DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of cylindrical inline drip emitters.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Drip or trickle irrigation methods are popular irrigation methods, particularly in the regions with water scarcity. Apart from saving water, drip irrigation also serves as an excellent water management system that allows fertilizers to be mixed with the irrigated water. Drip irrigation is enabled with the help of drip emitters that can be classified into two categories i.e., inline drip emitters and online drip emitters, of which inline drip emitters are more preferable. The drip emitter has a zig-zag or serpentine flow path, aka a ‘labyrinth’ configured thereon to create a turbulence and dissipate pressure generated inside the emitter to reduce settlement of sediments & ensure continuous trickling of water from the emitter outlet and avoid water coming out with force respectively.
However, nowadays, to save more water, most users are opting for inline drip emitters, which discharge water at relatively lower discharge flow rates, which could be as low as 1 litre/hour (lph), and may go up to 2 lph, 3 lph, 4 lph or 8 lph at an operating pressure of 1 bar at field level. To achieve the desired low flow rates, it is desired that the water flow passages or the labyrinth is designed with a relatively longer path, but with a smaller cross sectional area. However, longer the labyrinth path, longer will be the length of the dripper. Conversely, smaller the cross sectional area, smaller will be the length of the labyrinth and hence shorter will be the length of the dripper.
The disadvantage of providing an inline dripper emitter with a small cross-sectional area, is that the dripper emitter becomes prone to clogging at a relatively faster rate, despite using 100 to 130 microns filtration for the irrigation water generally used. To avoid clogging, the conventionally available drip emitters are configured with a longer and a wider labyrinth. Further, long drip emitters require bigger moulding tools, and more amount of raw material. This increases the manufacturing cost of the emitter.
However, the conventional cylindrical drippers comprise a large amount of passive regions for the configuration of discharge provisions thereon. The passive regions includes annular regions provided at operative ends of the emitter, and which have no value addition to the functionality of the dripper and yet contribute to the overall length of the dripper.
Therefore, there is a need felt for an inline drip emitter that strikes a right balance of labyrinth width, depth and length for a particular low discharge rating, prevent clogging of debris therein, eliminates passive areas, and have a relatively longer service life.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inline drip emitter.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inline drip emitter, which has a relatively shorter length without affecting the overall length of the labyrinth flow path.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inline drip emitter, which can effectively prevent clogging of debris therein.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inline drip emitter, which facilitates the pipe, in which it is installed, to consume consumes relatively lesser space while storing or transporting.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inline drip emitter, which weighs relatively lesser.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an inline drip emitter configured to be inserted in a pipe. The emitter is defined by a hollow tubular body comprising an inlet for receiving water, a plurality of filtering elements fluidly communicating with the inlet, at least one labyrinth, and at least one flat surface adjoining a recessed portion configured on an operative outer surface of the body. The labyrinth is configured along the length of the body. The labyrinth is configured to fluidly communicate with the filter elements to receive water therefrom. The labyrinth is configured to create a turbulent flow path for water flowing therethrough for reducing the flow rate of water. Each recessed portion is configured to fluid communicate with the labyrinth to discharge water therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An inline drip emitter of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a conventional emitter;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the emitter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 3A and 3B illustrate schematic views of longitudinal discharge regions of the emitter of Figure 2;
Figures 4A and 4B illustrate schematic views of the apertures configured on the pipe, configured within the longitudinal discharge regions of the emitter of Figures 3A and 3B; and
Figures 5A through 5D illustrate schematic views depicting the water flow path through the emitter of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 conventional emitter
11 labyrinth
12 annular portion
15 filtering element
100 inline drip emitter
105a, 105b recessed portion of the emitter
106 flat surface
110a, 110b labyrinth
111 channel
115 filter elements
120 rib
125A first hole
125B second hole
130 pipe
135 longitudinal passive section
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A conventional inline drip emitter (10), as shown in Figure 1, is defined by a cylindrical tube having a functionally active section and a functionally passive section. Annular portions (12) are configured on operative ends of the emitter (10). An inlet section and filtering elements (15) are provided on one of the annular portions (12), typically along the transverse axis. Labyrinths (11) are configured on the functionally active section. The labyrinths (11) are configured to fluidly communicate with the inlet section and the filtering elements (15) to receive water therefrom to enable reduction of flow rate thereof. The annular portions (12) in fluid communication with the labyrinths (11) receive water of reduced flow rate, and discharge water through holes provided in a pipe in which the emitter (10) is installed.
