Improved Emitter and Network System Design for Wastewater Reuse in Drip Irrigation

摘要

The problem of emitter (orifice) plugging inherent in drip irrigation systems was investigated. Plugging not only reduces the effectiveness of this most water conservative method but also excludes the use of low quality waters unless first processed with costly water treatment. A problem-solution approach was used to develop simple emitters and a network system that would minimize plugging to acceptable levels. Tests using secondary treated municipal effluent from the Mililani Wastewater Treatment Plant on Oahu, Hawaii, consisted of numerous plugging experiments supplemented by theoretical and laboratory studies.