Protect Your Plot Irrigation System from Vacuum Conditions

To design an effective and efficient irrigation system, it’s important to consider the effects of air. Air can cause all sorts of troubles in your system if it’s not carefully controlled through the use of air valves.

One situation where air can create problems is the formation of a vacuum during the shut-off or closing of irrigation shift. At the end of an irrigation cycle, the closing of the hydraulic field valves can create a negative pressure (vacuum) condition which can lead to the following problems:

• Damage to the pipes and dripping lines due to collapsing of the pipe.
• Clogging of drippers with dirt.

These problems can create non uniform irrigation, damage and loss of water and can be time consuming and cost to repair, resulting in decreased crop yields. 

BERMAD’s K10 Kinetic (air/vacuum) Air Valve is designed to address these issues in a variety of irrigation operation conditions.

Introducing the K10 Kinetic (air/vacuum) Air Valve 

The BERMAD K10 Kinetic Air Valve provides excellent protection against vacuum formation, with improved sealing under low pressure conditions. 

The valve allows large volumes of air intake to enter quickly during shut-off. This eliminates vacuum formation in the distribution line, and significantly reduces clogging of drippers. On the Plot Irrigation control head, the K10 Kinetic air valve is installed at highest points on the distribution line, downstream from the hydraulic control valve.

K10 Kinetic (air/vacuum) Air Valve Features

Based on advanced engineering design, the K10 Kinetic Air Valve provides:

• The highest air flow capacity in its category.
• Excellent sealing in low pressure conditions(as low as 0.1bar/ 1.5 psi).
• Each air valve features a boss on the base of the valve that can be threaded for pressure gauge connection or check point. 

With a compact, simple and reliable design, the K10 Kinetic Air valve feature durable plastic body construction whose internal parts are fully corrosion, chemical and fertilizer resistant. Like all BERMAD air valves, these valves are designed for lower maintenance and increased life span.

Choosing the Right Kinetic Air Valve for Your Irrigation System

BERMAD Model K10 Kinetic Air Valve is available in three inlet connection sizes:

• ¾” / DN20 male thread
• 1” / DN25 male thread
• 2” / DN50 female thread

Sizing the Kinetic valve depends on the required volume of air intake during vacuum condition due to water drainage through the emitters at valve closing.

The valve allows large volumes of air intake to enter quickly during shut-off. This eliminates vacuum formation in the distribution line, and significantly reduces clogging of drippers. On the Plot Irrigation control head, the K10 Kinetic air valve is installed at highest points on the distribution line, downstream from the hydraulic control valve.

For an interactive online experience, visit Irrigation World, a virtual environment where you can learn about irrigation design in a fun yet professional manner, and help you choose the right solution for your irrigation system challenges.