The main purpose of carbon black is to help in protecting the pipe against ultraviolet rays. HDPE pipes are made through the extrusion process and come in diameters ranging from 16 mm to 1600 mm. New HDPE pipes come in standard lengths of 6 m to 100 m. HDPE pipes are classified according to their pressure ratings, and the following classes are available; PN 2.5, PN 4, PN 6, PN 10, PN 16, PN 20, and PN 25. Joining one HDPE pipe to another can be achieved by either welding or using HDPE fittings. These HDPE fittings include; tees, elbows, couplings, reducing couplings, male and female adapters, and end caps.

Advantages of HDPE pipes as quality irrigation pipes for crop farming are;

  1. HDPE pipes have high flow rates due to the smooth nature of the inner walls of the pipe
  2. HDPE pipes operate over a wide range of temperatures, i.e., between -2200 C and 1800
  3. These high-quality irrigation pipes for crop farming are light and easy to transport.
  4. Simple methods of joining HDPE pipes are available
  5. Unlike in LDPE pipes, there is no leaching in HDPE pipes
  6. HDPE pipes can be laid above the soil surface since they have resistance to ultraviolet rays
  7. HDPE pipes are resistant to chemicals

The only limitations that HDPE pipes have are that they have a high thermal expansion, they are highly flammable, and they are susceptible to stress cracking.

PVC lay flat hose

These water conveyance pipes are woven continuously using a high tensile strength polyester for reinforcement purposes. These high-quality irrigation pipes for crop farming operate within a temperature range of -100 C and 600 C. They come in lengths of up to 100 m, and the working pressures range from 8 to 40 bars. PVC lay flat can be classified according to the following ways.

  1. According to working pressures – lay flats hoses can be grouped either as type 8, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25,30, or 40. The number represents the maximum pressure the lay flat can withstand.
  2. According to inner diameter – groupings according to the inner diameter are 25-1″, 40-1.5″, 50-2″, 65-2.5″, 80-3″, 100-4″, 125-5″, 150-6″, and 200-8“.
  3. According to the number of layers of strips – PVC lay flats hoses grouped according to number of layer strips are single stripped PVC lay flats and double Stripped PVC lay flats
  4. According to the lay flat hose material – lay flats grouped according to hose materials are naturals rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane (PU), ethylene polymer terpolymer (EPDM), and the double-sided adhesive. The lay flat hoses made from EPDM are oxidation, ozone, and corrosion-resistant. Lay flat hoses made from PU materials are much softer.
  5. According to the use – PVC lay flat hoses are used in various places. These areas are fire protection, irrigation, mine rescue, road engineering, and river dredging.

The advantages of using a PVC lay flat are:

  1. They are light and flexible
  2. They are durable and strong
  3. They are ultraviolet protected
  4. They are made to be tough, resisting abrasions.
  5. They have a burst pressure three times stronger than the working pressures.
  6. They don’t age
  7. They come in a variety of colors.

Suction pipes

Suction pipes are quality irrigation pipes for crop farming mainly used on pumps to deliver water from the water source. Short suctions pipes are mostly preferred because of energy efficiency and to avoid cavitation. A short suction pipe will ensure the pump uses less energy during suction. Cavitation occurs when air pockets are created due to changes in pressure. When the bubbles explode, they send shockwaves to the surrounding components causing damage.

Factors to consider when choosing quality irrigation pipes for crop farming.

There are several factors to be checked to choose the right material for quality irrigation pipes for crop farming. These factors include;

