Control and Effect of Air in Irrigation Systems

Air in an irrigation system must be controlled because the presence of air bubbles and air pockets, or their absence (vacuum), can cause problems and damage to the system.

The Advanced Air Valves Range from Netafim flow Control Accessories
Technologically, the range is based on A.R.I.s patented rolling seal mechanism, which replaces the old system, which uses the valve float to seal air valve orifices. The rolling seal mechanism and the aerodynamically designed float in the plastic air valves manufactured by A.R.I provide much higher efficiency (much larger orifices) and have greater resilience to withstand dynamic valve closure. The new sealing mechanism enabled the development of small, lightweight air valves with a high cost / benefit ratio. The width of the SG-10 automatic air valve from A.R.I. is a mere 87 millimeters; it stands no more than 140 mm high and weighs just 330 grams. Despite its tiny dimensions, the area of air orifice in this valve reaches 1 mm, which permits the release of 15 cubic meters of air per hour and it can withstand pressures of up to 10 bar. The valves integral self-cleaning mechanism prevents blockages, leaks and particles from sticking to the sealing faces. The DG-10 model valve is just 180 mm wide, (including the protruding drainage funnel) 09 mm tall and weighs only 1.1 kg. With 1mm of automatic orifice area and 804 mm of kinetic orifice area, admission and release of air is very efficient even more efficient than much larger and much heavier air valves, which are overwhelmed and slam closed at lower differential pressures. The R&D team at A.R.I has also developed the AV-010 Guardian kinetic air valve made of composite materials and available in , 1,  and 3 sizes to provide solutions for agricultural and landscaping irrigation systems. This product is lightweight, compact and very competitively priced. Most irrigation systems on individual farms have relatively uncomplicated conditions and decisions can be based on the following table:

Problems and Damages Caused by the Presence of Air Pockets and Air Bubbles in Water Pipelines
1. Uneven flow through the pipe sometimes even stopping water flow altogether. . High losses of water head and consequently, energy losses. 3. Water hammer (not surge) effects cause damage to the pipes, accessories and connectors. 4. False water meters readings and automatic regulators (and consequent payment for water not supplied, virtual use of water above licensed pumping limits, under utilization of available water supplies, inadequate supply of water to crops because plants receive less water than the volume measured by the hydrometer or water meter). 5. Inadequate supply of water to agricultural crops caused by inhibition of flows and accumulated pressure losses at system ends. 6. Extensive damage to impeller systems in water meters, hydrometers, sprinklers and sprayers. 7. Corrosion damage problems 8. Physical risk - when large volumes of air are released at high velocity, flying parts can cause bodily harm to operators.

The problems exacerbated by the presence of a vacuum:

1. Mud and dirt are sucked into the system through drippers. . Seals, drippers and other accessories are sucked into the main distribution lines. 3. Uncontrolled entry of chemicals and fertilizers injected into agricultural and landscape irrigation systems. 4. Vacuum induced collapse of pipes and accessories (sub-atmospheric pressures). 5. Increased risk of Surge and Slam conditions during the release of air pockets. 6. Cavitation damage problems.

Control of air in irrigation systems using Netafim air valves

There are three main types of air valve installed in irrigation systems: Kinetic, Automatic release and combination (double) valves. Kinetic air valves release large quantities of air from non-pressurized pipes and are used mainly when filling a line. Kinetic valves also make it possible to admit large quantities of air when lines are drained and at water column seperation. Kinetic valves are also known as: Air / vacuum valves; large orifice air valves, vacuum breakers, low-pressure air valves and air-relief valves. Automatic air valves continuously release relatively small quantities of air from a pressurized line. The automatic air valve is also known as an: Air release valve; small orifice air valve and as a pressure air valve. Combined air valves fulfill the tasks required of both types of valve kinetic and automatic. In other words they release large volumes of air when filling and admits air while emptying a system and continuously release small volumes air when the line is pressurized. Combination air valves are also known as double orifice air valves.

Calculating the Number of Valves Required for Installation at Different Points in a System
Model DT-040 DG-10 DG-10 AV-010 AV-010 AV-010 Suitability Landscaping Agriculture + Landscaping Agriculture + Landscaping Agriculture + Landscaping Agriculture + Landscaping Agriculture W. Pressure 10 Bar 10 Bar 10 Bar 10 Bar 10 Bar 10 Bar Diameter 1/, 3/4 3/4, 1  3/4, 1  3 Air Volume m3/h 4 47 80 160 350 900 Vacuum protection demands are usually higher, and this is particularly true when the line has acute angles of ascent and descent and / or when the pipe has a large diameter. Diagram Number  is based on the Hazen Williams friction loss equation; a Hazen Williams coefficient of 110 and a negative pressure differential of 0.4 bar. The number of  DG-10 air valves required to protect against vacuum damage during line drainage according to pipe diameter and slops of up to 50% (with a negative pressure differential of 0.4 bar) The number of  DG-10 air valves required during the filling of a line according to line filling rate (with a pressure differential of 0.4 Bar) and pipe diameter.

To calculate the number of DG-10 (Barak) air valves required in an irrigation system, two criteria must be considered: The need to protect against vacuum damage (achieved by admitting air into the system) The need to release air from the system when it is filled with water Air release requirements are usually lower than the air admission requirements for a line, because the rates at which lines can be filled are generally lower. Diagram Number  can be used to establish air release requirements during line filling. In Diagram Number 1, it can be seen that one DG-10 valve is enough for pipes with a diameter of up to 8 (and sometimes up to 10). This diagram is based on the release of air with a differential pressure of 0.6 bar.

The number of  DG-10 air valves required to protect against vacuum damage during line drainage according to pipe diameter and slops of up to 15% (with a negative pressure differential of 0.4 Bar)

Critical velocity required for transporting air bubbles

When the rate of water flow drops below the critical speed for air movement, air valves should be located at the critical points. Installation of air valves is particularly important along long horizontal sections of line, because flow rates are too low to carry air pockets and bubbles to the downstream air valves. Installation of air valves is also important on long descending sections of pipe, in which the flow of water must overcome the opposing flow of air (flowing naturally to the high spots). See: Graphs describing critical speeds.

Calculating the Number of Emek Vacuum Protection Air Valves to be Installed in Buried Dripper System
A vacuum breaker used to prevent vacuum conditions as low as a negative pressure of 1 m must be installed in every buried dripper system to prevent suction of dirt into the drippers and subsequent blockages. A vacuum breaking air valve must also be used to prevent the formation of a vacuum in dripper system laterals and thereby prevent their collapse. If the dripper-irrigated field is relatively flat and has no significant topographical changes, planning of air valve location will be based on the systems working pressures and flow. If the dripper-irrigated field contains substantial topographic changes, calculation of the vacuum breaker numbers and locations will be based on the maximum drainage flow or on the flow of fluids during a burst the size of the pipe diameter, or the larger of the two.

An Example of How to Evaluate the Size of Valves Required for Vacuum Prevention in a Dripper System with a Negative Pressure of 0.1 Bar.