Drip irrigation air vents and pressure regulators: Pressure Regulators and Pressure Reducing Valves:
Pressure regulators reduce incoming water pressure to a set pressure usable by a drip system. A pressure regulator is used when the incoming pressure is too high for the emitters or fittings. The flow rate of the regulator should be matched with the system. Pressure regulation does not take effect until minimum specified flow passes through the regulator.
Controlling the air in irrigation systems is a means to control the water flow. The most efficient way to control air is by the proper use of air vents.
Both the presence of air, and absence of air, can cause problems or damage irrigation systems.
Trapped air in pipes impedes water flow and can lower watering uniformity. It can also cause water hammer and damage to pipes and fittings. Air in pipes also produces inaccurate readings for water and flow meters. For reliable and accurate water measurement, flow meters require pipes to be full of water.
The absence of air in pipes can trigger contaminates such as mud and dirt to be drawn into the piping system.
