Best Plumbing Practices
Ideally, all hoses from the manifold to the manifold, and then all tubes from the manifold to the check valves then to each row unit would be the same length. But with all of the different types of planters and toolbars available, and different combinations of equipment already on those toolbars, this is not always achievable.
AgXcel prefers to feed each row with a 3/8” push lock poly tube or either a 3/8” rubber hose. There are times where a 1/2” rubber hose would be appropriate or a smaller 1/4” push lock poly tube. We find that generally, the 3/8” tube will allow the user to plumb each row with the needed length of tubing with seeing a minimal amount of difference of flow per row, vs if you were to use a smaller tube per row.
What happens if you use a tube that is too small, is that on top of the restriction that is already being created with the orifice at the check valve to help equalize the flow per row, a longer length of smaller sized tube can also add even more restriction. This is where you tend to see where the outside end rows apply less product vs the inside rows will over apply. This is because liquid will travel to the path of least resistance, and the least resistant path is the shorter tube. Using a larger sized tube will greatly reduce the difference seen per row. Though it is still recommended to try to keep each tube as close to the same length as reasonably possible.
And feeding the manifold we generally use a 3/4” hose, or for high flow rates we’ll use a 1” hose. Also trying to keep these hoses the same length as much as possible.
When using check valves, we prefer to use the 4LB check valves for infurrow applications and 10LB for nitrogen applications. We have seen that if you were to use a check valve lighter than 4LB’s, the weight of the fluid will continue to push past the check valve and continuously drip. Once you have these 4LB check valves at each row, we then recommend running your pump system at a minimum of 10 PSI. This way we can ensure that each row is applying with a steady stream and consistent flow rate. And when using the 10LB check valves, we recommend a minimum of 20 PSI to get that steady stream.
AgXcel will provide stands and sight glasses for each manifold kit sold. We work with you on your current setup to try to provide you with the equipment needed to provide you with an accurate and equal flow distribution system.