Application of polyethylene pipes in agriculture

The lack of fresh water resources is a very important issue that has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. Considering the key role of water in agricultural products, it is expected that in the near future, instead of per hectare, product performance will be evaluated per unit of water consumed. This shows the importance of using correct and modern irrigation methods. Irrigation under pressure using polyethylene (PE) pipes, which has become popular over the past few decades, has significantly increased the irrigation efficiency of cultivated areas.

Polyethylene pipes are pipes that are made as a result of polymerization reactions of ethylene monomer units in crude oil refineries, and they have special characteristics according to the synthesis conditions. Agriculture is one of the industries that has a high diversity in the production and use of polyethylene products. Polyethylene materials have overshadowed a large part of agricultural industry tools due to their countless advantages. Agriculture is one of the key and high-yielding industries, which has long been the answer to the majority of human needs for food, clothing, etc., which, in addition to various agricultural methods, requires the use of various tools for the process of plant cultivation in the agricultural industry. In addition to saving water, smart polymer systems have greatly helped the agricultural industry by increasing the efficiency of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers through controlled release systems and, as a result, the possibility of using lower doses. The quality of tools and the optimal lifespan of polyethylene pipes, in addition to reducing the costs of the farmer or gardener, also affects the overall quality of agricultural products. Nowadays, polyethylene pipes are used in almost all farms and greenhouses around the world.

Deduction of costs related to installation, flotation systems and irrigation management Increasing the speed, volume and pressure of clean water transfer to agricultural products in a fully controlled manner Prevention of water wastage and leakage compared to traditional irrigation systems Increasing efficiency and facilitating agricultural operations Reducing the risk of water diversion Reducing maintenance costs of irrigation systems

polyethylene pipes depending on the type They are produced in different sizes and dimensions, and according to the conditions and application, you can use all kinds of them. As mentioned, the most common use of polyethylene pipes in the agricultural industry is in the irrigation system of fields or gardens. Irrigation of plants is done in different ways, including drip irrigation, local irrigation, pressurized irrigation, surface irrigation and rain irrigation. The drip irrigation system is known as a relatively new and modern method in the agricultural industry, which is done using various types of polyethylene pipes. These pipes are available in two types, dropper and sprayer. Polyethylene pipes have various sizes such as 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 75 and 90 inches. Large polyethylene pipes can be used in high-pressure water transmission and distribution networks, and small-sized polyethylene pipes can be used to irrigate plants and agricultural lands. Polyethylene pipes are made from six millimeters to more than two meters in diameter, and according to their type of use, the most suitable pipe with the appropriate diameter is used.

Polyethylene pipes are mainly produced by extrusion method. In this method, raw materials in the form of granules are poured into the extruder and melted with heat. The melted material is compressed by a spiral rod, exits the extruder and enters the mold. Then the molded materials pass through the calibrator and are shaped by the vacuum tank by applying a suitable pressure. The produced tube surface is cooled with cold water immediately after leaving the calibrator. The production date, technical specifications, standard mark and company name are recorded on the produced pipes by a labeling machine, and then they are cut into different lengths by a cutting machine. It should be noted that all these steps are performed by automatic devices.

Polyethylene pipes are divided into three types of heavy polyethylene pipes (HDPE), linear light polyethylene (LLDPE) and light polyethylene (LDPE) based on density. Heavy duty polyethylene pipe is a type of plastic pipe that is used to transport fluids and gases or to replace old concrete or steel pipelines. These pipes are very flexible, impermeable and suitable for high pressure pipelines. Typically, heavy duty polyethylene pipe can be used for water mains, gas mains, sewage mains, slurry transfer lines, rural irrigation, fire system supply lines, power channels, communication channels and drainage pipes. Light polyethylene has a branched molecular chain and low density as well as a weak molecular force, therefore it has high flexibility and low tensile strength. The use of this polymer is mostly in making transparent tarpaulins, covers and luggage, packaging linings, etc. Polyethylene pipes are also divided into three grades: PE63, PE80 and PE100. The main difference between these grades is their density. The difference in density causes an increase in the thickness, hardness and weight of the pipe and as a result its resistance to pressure. PE63 grade is less used than the other two grades due to its density and low economic efficiency. The PE100 grade is made of the best raw materials, it has less weight and thickness than the previous two grades, and its most important advantage is that the ultraviolet and sun rays do not affect this type of pipe. Abbreviations of polyethylene pipes are often engraved on them. For example, the DN90 PE100 PN10 pipe is a polyethylene pipe made of PE100 material with a diameter of 90 mm that can withstand up to 10 bar pressure.

Polyethylene pipes are produced in different pressure grades, which indicate the pressure that the pipe can withstand with water at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This pressure is indicated by the abbreviation PN. For example, PN 2.5 indicates a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. Available pressure grades are often based on European standards. Heavy polyethylene single-walled polyethylene pipe can withstand pressure of 2-40 atmospheres and double-walled polyethylene pipes can withstand pressure from 6 to 32 atmospheres. In agriculture, single wall polyethylene pipes are usually used.