ALT073-0008 at Design Manual
ALT073-0008 at Design Manual
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Aqua-Traxx PC is a seamless, extruded drip tape with a molded emitter inserted in a
tube. The emitter is made up of the following:
• Filter inlets that which reduce the amount of debris that enter the emitter.
• Turbulent flow path.
• Pressure compensating chamber.
• Unique multiple laser slit outlets.
Seamless construction eliminates seam failures, and reduces the incidence of root
intrusion. Extrusion technology utilizes high-quality, extrusion-grade engineering
polymers renowned for their toughness and flexibility. These polymers were
developed specifically for use in harsh industrial and agricultural environments.
The exclusive flowpath molding process creates crisp, well-formed physical features,
resulting in excellent repeatability and high emission uniformity (EU). The
turbulent flowpath design reduces clogging in the flow channel. Pressure
responsive section provides a relatively constant flow rate within the operating
pressure range allowing for longer lengths of run and/or significant elevation
changes. (Flow exponent of 0.2).
Aqua-Traxx PC emitter As shown above, water enters the flow path through the filter
inlets which are shaped like a reverse funnel. This keeps debris to the outside of the
emitter where it can be flushed away. Next, the water flows through the turbulent
flow channel before entering the pressure responsive section. The pressure
responsive section responds to changes in water pressure to maintain a constant flow
throughout the operating pressure range. Finally, the water exits through the laser-
made multiple slit outlets to the crop. The multiple slits ensure the proper function
of the emitter and also provide the added benefit of significantly reducing the effect
of water running down the tube on slopes.
Diameter Wall (mils) Min PSI Max PSI Reel Length Reel Weight
5/8” 8 4 16 7,500’ 63 lbs
10 4 20 6,000’ 60 lbs
12 4 22 5,100’ 58 lbs
15 4 25 4,000’ 61 lbs
7/8” 10 4 18 4,400’ 65 lbs
12 4 20 4,000’ 61 lbs
15 4 22 3,000’ 62 lbs
Flow Rates
Part Number Emitter flow rate @10 Spacing, inch Q-100 GPM/100’ @
psi 10psi
0.20 gph emitter @ 10 psi
EAPXxx0667 0.20 gph 6 0.67
EAPXxx0850 0.20 gph 8 0.50
EAPXxx1234 0.20 gph 12 0.34
EAPXxx1625 0.20 gph 16 0.25
EAPXxx1822 0.20 gph 18 0.22
EAPXxx2417 0.20 gph 24 0.17
0.27 gph emitter @ 10 psi
EAPXxx0690 0.27 gph 6 0.90
EAPXxx0867 0.27 gph 8 0.67
EAPXxx1245 0.27 gph 12 0.45
EAPXxx1634 0.27 gph 16 0.34
EAPXxx1830 0.27 gph 18 0.30
EAPXxx2422 0.27 gph 24 0.22
(Check Toro Ag price list for available stock)
Flow path Specifications & Dimensions
8 mil - Intermediate products for general use in longer-term crops and average soil
conditions. Has an operating pressure range: 4 to 16 psi.
10 -15 mil - Heavy wall designed to be used in rocky soils, where insects and animals
may cause damage, or where the tape is to be used for more than one season.
Increased wall thickness provides for a wider operating pressure range. (See
specifications for mil thinness vs. operating pressure range.)
Spacing
6 and 8 inch - Used in closely spaced crops, on sandy soils, or where higher flow
rates are desired.
16 inch - Used on wide spaced crops where a longer length of run is desired.
24 inch - Used for widely spaced crops, heavy soils, long run lengths.
Flow Rate
0.27 gph Flow - Normally recommended for most crops and soils.
0.20 gph Flow - Recommended for longer runs on most crops and soils.
Diameter
Slopes
Aqua-Traxx PC can be used in downward sloping, undulating or flat topographical
conditions. The pressure compensating feature allows for an operating pressure
range from 4 psi to 25 psi depending on the wall thickness. Use Aqua Flow program
for detailed hydraulic information.
1. Diameter - Aqua-Traxx is available in two diameters: 5/8” (0.635” I.D.) and 7/8”
(0.875” I.D.) and will fit standard fittings. The standard 5/8” diameter is used in
applications calling for standard run lengths of up to 1,000 feet depending on
topographical conditions. The 7/8” diameter is used on long run lengths of up to
2,500 feet or longer, again, depending on topographical conditions. Use the
Aqua Flow program for specific hydraulic information.
