Effective irrigation systems have been vital for civilisations for thousands of years. Without them, it would be incredibly difficult to produce enough food. They’re still essential today, especially with climate change and new technology. In fact, they are the core of modern agricultural systems like hydroponics. One thing you need to keep in mind though is how important it is to use the right type of tubing. Whether it is steel ERW tubes, PVC, PE, or anything else, the materials must be reliable.
Main factors to think about
If you’re trying to decide which tubing to select, there are several factors to look at. Let’s have a closer look at some of them.
Strength
Firstly, you need to ensure the tubes will be strong enough. Steel is a top contender in this regard. The strength is one of the main reasons it is chosen for so many different applications, including structural and load bearing ones. If you’re thinking about irrigation, steel is a great choice if you need tube that can withstand high pressures and tricky environmental conditions.
PVC and PE both have impressive strength, but not to the same extent as steel ERW tubes. As a result, they are typically best for low pressure irrigation systems. HDPE is an interesting choice, offering more strength and durability.
Flexibility
In many situations, irrigation systems need to be rigid and durable. However, in others you need a level of flexibility. The latter is especially important if you need a system that can adapt to the landscape. It is also crucial if you are installing the system underground in an area with seismic activity.
You need to think carefully about what you require and the operating conditions. Steel tubes are a good choice if you don’t want much flexibility. PVC or PE will be better if you want the system to be flexible. There are even variants specifically offering flexibility.
Corrosion resistance
When dealing with water, as well as additional elements like nutrients for plants, it is absolutely vital to think about corrosion. It could lead to serious problems, including leaks and wasting resources.
Typically, steel is not the best choice if corrosion is a concern. However, you can choose stainless alloys or opt for protective coatings for ERW tubes. There is no need to worry with PVC or PE though; both are corrosion resistant.
Type of system
Finally, it is important to think about the type of irrigation system you want. It can influence what you need in terms of strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and other features.
Drip irrigation systems are a very common option today, especially in hydroponics. They work by ensuring water goes directly to the roots of plants. It is the most effective way to use resources. However, the system needs to be reliable.
Sprinkler irrigation is a classical technique. It uses sprinklers to distribute water across very large areas. You need durable materials here to withstand the water pressure.
Speak to us about ERW tubes
Union Steel Tubes can work with clients to help them choose tubing for any application. This includes projects in industries like agriculture, automotive, and much more. The list seems to grow continuously because tube is strong, reliable, and cost effective. The most crucial thing is we’ll help clients to choose tube to achieve the best level of performance.
So, contact us if you want to discover more about our ERW tubes. We’ve got a massive range of products, featuring a variety of shapes, diameters, and wall thicknesses. You can order them in various lengths too.
