Irrigation device

Abstract

Abstract An improved device is provided to supply irrigation water in controlled limited amounts to the root zone of plants. The device is constructed from an outer tube or pipe suitable for carrying water along which outlets are spaced as required for the particular crop being irrigated. An inner tube which may be an osmosis membrane; or which may be formed of resilient material, with spaced holes therein; is fitted inside the outer pipe in such a way that water pressure in the inner tube keeps the inner tube in contact with the inside wall of the outer pipe. The surface between the inner tube and the outer pipe is preferably textured with a pattern that provides multiple, continuous, restricted paths through which the water must flow from the inner tube to the outer pipe. The holes in the inner tube are located so that water passing from the interior of the inner tube to the outlets in the outer pipe must travel along these restricted paths. Therefore, the shape and size of the texturing and the distance the water travels along the restricted paths provide flow control of the water supplied to the plants in the limited quantities desired. As flow control is obtained from the restricted areas, the holes in the inner tube and the outlets in the outer pipe may be relatively large and clog free. Furthermore, the resilient inner tube is of such a design that with the water turned off it will separate from the outer pipe. When turned on again, a small quantity of water flows into the textured area between the inner tube and outer pipe, and as the pressure builds up the extra water is extruded out of the outlets in the outer pipe flushing with it any solids that may tend to clog the restricted paths.

Inventors

• 👤 D Allport

Bibliographic Details