An inline drip emitter (100), of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to Figure 2 through Figure 5D.
The inline drip emitter (100) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the emitter 100’) is configured to provide water at low discharge flow rates and prevent clogging. The emitter (100) is configured to be inserted in a pipe (130) having a pair of radially opposite holes (125A, 125B) configured at predetermined intervals on the pipe (130). Typically, the pipe (130) includes a plurality of emitters (100) inserted therein, typically by extrusion process.
The emitter (100) is defined by a hollow tubular body comprising an inlet for receiving water, a plurality of filtering elements (115) fluidly communicating with the inlet, and at least one labyrinth (110a, 110b). The labyrinth (110a, 110b) is configured along the length of the body. The labyrinth (110a, 110b) is configured to fluidly communicate with the filter elements (115) to receive water therefrom. The labyrinth (110a, 110b) is configured to create a turbulent flow path for water flowing therethrough for reducing the flow rate of water. Typically, as the water flows through the turbulent path, not only does the flow rate decrease but also doesn’t allow the sediments settle down. The body further comprises at least one flat surface (106) adjoining a recessed portion (105a, 105b) configured on an operative outer surface of the body. The recessed portions (105a, 105b) are configured to fluidly communicate with the labyrinth (110a, 110b) to receive water therefrom.
Water is accumulated in the recessed portions (105a, 105b) and allowed to be discharged through the pipe holes.
In one embodiment, the inlet is provided axially along the length of the body, proximal to the labyrinth (110a ).
In an embodiment, the body includes two recessed portion (105a, 105b). In another embodiment, the flat surface (106) is provided on either ends of the body.
In an embodiment, the recessed portions (105a, 105b) are configured on the body radially opposite to each other.
In an embodiment, each recessed portion (105a, 105b) includes a plurality of ribs (120) configured to maintain a spaced-apart distance of the inner wall of the pipe (130) from the recessed portion (105a, 105b).
In an embodiment, the labyrinth (110a, 110b) defines the functionally active section of the emitter (100). On the other hand, the recessed portion (105a, 105b) together form the functionally passive section of the emitter (100). Therefore, configuring the inlet, the filtering elements (115) and the recessed portion (105a, 105b) on the functionally passive section helps in utilizing every space available on the emitter (100), and further eliminates the need of annular portions as is provided by the conventional emitters (10).
As a result, the emitter (100) has a shorter length compared to the conventional emitters (10). More specifically, the overall length the weight of the emitter (100) is reduced by at least 35-45% by eliminating the annular portions, and without affecting the overall length of the labyrinth flow path. The shorter length of emitter (100), of the present disclosure, allows the pipe (130) to be bent and coiled as desired especially during storage and transportation, unlike the conventional emitters (10) that did not allow sufficient bending of the pipe due to their relatively longer dimensions. Typically, the pipe (130) having the emitters (100), of the present disclosure, provided therein consume 10-12% lesser space during storage or transportation when compared to the conventional emitters (10).
Further, the weight of the emitter (100) is also lesser by 25-30% as compared to the conventional emitters (10). The reduced length and weight means reduced material, manpower, die tool cost and efforts.
In one embodiment, each recessed portion (105a, 105b) (107a, 107b) is configured to be flushed with each pipe hole (125A, 125B), in the installed configuration of the emitter.
