Irrigation construction regulations

Sprinkler irrigation construction regulations

1. Site survey: Before the construction of the sprinkler irrigation system, a comprehensive survey of the site is required, including topography, soil type, water source conditions, surrounding environment, etc. For example, when building an underground automatic telescopic sprinkler irrigation alfalfa planting demonstration area in the Ningxia Dryland Water-Saving and Efficient Agricultural Science and Technology Park, the site survey provides an accurate basis for the subsequent construction plan design.

2. Construction plan design: Based on the results of the on-site survey, a scientific and reasonable construction plan is designed. The plan should cover the selection and layout of the sprinkler, the direction and diameter design of the pipeline, and the configuration of the head hub. For example, for areas with different terrains and crop planting, it is necessary to select suitable sprinklers, such as sprinklers with parameters such as range and spraying angle to ensure irrigation uniformity.

3. On-site layout and earthwork excavation: On-site layout is carried out according to the design plan to clarify the specific location of the pipeline and nozzle. Then carry out earthwork excavation, pay attention to controlling the excavation depth and width to avoid over-excavation or under-excavation. At the same time, the excavated earthwork should be reasonably stacked for subsequent backfilling.

4. Pipeline laying and installation: Pipeline installation should be carried out strictly in accordance with design requirements to ensure that the pipeline connection is tight and firm. For pipes of different materials, such as PE pipes, PVC pipes, etc., corresponding connection methods need to be adopted. For example, PE pipes are often connected by hot melt or electric melting, and PVC pipes are mostly bonded with glue. During the laying process, pay attention to the slope of the pipeline to facilitate drainage and exhaust.

5. Pressure test: After the pipeline is installed, a pressure test is required to check the sealing and pressure resistance of the pipeline system. The test pressure is generally 1.5 times the working pressure, and it is maintained for a certain period of time (such as 1-2 hours) to observe whether the pipeline has leakage, deformation, etc. If problems are found, make corrections in time.

6. Nozzle installation and trench backfilling: After the pressure test is qualified, the nozzle is installed. The nozzle installation must ensure its verticality and horizontality to ensure the spraying effect. After the installation is completed, the trench is backfilled, and the backfill soil must be compacted in layers to prevent the pipeline from being affected by uneven settlement.

7. Inspection well and drainage well construction: Inspection wells and drainage wells are reasonably set up according to needs. Inspection wells are convenient for later inspection and maintenance of the pipeline system, and drainage wells are used to remove water from the pipeline to prevent winter frost damage.

8. Head filtration system installation: The head filtration system is a key part to ensure the normal operation of the sprinkler irrigation system. It is necessary to select appropriate filtration equipment, such as sand and gravel filters, mesh filters, etc., and install them correctly to ensure the filtration effect and prevent nozzle clogging.

9. Water source power system construction: According to the water source conditions and irrigation needs, a supporting water source power system, such as water pumps, motors and other equipment, is constructed. It is necessary to ensure that the power of the power system meets the irrigation requirements and that the operation is stable and reliable.

Micro-irrigation construction regulations

1. Micro-irrigation system composition: Micro-irrigation system is generally composed of water source projects, head hubs, water distribution pipelines and sprinklers. Water source projects include rivers, reservoirs, wells, etc.; head hubs mainly include water pumps, filters, fertilizer devices, etc.; water distribution pipelines are responsible for transporting water to various irrigation areas; sprinklers such as drippers and micro sprinklers apply water evenly to the roots of crops.

2. Micro-irrigation mode: Common micro-irrigation modes include drip irrigation, micro-sprinkler irrigation, spring irrigation and underground infiltration irrigation. Drip irrigation is to drip water slowly into the roots of crops; micro-sprinkler irrigation sprays water near the roots of crops through micro sprinklers; spring irrigation directly irrigates water to the roots of crops with a large flow rate; underground infiltration irrigation is to infiltrate water into the soil through pipes or infiltration belts buried underground.

3. Selection of suitable crops: Different micro-irrigation modes are suitable for different crops. For example, drip irrigation is suitable for crops with more precise water requirements, such as vegetables and flowers; micro-sprinkler irrigation is suitable for some crops with certain humidity requirements, such as strawberries; spring irrigation is often used for crops such as fruit trees that require a large amount of water and have a well-developed root system.