2. Wall Thickness determines how rugged and durable the product will be. In
addition, the upper range of the operating pressure range is also determined by the
wall thickness. (See specifications for more detailed information.) For short-term
vegetable crops, the experienced grower will generally be able to use the lightest
weight tubing. For longer-term crops a heavier wall thickness will be more resistant
to mechanical damage. Aqua-Traxx PC is manufactured in a range of wall
thicknesses: 8 mil, 10 mil, 12 mil, and 15 mil (one mil is 0.001 inch).
Chapter 2: Aqua-Traxx PC Tape - 1 -
3. Flow Rate selection will depend upon water quality, the availability of water, the
desired length of the tape, and the crop water requirement. Aqua-Traxx PC is available
in two emitter flow rates. These two flow rates are designated as 0.20 gph @ 10 psi and
0.27 gph @ 10 psi. It is advantageous to choose the lowest flow rate that will do the
job, because low flow rates minimize friction loss and allow for longer runs and better
uniformity. However, low flow rates may require a higher level of filtration.
4. Outlet Spacing selection is often based upon the initial germination or growth needs of
the crop. For seeds or seedlings that are planted in a closely spaced pattern, it is
advantageous to use a tape product with closely spaced outlets. Soil type plays a major
role in the determination of outlet spacing, since the soil texture and condition
determines water movement and the shape of the wetted profile.
AquaFlow provides designers with the information they need to design an Aqua-Traxx PC tape
system for optimum performance. AquaFlow provides system operators with the information
necessary to operate the system, efficiently applying the desired amount of water and nutrients
to the crop.
AquaFlow will help you to design a complete Aqua-Traxx PC, Aqua-Traxx classic, Dura-
Traxx, Drip In classic and Drip In Pc systems. In addition, the AquaFlow program will also
calculate the flushing velocities and chemical travel time of the lateral. The program also
allows for the sizing of submains and mainlines. The AquaFlow program includes both metric
and U.S. measurement units in the graphic screens for pressure profile and flow profile curves.
Metric units are given in kPa and meters. U.S. units are given in psi and feet. Contact a Toro
Ag Irrigation representative to get a copy of AquaFlow.
Design Considerations
1. System capacity computations. It is recommended that the designer reduce the design
application rate by 5 percent when calculating system capacity to account for the
expected flow-rate decay of Aqua-Traxx PC. The flow rate will slowly decrease over
time to a value approximately 10% below the initial flow rate. Manufacturing QC
specifications are adjusted above the stated nominal flow rate to compensate for the
decrease in flow resulting in a flow rate of 5% below nominal.
120
100
80
mL/6min
60
40
20
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
#8 hr Cycle
3. Lateral selection: Laterals are the length of tubing with emission devices or
emitters along that deliver the water to the crop. Aqua-Traxx PC is a drip tape with
emitters evenly spaced from 6 inches up to 24 inches. In selecting a lateral it is
recommended that the Emission Uniformity (EU) of a single lateral be greater than
90% in order to allow for some pressure variation in the submain if possible.
(Consult the AquaFlow program for more specific hydraulic information).
4. Lateral ends: Because Aqua-Traxx PC can be used on significant slopes, the affects
of system draining to the lowest points may be problematic and should be considered
in the design. Limiting the size and number of laterals on the submain will reduce
this affect. Also, using automatic flush caps at the end of the lateral and directing the
water that drains away from the crop.
Oval Hose is a popular and widely used choice for submains because it is
economical, rugged, and easy to handle and install. Oval Hose can be retrieved from
the field and used again year after year. Oval Hose is manufactured in a round
configuration, and subsequently flattened and wound on reels or in coils for ease of
handling and compact shipment. After it is installed in the field and pressurized,
Aqua-Traxx PC tape is connected to Oval Hose submains using either a plastic fitting or a
length of leader tubing, as shown in Fig. 2. Fittings are popular because they are quickly and
easily installed, they provide a strong and rugged connection, and they can be re-used for
many years.
Methods of Aqua-Traxx Tape Connections. Friction loss table for Toro Ag Irrigation
oval hose fitting part number, FCA0798 on next page.