  1. The water pressure – different irrigation methods require different water pressures to work effectively. Drip irrigation system requires less water pressure than sprinkler irrigation systems. If high water pressures are expected, it’s best to use irrigation pipes with high-pressure ratings.
  2. The nature of water being transported – fertilizer is usually added to the water in most irrigation systems to ensure even distribution of nutrients to the plants. If this method is going to be applied, then it is best to use irrigation pipes with high chemical and corrosion resistance. Also, when using water with high chlorine contents, it is best to use pipes with high chemical and corrosion resistance.
  3. Ease of installation and maintenance – a system with the least challenges should be used.
  4. Pipe placement – if the irrigation pipes are going to be placed above the soil surface, it’s best to go for ultraviolet resistant pipes, e.g., HDPE pipes. Pipes that are going to be buried should be buried at the appropriate depth to avoid damage to the pipes.
  5. The water flow temperature in the system – each quality irrigation pipe for crop farming has a temperature range where the pipe has optimum performance. The temperature of the water being used in the irrigation scheme should be checked. The minimum and maximum temperatures of irrigation water determine the type of pipe to be used.
  6. The expected life of the irrigation pipes – high-quality irrigation pipes have a high expected lifetime compared to low-quality irrigation pipes.
  7. Cost of the irrigation pipes – high-quality pipes are more expensive than low-quality irrigation pipes. The amount of money a farmer has, determines the type of pipe to be purchased.  
  8. Availability of valves and fittings – some irrigation pipes have fewer fittings and valves to choose from, whereas others have many.

Price of quality irrigation pipes for crop farming in Kenya:

There are a variety of quality irrigation pipes for crop farming available for sale. At Eunidrip, we deal with the country’s best quality PVC and HDPE pipes. The prices vary depending on the size of the pipe. The following is a list of the available HDPE pipes and their prices at Eunidrip irrigation systems.

Pipe diameter

Length per roll(meters)

Price per roll

16mm

100

1700

20mm

100

3300

25mm

100

3900

32mm

100

5500

40mm

100

9000

50mm

100

12500

63mm

100

18000

PVC pipes available for sale at are:

Pipe in millimeters

Pipe size in inches

Running length in meters

Price

20

1/2

6

110

25

3/4

6

190

32

1

6

300

40

1 ¼

6

400

50

1 ½

6

510

63

2

6

650

75

2 ½

6

950

90

3

6

1,050

How to repair quality irrigation pipes for crop farming

For optimum pressures to be attained in an irrigation system, the irrigation pipes must not have any leakage. Leakages result in pressure losses in the pipes. It is important to know how to repair various irrigation pipes to save on the costs of buying new pipes. The following are ways to repair different quality irrigation pipes for crop farming.

PVC pipes

 PVC pipes are quality irrigation pipes for crop farming that are very easily damaged. Minor leaks can easily be repaired. However, if the damage is too much, the whole pipe needs to be replaced. Common reasons as to why PVC pipes leak are:

  1. During installation, the PVC pipes were not sealed properly.
  2. The use of wrong PVC cement – PVC cement refers to the adhesive glue used to join two PVC pipes.
  3. Damage due to freezing of the PVC pipes – PVC pipes can become brittle with exposure to freezing temperatures. At this time, it is very easy to damage the PVC pipes.

PVC pipes can be repaired in a variety of ways. Examples of these ways are;

  1. By use of fiberglass resin tape or cloth – Fiberglass resin is water-activated, and it hardens when placed where the leak is. Before applying the resin, the damaged part is cleaned, and the tape is wrapped around the damaged area while it is still wet. The resin takes about 15 minutes to harden, sealing off the damaged part. Fiber resin cloth is used to make more permanent repairs on the pipe. The damaged part is cleaned first and made to be rough to create an adhesive surface. The resin cloth is placed over the damaged part, and ultraviolet light is used to cure the resin.
  2. The second method of repairing PVC quality irrigation pipes for crop farming involves epoxy- Epoxy is a viscous fluid used to repair PVC pipes. To start the repairing process, clean and dry the damaged part first. Afterward, mix the epoxy according to the instructions and apply it to the damaged part. Let it cure for about ten minutes and confirm if there are any leaks.
  3. Using rubber and silicone repair tape – this tape seals a leak by using compression. The tape is wrapped tightly around the damaged part, adhering to itself as it’s rolled around the damaged part.
  4. By using rubber tape and hose clamps – in this method, rubber is used to wrap around the damaged part, then the hose clamps are separated, placing them on the damaged area. This method is used to repair small leaks, and it is used for temporary fixes. As time goes by, the hose clamps lose their effectiveness, and leaking will resume.
  5. Replacement – the PVC pipe should be replaced when the damage is too much. The first thing to be done is to cut off the damaged part. The part is cut one inch more to the left and the right. The part to be repaired is cleaned and dried. Dry fit the replacement pipe to ensure that the pipe is properly secured. A PVC prime solvent is then applied to the inside of the replacement pipe and outside the existing pipe. Apply glue to the exposed PVC pipe inside the replacement pipe and insert the existing pipe into the replacement pipe. Hold the pipe for about 15 seconds to ensure the bond is strong.

