Key Benefits of Installing Plastic Hydraulic Irrigation Control Valves

The effectiveness and efficiency of an irrigation system significantly depend on its constituent components. Hydraulic control valves are integral to an irrigation system since overall efficiency depends on optimal water pressure and flow management. For a long time, hydraulic irrigation control valves were constructed from metal due to the material's durability. However, it is no longer the case today since farmers gravitate towards plastic hydraulic control valves. Therefore, if you are looking to include metallic hydraulic control valves in your irrigation installation project, you should replace them with plastic models. Here are the reasons to do so.

Chemical Resistance — Perhaps the most significant advantage you will experience with plastic hydraulic irrigation control valves is chemical resistance. Most modern irrigation systems supply water, fertiliser and pesticides to crops. Since metallic hydraulic control valves react with chemicals, farmers must replace the components every few years to maintain efficiency. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing corroded control valves rises over time, especially when you expand an irrigation system. However, since plastic hydraulic control valves are polymer-based, they are impervious to corrosion. Therefore, it makes them an excellent choice for irrigation systems that apply fertiliser, pesticides and water from different sources. If you don't want to replace an irrigation system's hydraulic control valves regularly, swap the metallic models with plastic ones.

Virtually Maintenance Free — An irrigation system requires a certain level of maintenance to ensure all constituent parts function optimally. However, metallic hydraulic control valves can be a piece of work regarding servicing. For instance, if you use water from different sources, you should watch out for limescale deposits on the inner parts of the valves. Unfortunately, limescale deposits on hydraulic valves prevent the smooth flow of water over time, interfering with pressure settings. Only regular scraping of limescale deposits can improve flow and pressure in the valves. In contrast, plastic control valves are resistant to limescale deposits and sediment buildup.

Prevents Cavitation — When water flows at high speeds under static pressure, it forms tiny vapour-filled cavities or bubbles within an irrigation system. The phenomenon causes pitting inside metallic hydraulic control valves, leading to inefficiencies. It can be attributed to the fact that metal does not effectively absorb the vibrations caused by cavitation. Plastic control valves are resistant to cavitation because they can absorb the vibrations characteristic of the phenomenon. In addition, the smooth inner surface of plastic hydraulic control valves creates a superior flow rate that prevents cavitation over time.