Evaluation of different filter materials used in drip irrigation systems

Abstract

Emitter plugging is the major problem faced by drip irrigation users. To avoid plugging of emitters, proper operation and maintenance of filtration and chlorination is essential. A screen mesh filter can benefit a drip irrigation system's operation if properly used. The performance of screen filter is dependent on the maintenance it receives and the conditions under which it must operate. In order to assess the filter performance, pressure drop, filtration rate, turbidity reduction, filtration efficiency parameters were studied. From the study, the maximum filtration efficiency was observed in case of steel wire mesh of 120 size.