4. Key points of micro-irrigation technology: In micro-irrigation construction, attention should be paid to the laying depth and slope of the pipeline to avoid blockage and water accumulation. The selection and arrangement of the sprinkler should be determined according to the water demand characteristics and planting density of the crop. At the same time, the installation and commissioning of the head hub should ensure the normal operation of the filtering and fertilization functions. For example, the number of filter meshes of the filter should be reasonably selected according to the water quality of the water source, and the fertilization device should be able to accurately control the amount of fertilizer.

5. Key points of equipment operation and maintenance technology: After the construction is completed, the operator should be trained to master the correct operation method of the equipment. Daily maintenance includes regular inspection of pipes and sprinklers for damage and blockage, and timely cleaning of filters. In winter, the equipment should be protected from freezing to prevent the pipes and sprinklers from freezing and cracking.

Irrigation pipeline construction specifications

1. Pipe material selection: There are various types of irrigation pipeline materials, including PE, PVC-U, PVC-O, steel-reinforced polyethylene and reinforced concrete. PE pipes have good flexibility and strong corrosion resistance, and are suitable for various terrains; PVC-U pipes are relatively cheap, with smooth inner walls and low water flow resistance; PVC-O pipes have higher strength and impact resistance; steel-reinforced polyethylene pipes combine the advantages of steel and plastic, with high strength and corrosion resistance; reinforced concrete pipes are generally used in large-scale irrigation projects and have strong bearing capacity.

2. Pipe connection: Pipes of different materials have different connection methods. As mentioned above, the hot melt connection and electric fusion connection of PE pipes must strictly follow the operating procedures to control the heating temperature, time and pressure to ensure the quality of the connection. For the glue bonding of PVC-U pipes, the connection parts of the pipes and fittings must be cleaned and roughened, and the glue must be evenly applied before quickly connecting them in place. For metal pipes, welding or flange connections are commonly used. The quality of the weld must be ensured during welding. For flange connections, attention must be paid to the tightening torque of the bolts and the installation of the sealing gasket.

3. Pipeline laying: When laying the pipeline, first clean the bottom of the trench to ensure it is flat. For buried pipelines, the appropriate burial depth should be determined according to soil conditions and pipeline materials. Generally, the pipeline should be prevented from being damaged by ground loads. When crossing special areas such as roads and rivers, corresponding protective measures should be taken, such as adding casings. At the same time, attention should be paid to the slope of the pipeline, which should generally not be less than 0.002 - 0.003, to facilitate drainage and exhaust.

4. Pressure control: The irrigation pipeline system should control the pressure during operation to avoid pipeline rupture due to excessive pressure or low pressure affecting the irrigation effect. A pressure gauge and a pressure regulating device should be installed at the head hub to adjust the pressure according to actual conditions. At the same time, safety valves, exhaust valves and other devices should be reasonably set up in the pipeline system to provide protection in time when the pressure is abnormal.

5. Anti-corrosion and anti-blockage: For metal pipelines, anti-corrosion measures should be taken, such as anti-corrosion paint and cathodic protection. For all pipelines, debris should be prevented from entering, a filter device should be installed at the head hub, and it should be cleaned regularly. In the micro-irrigation system, due to the small aperture of the emitter, more attention should be paid to preventing clogging. In addition to strengthening filtration, it can also be flushed regularly.

FAQ

Q1: What type of pipe is better for irrigation—PE or PVC?

A: PE pipe is more flexible and resistant to corrosion, ideal for uneven terrain. PVC pipe is cost-effective and suitable for straight, shallow-buried lines.

Q2: How deep should irrigation pipelines be buried?

A: Generally 30–80 cm, depending on pipe type, soil condition, and surface load.

Q3: Why is pressure testing necessary after pipeline installation?

A: It ensures leak-proof connections and verifies the system’s pressure resistance before use.

Q4: What is the standard slope for irrigation pipe laying?

A: Typically 0.002–0.003 to allow for proper drainage and air release.

Q5: How can I prevent clogging in a micro-irrigation system?

A: Install proper filters at the head unit and flush pipelines regularly to remove debris.

Q6: Can sprinklers and drippers be used in the same system?

A: Yes, but only with separate control zones and pressure regulation to match flow needs.

Q7: What are common connection methods for PE and PVC pipes?

A: PE pipes use hot-melt or electrofusion; PVC pipes are glued using solvent cement.