• Friction loss (Hf) through the valve or valves on the flushing submain.
• Elevation Hf of the valves or valves on the flushing submain.
• Hf of the flushing submain during the flushing event.
• Hf of the lateral during the flushing event.
• Hf of the delivery submain during the flushing event.
• Hf of the valves that control the delivery submains during the flushing event.
• Hf of mainlines, filters and any other devices in the system during the flushing event.
• And finally, is the necessary water available and can the pump deliver the water at
the required pressure during the flushing event?
The AquaFlow program will not design a flushing submain; however, the flushing program
will provide all the information from a lateral that is required for an experienced designer to
design a flushing submain.
For small systems the mainline can often be designed without an elevation drawing.
However, for large or complex systems it is best to prepare an elevation drawing of
the topography that the mainline will traverse. The required submain pressure in feet
is superimposed on the drawing to indicate the minimum allowable pressure at any
point. Then, the proposed hydraulic grade line may be drawn in, from the inlet of the
mainline to the end.
Once the proposed hydraulic grade line has been drawn and the required flow rates
calculated, individual sections of the mainline are sized, each section being designed
to most closely adhere to the specified hydraulic grade line. The designer must also
compute static pressures in the pipelines, and check each section to ensure that the
average water velocity does not exceed a specified limit, usually 5 to 10 feet per
second. This is done to minimize the damaging effects of waterhammer.
AquaFlow will help you to size the mainline once the maximum velocity, hydraulic
grade line and flow rates are specified. AquaFlow utilizes the Hazen-Williams
equation to compute friction losses, which is recalled here for PVC pipe (C=150) as,
V = 0.4085Q/D2 Eq. 6
INSTALLATION
1. Store tape reels in a covered area, protected from sunlight and rain.
2. Install tape with the blue stripes and outlets facing upwards. Fine soil
particles in the incoming water will normally settle to the bottom of the tape.
Installation of tape upside down may result in clogging if there is any
contamination in the incoming water.
5. Tape must be buried when used under clear plastic mulch. Condensed water
droplets on the underside of clear plastic will focus sunlight like a magnifying
glass, burning holes in the tape.
6. Care should be taken during installation to prevent soil, insects, and other
contaminants from getting into the tape. Ends should be closed off by
kinking or knotting until the tape can be hooked up to the system.
For row crops on Aqua-TraXX tape, the irrigation time T may be computed from the
following formula:
S x ET
T = 1.04 x Eq. 7
Q-100 x EU
In a field of Pima cotton growing in Arizona, the previous day's ET value was found
to be 0.221 inches. The cotton rows are spaced 40 inches (3.33 feet) apart with
Aqua-TraXX tape buried under each row. The average flow rate is 0.30 gpm per 100
feet, and the system emission uniformity is 90 percent. Find T:
SOLUTION:
On newly planted acreage, the computed ET, and therefore the irrigation time T, may
be quite low. Nevertheless, because the young plants are not likely to have extensive
root systems, it is best to apply this small amount on a frequent basis rather than
attempting to apply more water less frequently. On established crops, however, it is
usually best to have a minimum irrigation period of one hour or longer. This
minimizes uneven distribution due to mainline fill and drain times and establishes a
larger wetting pattern under each tape outlet. For example, if the irrigation time is
determined to be 35 minutes for a given day, it would probably be better to
accumulate the time for two days and irrigate 70 minutes every other day.
Flow Meters
System flow meters should be installed on the main supply lines, and should provide
readings of both instantaneous and cumulative flow. These meters should be read
regularly and the readings kept in a logbook. Variations in the system flow rate may
indicate that something in the system is amiss.
For example, a gradual decline in system flow rate as measured by the flow meters
may indicate a problem with the pumping station or a clogging problem in the field.
On the other hand, an unexpected increase in the system flow rate might be an
indication of a pipeline break or the presence of leakage in the system.
Measurements of cumulative flow will serve to verify water application schedules.
The system should have sufficient pressure testing points so that an overall check of
the system pressures can be made. Widely differing pressures in different sections of
the system may indicate that some blockage, leakage, or other problem has arisen in
some section of the system. Pressure checks should be regularly made, and the
pressures recorded.
