Tips for Drip System Design

Drip distribution is no different than any other type of pressure distribution system where the length of laterals is dependent on the number of orifices (in this case, emitters), friction loss in the pipe (tubing), and pump capacity. The emitters have specific flow rates and the total number of emitters determines the flow rate necessary to fill the tubing and provide the flow through the emitters to the soil.Typically, the maximum lateral length for non-pressure-compensating emitters will be about 200 feet. Tubing with pressure-compensating emitters will allow laterals of 300 feet. These lengths provide the opportunity to flush the tubing