Maintenance for Optimum Efficiency

1. Maintenance for Optimum Efficiency

2. Importance • Your irrigation system was a significant investment, take care of it to keep it operating as it should. • Keep warranties effective. “This warranty does not apply in cases where equipment is used, or installation is performed in any manner contrary to Amiad specifications” “The guarantee does not extend to normal wear and tear or faults arising from careless operation or maintenance” • Avoid costly repairs, down time and loss of production.

3. Gathering and Using Information • Test brand new systems • New system evaluation sets a baseline • Allows feedback to designers and manufactures • Record system performance. • Record flow, pressures, distribution uniformity, emitter uniformity • Keep a log book

4. Develop optimum operating parameters

5. Gathering and Using Information • Check flow and pressure every irrigation and compare with initial testing results (remember your frequency drive) (remember water table fluctuation) • Drastic fluctuations = trouble • Gradual fluctuations = component wear, gradual plugging

6. Gathering and Using Information • Test system DU and EU throughout the year • Compare

7. Let’s Look at Routine Maintenance

8. Flush lines • Flush lines regularly – Every 2 to 3 weeks then adjust. • Mains Submains Laterals • Provide a water velocity of 1 to 2 ft / sec • ½ tube = .75 gpm, 5/8 drip tube = 1 gpm, ¾ drip tube = 1.25 gpm • Automatic flush devices are available

9. Leaks • Upon startup for each irrigation inspect the entire system for leaks or damage. • Walk or drive the field (orchards and vineyards) • Row crops where lines are covered take more work. • Controlling gophers and other rodents pays off! • Make repairs with proper material • Keep it the way the designers intended! • Check wetting patterns at the end of the irrigation

10. Check System Pressures • Check pressures in specific locations • Close to the pump, In the middle, and furthest from the pump • Pressure regulating valves (if equipped) • Test for proper operation • Punch hole in tube, test pressure, fill hole with goof plug • Sprinklers can be checked as well

12. Filter Maintenance Preseason • Media Tanks • Clean control strainer • Startup just like initial • Set pressure differential • Set back flush valve • Set back flush time • Operate and check for leaks • Screen and Disc Filters • Disassemble and clean screens or discs • Inspect parts for wear and damage

13. Filter Maintenance Postseason • Media Tanks • Drain and clean all tanks and lines • Chlorine Treatment as needed • Inspect sand level once per month • Inspect sand for wear (replace when becoming rounded) • Usually replace every 3 to 5 years • Screen and Disc Filters • Drain, clean and inspect

14. Electronic devices an instrumentation • Flow meters, pressure transducers, frequency drives • All electronic devices need service • Have them checked out by a technician or send them in periodically for calibration. • Some manufactures give recommendation of every 5 years.

15. Now There's A Problem We have noticed changes in in flow and pressure (looking at our logbook)

16. Emitter Plugging • 3 types of plugging • Biological (often from surface water sources) • Filtration • Biocide • Chlorination, Acid treatments, There are many products on the market • Particulate • Improve filtration (repair problems) • Flush lines regularly • Chemical precipitates (calcium carbonate and iron) • PH control, acid treatments, fertigation choices

17. Test system, collect data and keep records • Watch for irregularities • Compare current situation with the system when new • Maintain system • Follow manufactures recommendations • Make repairs with appropriate components

18. Questions • Contact Information Steve Amador amadors@mjc.edu Https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/agens/irrigationtech/