Submain riser filters are small, in-line or “wye” strainers installed at each submain
riser. Under normal conditions these filters, which are usually 80 - 120 mesh, will
collect few if any contaminants because the main filtration system will normally have
removed this material. Periodic examination of these riser filters can be a valuable
indication that the system is contaminated. In the case of a pipeline break or a failure
of the main filter station, riser filters will help to prevent foreign material from
entering the tape lines.
In many micro-irrigation systems it has been found that provisions must be made to
flush submain lines and lateral lines to remove settled sediments, and flushing
constitutes an important maintenance routine. Research has shown that most settled
sediments can be flushed from pipe or tubing with a flow velocity of one foot per
second, which is referred to as the "scour velocity". In standard half-inch lateral
lines, the 1 ft/sec scour velocity is equivalent to a flow rate of 1 gpm at the
downstream end.
Mainlines, submains and lateral lines should be flushed thoroughly prior to system
startup, and tape lines should be regularly flushed during the season. Open the ends
of the lateral lines while the system is running and allow water to run into a container
until it runs clear. Collect some of the dirty water in a glass jar, and examine it
carefully. Take note of the nature of the impurities in the water. If there is a
significant amount of contaminant in the flush water, find out what it is. Does it
appear to be a bacterial slime? Are large aggregated particles present? Is there
evidence of iron precipitation? Is there any material which could be sand from the
media filter?
Examine the contaminant under a microscope. Put samples of the dirty water into
two small jars or test tubes. Treat one with a few drops of chlorine bleach and the
Prevention of Clogging
In some cases, contaminants are present in irrigation water delivered to the user and
are not adequately filtered out. These contaminants may include soil particles, living
or dead organic materials, and scale from rusty pipes. In other cases, contaminants
enter the system during the installation phase, and are not adequately flushed out of
the system. Included in this category are insects, Teflon tape, PVC pipe shavings,
and soil particles. Pipeline breaks often result in system contamination with soil,
causing subsequent clogging problems.
In buried systems, soil particles may enter, or be sucked into, tape outlets. Roots
may grow into these buried outlets to plug them.
The solution to a particular clogging problem must be based upon the nature of the
problem. Acid treatment has been used successfully to dissolve calcium precipitates,
and chlorine is frequently used to decompose organic materials.
Once a system is badly clogged, there is usually little that can be done to fix it.
Therefore, the wisest course is to prevent clogging in the first place. Experience has
shown that most clogging problems can be avoided by following a few simple rules:
1. Analyze the source water for suspended and dissolved solids, and design the
irrigation, chemical injection, and filter systems accordingly.
2. Install secondary filters on submain risers to protect the system from pipeline
breaks or filter system failures.
Ants, wireworms, and other insects may cause damage to tape. Insect damage typically
takes the form of holes chewed through the sides of tape. Researchers have noted that insect
damage is most severe in tape having wall thicknesses of less than 10 mils (0.010 inches).
Insect damage has been successfully controlled with insecticides. However, these chemicals
are highly toxic and persist in the environment. For this reason, growers are advised to
select a tape with sufficient wall thickness to prevent insects from making holes through the
wall of the tubing.
In micro-irrigation systems utilizing buried tape, plant roots may grow into tape outlets,
effectively clogging them. This so-called “root intrusion” into tape outlets may be
widespread throughout the field, severely compromising the effectiveness of the irrigation
system. In advanced cases, there is no alternative but to replace the tape.
The tendency for root intrusion to occur varies widely according to crop type, the type of
system components selected, depth and placement of the drip tape, and irrigation scheduling
practices. It is known that moisture stress encourages plant root structures to expand more
aggressively, seeking water. It is also known that roots will find and follow a seam on
buried drip tape, and grow into outlets if they are placed along this seam.
Two of the most effective preventive measures against root intrusion are to schedule
irrigation in such a way as to avoid moisture stress, and to select tape types which do not
have a seam. Drip tapes employing slit type outlets are considerably less susceptible to root
intrusion than are those with hole type outlets.
Other measures employed against root intrusion are chemical treatments with acid,
acidic fertilizers, chlorine, or chemicals, which retard root growth. It must be noted that this
type of chemical treatment, because it is used to retard the roots of the crop, may lead to
serious crop damage if done incorrectly. Growers are strongly encouraged to seek expert
advice before attempting chemical treatments to discourage root intrusion.