TNLA Tailgate Topic: Irrigation Terminology

Objective: Participants will be able to correctly identify and define parts of an irrigation system.

BACKFLOW PREVENTER: device that stops water in the irrigation system from backing up into the water supply during a sudden loss of pressure. CONTROLLER: device that automatically opens and closes the valves in an irrigation system according to a preset program. DRIP EMITTER: a low volume emission device that delivers water at low flow rates, one drip at a fume; drip emitters are used to apply water directly to an individual plant root zone. DUALPROGRAM CONTROLLER: a controller that allows stations to be assigned to two separate programs, each with its own watering days and run times. ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROLLER: a controller run by motors, gears, and switches, and usually programmed by pushing in pins on a dial. FILTER: a device used in a control zone or multioutlet emission device to screen dirt and debris from the water; filters are important in low volume systems because the small emission devices can easily become clogged. LATERAL PIPE: Pipe that runs from a valve to the sprinklers controlled by the valve. MAIN LINE PIPE: Pipe that runs from the water source to a valve. MICROBUBBLER: a low volume emission device that delivers water at higher flow rates than drip emitters, but at lower flow rates than micro sprays; microbubblers are used to apply water directly to an individual plant root zone. NOZZLE: sprinkler component that controls the flow rate of the sprinkler head and the shape of the distribution pattern; many sprinklers feature interchangeable nozzles so that the flow rate and pattern can be changed without installing a new sprinkler body. POPUP: type of sprinkler head that rises above ground level when water pressure is applied, and retracts to ground level when pressure is cut off. PRESSURE REGULATOR: a device that cuts sprinkler inlet pressure down to a constant outlet pressure of 30 PSI; a pressure regulator controls water flow and pressure over a wide range of inlet pressures. REMOTE CONTROL VALVE: device that opens and closes in response to signals from a controller to allow pressurized water to flow through pipes. SHRUB SPRAYHEAD: type of sprayhead that is usually mounted on a fixed riser and located in areas that receive no foot traffic. SOLID STATE CONTROLLER: a controller run by an electronic microprocessor and usually programmed with a keypad. SPRAYHEAD: type of sprinkler that emits sheets or fans of water in a fixed pattern. SQUARE PATTERN: sprinkler layout in which each sprinkler is located at the comer of a square; square patterns are typically used in areas that have 90-degree borders. SURFACE SPRAYHEAD: type of spray head that is installed with the nozzle at grade level; surface spray heads usually require vegetation close to the head to be trimmed out of the way of the water stream. VALVE: device that opens and closes to allow pressurized water to flow through pipes.