Choosing the correct filtration method for your irrigation system

Johan Visser, Grethe Bestbier

When it comes to protecting your irrigation system, few things are more important than effective filtration. The correct choice of filtration method to protect your system against blockages is not a mere financial decision. Numerous other factors must be kept in mind.

How do I choose the right system?

The purpose of filtration is to protect the irrigation system from particles that can cause blockages. The best filter is one that retains the largest percentage of particles that have a clogging potential for the emitters. The choice of filtration is therefore guided by the choice of emitter. While some emitters clog easily, other types are less sensitive. Therefore, it is important to finalise the design of the drip or micro-system before determining the right method of filtration.

To specify the right filtration system, the designer must obtain the following information:

• The smallest flow path opening of the emitter (usually the value is divided by 7 to determine the degree of filtration).
• The water quality is important. What is in the water that needs to be removed to prevent clogging of the emitters? Are the particles to be removed organic or inorganic?
• The system’s working pressure, as well as the volume of water that must be filtered.

What types of filtration systems are there?

There are three methods of filtration commonly used in agriculture. The decision between the different methods depends on the level of effectiveness desired.

• Disc filters, also known as ring filters, are available as two types: automatic ring filters and conventional ring filters. Today,  automatic ring filters are most commonly used. The filter is made of a number of plastic discs, with small grooves stacked on top of each other. 
• Screen filters use a rigid or flexible screen to separate sand and other fine particles out of water.
• Media filters, better known as sand filters, use material like sand to trap particles and filter water.

Each type of filtering has its unique advantages and disadvantages. There are a few characteristics that a designer should keep in mind:

• Working pressure and pressure loss through/over the filter.
• Effectiveness of the filter. If the filter is chosen to filter 130 microns, it is important to know the ability of the filter to remove particles larger than 130 microns.
• Volume of backwash water required. This water is no longer available for irrigation.
• Maintenance requirements of the system. 
• Power required to backwash the filter.

The most effective filters usually have some challenges; the biggest of these is an ineffective backwash action. It can be compared to a vehicle’s air filters. Probably the most effective filter in agriculture today, air filters are almost impossible to clean and usually need to be replaced. Such a system is not practical for irrigation filters.