The flat surfaces (106) are configured to facilitate alignment of the recessed portions (105a, 105b) with the pipe holes (125A, 125B).
In another embodiment, a first recessed portion (105a), of the plurality of recessed portions (105a, 105b), is configured to approach ground level, in an installed configuration of the emitter so that the first recessed portion (105a) opens to the soil. In yet another embodiment, a second recessed portion (105b), of the plurality of recessed portions (105a, 105b), is configured to be kept open to the atmosphere, in the installed configuration of the emitter, as a result of which the second recessed portion (105b) is open to the air. Both the recessed portions (105a, 105b) are configured to discharge water therefrom. However, in the case that the first recessed portion (105a) is clogged, the recessed portion (105b) helps in sucking in air to prevent formation of vacuum inside the emitter (100) and the pipe (130), thereby preventing suction of soil inside the emitter (100). This provision eliminates the need for a vacuum breaker on a head filtration unit, as is followed in common practices for conventional emitters (10).
In an embodiment, the emitter (100) includes two labyrinths (110a, 110b) fluidly communicating with each other with the help of a fluid channel (111). The first labyrinth (110a) is connected to the filter elements (115) to receive water therefrom. The flow rate of water flowing through the first labyrinth (110a) is reduced to a first predetermined flow rate, by the nature of the flow path provided by the labyrinth (110a). Thereafter, water is passed to the second labyrinth (110a, 110b), wherein the flow rate of water is further reduced to a second predetermined flow rate.
The recessed portions (105a, 105b) are connected to the labyrinths (110a, 110b) with the help of the fluid channel (111).
In an embodiment, the body is of polyethylene.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an inline drip emitter, which:
• has an overall length relatively reduced by at least 35-45% without affecting the overall length of the labyrinth flow path;
• can effectively prevent clogging of debris therein;
• facilitates the pipe in which it is installed to consume relatively lesser space while storing or transporting, by 10-12%;
• weighs relatively lesser by 25-30%; and
• has relatively more filtration area which can effectively prevent clogging of debris therein;
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An inline drip emitter (100) configured to be inserted in a pipe (130) having a pair of radially opposite pipe holes (125A, 125B) configured thereon, said emitter (100) defined by a hollow tubular body comprising:
• an inlet configured for receiving water;
• a plurality of filtering elements (115) fluidly communicating with said inlet;
• at least one labyrinth (110a, 110b), configured along the length of said body, and fluidly communicating with said filter elements (115) to receive water therefrom, said labyrinth (110a, 110b) configured to create a turbulent flow path for water flowing therethrough for reducing the flow rate of water; and
• at least one flat surface (106) adjoining a recessed portions (105a, 105b) configured on an operative outer surface of the body, said recessed portions (105a, 105b) configured to fluidly communicate with said labyrinth (110a, 110b) to receive water therefrom .
2. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filtering elements (115) are configured along the length of said labyrinth (110a, 110b).
3. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recessed portions (105a, 105b) are configured on said body radially opposite to each other.
4. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flat surface (106) is provided on either ends of the body.
5. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each recessed portion (105a, 105b) is configured to be flushed with each pipe hole (125A, 125B), in the installed configuration of said emitter.
6. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each recessed portion (105a, 105b) includes a plurality of ribs (120) configured to maintain a spaced-apart distance of the inner wall of the pipe (130) from said recessed portion (105a, 105b).
7. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first recessed portion (105a), of said plurality of recessed portions (105a, 105b), is configured to approach ground level, in an installed configuration of said emitter in the pipe (130).
8. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a second recessed portion (105b)), of said plurality of recessed portions (105a, 105b), is configured to be kept open to the atmosphere, in the installed configuration of said emitter in the pipe (130).
9. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes two labyrinths (110a, 110b) fluidly communicating with each other with the help of a fluid channel (111).
10. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body does not include annular portions.
11. The emitter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body is of polyethylene.
Dated this 15th day of June, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant