Tips

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR INSTALLATION

Marbroer's ESCOBER dripper is designed to compete with the best self-compensating, non-draining drippers on the international market.

The non-draining model operates under optimal irrigation conditions and closes efficiently at a pressure of 3 m.w.c. (meters water column). This explains why it opens at a slightly higher pressure than other emitters; however, at Marbroer, we consider this feature necessary to get the most out of the dripper, both in the medium and long term.

At Marbroer, we recommend an inlet pressure of 1.5 Kg/cm² for each emitter. This achieves the correct opening and desired flow uniformity, in addition to preventing the possible deposition of particles that would not be flushed out at lower pressures.

The fundamental role of the installer to optimize the dripper's operation and ensure the proper use of this type of installation is, in addition to advising the farmer on the preventive and/or corrective measures summarized below, to provide said pressure.

CORRECTIVE AND PREVENTIVE ACTIONS

• 1. Provide a minimum pressure in the final laterals of 1.5 Kg/cm².
• 2. Filtration to a minimum of 150 mesh.
• 3. Chemical Clogging:

Prevention: At the end of each day, apply the necessary amount of acid to reduce the pH to 6-6.5 (if the crop allows) until it reaches the furthest emitters, increasing the estimated time for this by 50% to 100% as a guarantee.

This way, the water that remains in the drippers and pipes from one day to the next has an appropriate pH to prevent the formation of precipitates.

Cleaning (without crop): Between crops, it is always necessary to apply a nitric acid concentration greater than 1% for 10 minutes, from the moment the acid reaches the last emitter of the last lateral. Then, close the valve and let the acid act for 6 hours. Afterwards, flush with plain water for a few minutes at maximum pressure to clean the pipes.

• 4. Biological Clogging:

Reservoirs: If the reservoir is outdoors (not protected from the sun), add the amounts of copper sulfate, potassium permanganate, or sodium hypochlorite indicated in the following table (Note: table not provided in the source text, this part might need an actual table or further clarification).

Preventive treatment with algaecide should be done each time the water is renewed, at least once a week in summer and once a month in winter.