HDPE pipes

HDPE pipes are quality irrigation pipes that are pretty easy to repair for crop farming. Like PVC pipes, the extent of the damage determines the action to be taken. If the damage to the pipes is too much, then the pipe must be replaced. If the damage is minor, repairs can be done. The first step of any repair is to locate the damaged part. If the HDPE pipes are above the soil, it will be easy to locate the leak. If the HDPE pipes are buried, then areas with a lot of water can indicate where the leak is. The reasons that can result in leakage of HDPE pipes are worn-out rubber seals on the couplings and mechanical damage to the pipes. To fix a leak in HDPE pipes, the following procedure is to be followed:

  1. Turn off the water to avoid water wastage while you dig out the pipe.
  2. Digging – this is done for HDPE pipes that are installed under the soil. Dig carefully where you suspect the leak is to avoid more damage to the pipe.
  3. Check to confirm that you have found the leak and plan on how to cut the pipe.
  4. Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe and install the necessary fittings. We use a clamp or a coupling to join the two cut parts
  5. Tighten the clamps to ensure there is no more leakage.

PVC lay flat hoses

PVC lay flats can be damaged due to poor storage or improper operation. These quality irrigation pipes for crop farming can be repaired easily if the hole is small. The first thing to do is find an old lay flat hose and cut part of it. The cut part should be larger than the hole to be repaired. Electric soldering is done on the cut part, joining it to where the hole was. A PVC lay flat hose can also be repaired using high-quality glue. If the part to be repaired is on a joint, it is necessary to cut off the joint and retie it.

Quality irrigation pipes for crop farming layout

In irrigation schemes, pipes of different sizes and types are arranged to achieve efficient water distribution. Pipes of the same size are used to maintain water pressure in irrigation pipes. Irrigation pipes can also be arranged with decreasing diameters from the pump to the farm. By doing this, the pressure in the irrigation pipes increases. It is unconventional to increase the size of irrigation pipes from a small diameter to a larger diameter since there will be a lot of pressure loss. Various factors affect the layout design used in quality irrigation pipes for crop farming. These factors are topography, the plants to be grown, the irrigation system used, and the size of the farm.

Topography

The topography of an area greatly affects the layout design. When designing an irrigation scheme, the highest and lowest points on the farm are first determined. To reduce the resistance of flow by water, the tank is placed at the highest point so that water can flow by gravity. The main lines are arranged along the slope, whereas the laterals are across the slope. By placing the mainline along the slope, gravity assists in delivering the water. Laterals are placed across the slope to avoid water accumulating on one end.

The plants to be grown

Various plants have different characteristics that determine the irrigation method to be used. Tree crops like avocados, mangoes, and pawpaws use a button dripper irrigation design, whereas tomatoes, lettuce, and beans perform best with a drip irrigation system.

Size and shape of the farm

In a large farm, bigger and a lot of pipes will be used compared to a small farm. In a big farm, the flow rates required are high. To achieve this, pipes of large diameters are needed. The shape of the farm determines how the pipes will be laid. A good design will ensure water is available at every corner of the farm, no matter the shape.

Irrigation system being used

The piping network done on each irrigation method vary greatly.

Source of water

The source of water affects the design of quality irrigation pipes for crop farming to be used. Most irrigation designs start from the source of water, which will determine how the pipes will be laid.