Irrigation Filtration Equipment: The Importance of Filtration in Times of Drought
Filtering equipment is a necessary element in any irrigation systems since it is in charge of removing suspended particles that pose a risk of clogging the emitters. Filtration equipment is therefore responsible for ensuring irrigation uniformity and fertilization, and is a key part of today’s precision agriculture models. Implementing an efficient irrigation water filtration system not only helps protect crops and optimize irrigation performance, but also contributes to the long-term preservation of irrigation system components. By removing sediment and undesirable particles, wear and clogging of Dripline and equipment is reduced, extending component life and reducing the need for maintenance
Choice and sizing of filtering equipment
For a correct choice and sizing of a filtering equipment it is necessary to know at least the filtration flow rate, characteristics of the emitter and quantity and size of the suspended particles contained in the water. The filtration flow rate is a known value that is calculated according to the water requirements of the plants, soil characteristics and design of the irrigation system. The characteristics and/or requirements of the emitter are also known and provided by the manufacturer. However, the quantity and size of suspended solids in the water are sometimes unknown and often variable values, which can increase considerably in certain situations and prevent the correct operation of an Irrigation system if the correct Filtration system has not been chosen. Prolonged periods of drought that generate water shortages are precisely the times when the quantity of suspended solids increases considerably, worsening the quality of the irrigation water
Impact of drought on irrigation water quality
One of the main problems associated with drought is the increase in the amount of suspended solids contained in the water used for Irrigation. This worsening of water quality can negatively affect the equipment and emitters of the facility, decreasing their efficiency and increasing the need for maintenance. The quality of irrigation water plays a crucial role in the selection and sizing process of filtering equipment. During periods of drought, when water quality tends to deteriorate, having an efficient and reliable filtration system takes on even greater importance and becomes a key factor for any Irrigation system. There are several reasons that cause a decrease in the quality of irrigation water, which we could classify according to their origin
River water and open channels:
During periods of drought, the level of rivers and canals decreases, causing an increase in the concentration of suspended solids, generally silt. In addition, in areas where the current velocity is lower, the development of microorganisms and aquatic fauna is favored, which have a direct impact on water quality.
On the other hand, storms that occur after long periods of drought cause erosion and dragging of soil unprotected from vegetation, which generates a large amount of sediments that are incorporated into the rivers and temporarily worsen the quality of water for Irrigation
Reservoir water:
For the same reason, a drop in the level of Irrigation reservoirs causes an increase in the concentration of solids at the catchment point. In addition, a lower volume of water favors an increase in Temperature, improving the conditions for the development of algae and bacteria that worsen the quality of irrigation water. This circumstance can be considerably aggravated when water from WWTPs with a high nutrient load is incorporated into the reservoir
Well water:
Low rainfall reduces groundwater recharge and the water table can drop. When the water table in a well drops, it is common that the drive equipment must be deepened or its power increased, causing an increase in sand entrainment during the water extraction process
How drought affects the choice of a filtration system
Irrigation water quality is a determining factor in the selection and correct sizing of filtration equipment. Therefore, in times of drought when water quality worsens, having efficient and reliable filtering equipment becomes especially important and is an added value for any irrigation systems. Automatic filtering systems become especially relevant in these periods when the need for cleaning is higher, as they are designed to be cleaned automatically, which minimizes the need for manual intervention and reduces maintenance work. These units often have built-in self-cleaning mechanisms or systems that remove particles trapped in the filtration media without interrupting the water supply. This simplifies operation and ensures continuous and efficient operation
How AZUD can help you in the choice of filtering equipment
In AZUD, we are aware of the importance of having an efficient filtration system also in times of drought and how choosing the right filtration equipment can be an added value for any irrigation systems. For this reason, we offer a wide range of Disc and Screen filtration products; both manual, semiautomatic and automatic cleaning, which guarantee irrigation uniformity and fertilization regardless of the quality of the irrigation water. Manual cleaning Disc filtersAZUD HELIX SYSTEM are market leaders and stand out for their robustness, durability and filtration quality, regardless of the nature of the particles contained in the water
Self-cleaning filtering equipmentHELIX AUTOMATIC WEIR they also stand out for their reliability, efficiency, minimum energy requirements and easy maintenance
All filters have a wide range of Filtration degrees that adapt to the requirements of the emitters of each irrigation systems. In AZUD we are experts in the selection and sizing of the appropriate filtering equipment taking into account the characteristics of the irrigation water, the filtration flow rate, the characteristics of the emitter and the quantity and size of the particles in suspension contained in the water. In this way, we guarantee the maximum efficiency and durability of the irrigation systems. In addition, our extensive experience and the confirmed satisfaction of our customers have made us the first brand in the market to offer up to 10 years of free warranty on our filters.
