PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are a common plastic pipe material, which is widely used in agricultural irrigation systems due to its excellent corrosion resistance, economy and easy processing. The application of PVC pipes in irrigation systems can not only effectively improve the utilization efficiency of water resources, but also reduce the maintenance cost of the pipeline system. However, there are many types of PVC pipes on the market. Different types of PVC pipes have different physical properties and are suitable for different irrigation needs. This article will analyze What pvc pipe for irrigation to help farmers, gardeners and irrigation designers choose the most suitable PVC pipe.
In agricultural irrigation, PVC pipes are widely used mainly because of the following characteristics:
1. Strong corrosion resistance
PVC pipes have excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of chemical substances such as fertilizers and pesticides. They are particularly suitable for farmland irrigation, orchard irrigation and other environments.
2. Anti-ultraviolet ability
PVC pipes have a certain anti-ultraviolet ability and are not easy to age due to sunlight exposure. Therefore, they are suitable for use in open-air environments. For irrigation systems exposed to the sun for a long time, PVC pipes are not easily damaged by ultraviolet rays.
3. Convenient construction
PVC pipes are relatively simple to construct due to their light weight, easy cutting and connection, and are particularly suitable for irrigation systems that require large-area pipe laying. The quick installation of pipes can be achieved through simple gluing.
4. Low price
Compared with pipes made of other materials, PVC pipes are relatively cheap and are a cost-effective pipe choice.
5. Smooth water flow and smooth inner wall
The inner wall of the PVC pipe is smooth, the water flow resistance is small, which can improve the water flow transmission efficiency and reduce water flow loss.
However, PVC pipes also have their limitations, which are mainly manifested in the following points:
1. Temperature limitation: PVC pipes are easily deformed or damaged in high temperature environments and are suitable for environments with room temperature to 60°C. Therefore, they are not suitable for use in hot weather or hot water irrigation systems.
2. Limited pressure resistance: Different grades of PVC pipes withstand different pressures, and the selection needs to be considered based on the specific needs of the irrigation system.
Low-pressure PVC pipe (PN6, PN10)
Low-pressure PVC pipes are often used in mild irrigation environments and are suitable for irrigation systems with low pressure, such as surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, etc. Common low-pressure PVC pipes are PN6 and PN10, where PN6 indicates a nominal pressure of 6 bar (about 0.6MPa) and PN10 indicates a nominal pressure of 10 bar (about 1MPa).
Applicable scenarios: used for home gardens, orchards, lawn irrigation, and farmland surface irrigation systems.
Features: These pipes are suitable for places with low irrigation water pressure. They do not require particularly strong pressure resistance during installation, and are more focused on economy and construction convenience.
Medium-pressure PVC pipe (PN16, PN20)
Medium-pressure PVC pipes are suitable for irrigation systems that withstand a certain pressure, and are usually used for larger-scale agricultural irrigation, pipeline water supply, etc. PN16 and PN20 indicate nominal pressures of 16 bar and 20 bar (1.6MPa and 2MPa, respectively). This type of pipe has a high pressure resistance and can work stably under high pressure.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for large farmland, horticultural irrigation systems, drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems and other occasions with high pressure requirements.
Features: These pipes have strong pressure resistance, suitable for long-distance water delivery and high-pressure environments, and can meet high water flow requirements.
High-pressure PVC pipe (PN25 and above)
High-pressure PVC pipes are mainly used in special high-pressure irrigation systems or large-scale agricultural irrigation, especially for irrigation facilities that require high water pressure, such as high-pressure sprinkler irrigation, agricultural water delivery, etc. PN25 means the nominal pressure is 25 bar (about 2.5MPa), which is suitable for large agricultural projects or industrial-grade irrigation facilities.
Applicable scenarios: large farms, industrial irrigation systems, projects requiring high water flow pressure.
Features: High-pressure PVC pipes can withstand large internal pressures and are suitable for stable water delivery and large-flow water delivery needs under high-pressure environments.
Choosing the right PVC pipe is the key to ensuring the long-term and efficient operation of the irrigation system. According to the specific needs of irrigation, you can choose from the following aspects:
1. Pipeline pressure level and working pressure
When choosing PVC pipes, you first need to choose the right pipe according to the working pressure of the irrigation system. Different types of irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, surface irrigation, etc.) require different working pressures. For small irrigation systems or home gardens, low-pressure PVC pipes (PN6, PN10) are usually sufficient; for large farmland or industrial-grade irrigation systems, medium- and high-pressure PVC pipes (PN16, PN20 and above) are required.
2. Choice of irrigation method
Drip irrigation system: Drip irrigation is a low-pressure, low-flow irrigation method, so it is suitable to use low-pressure PVC pipes (PN6 or PN10). This system requires good sealing of the pipe and good corrosion resistance, and PVC pipes can meet these requirements.
Sprinkler irrigation system: Sprinkler irrigation system requires higher water pressure, so it is necessary to choose PVC pipes with higher pressure levels (such as PN16 or PN20). This system requires strong pressure resistance to withstand higher water flow pressure.
Ground irrigation: For traditional ground irrigation or ditch irrigation, low-pressure PVC pipes can also meet their requirements, mainly focusing on economy and convenience of construction.
3. Environmental conditions
If the irrigation system is exposed to the sun for a long time, it is necessary to choose PVC pipes with strong UV resistance to avoid aging of the pipes in the sun.
If the pipes will be buried underground or exposed to chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides for a long time, the corrosion resistance of PVC pipes can provide good protection.
4. Pipe size and flow requirements
The diameter of the PVC pipe directly affects the flow and water delivery capacity. For irrigation systems that require large flow delivery, larger diameter PVC pipes should be selected to ensure smooth water flow; while for small irrigation systems, smaller diameter PVC pipes are sufficient to meet the needs.
When choosing PVC pipes suitable for irrigation, you first need to decide based on factors such as the type of irrigation system, working pressure, and environmental conditions. Low-pressure PVC pipes (such as PN6, PN10) are suitable for small irrigation systems, while medium-pressure or high-pressure PVC pipes (such as PN16, PN20, PN25) are suitable for large or high-pressure irrigation systems. PVC pipes have become an indispensable pipe material in agricultural irrigation systems due to their corrosion resistance, UV resistance, economy and ease of construction. When selecting, ensure that the specifications and pressure levels of the pipes match the actual needs to achieve the best irrigation effect and economic benefits.
