Plastic Pipes Conference Association # 2023 Lake Buena Vista
Rachel Anderson, Rujul Mehta, Alex Stolarz, Todd Hogan, Stephanie Whited, Joel Wieliczko
Growing worldwide demand for sustainably made irrigation systems has driven the creation of new resins for longer-lasting, more durable, recycle friendly, and cost-effective pipe that can better tolerate extreme conditions year after year. Microirrigation systems deliver vital water and nutrients where they’re needed most – the roots of the plant. When compared to conventional flood and sprinkler systems, microirrigation allows up to 50% reduction in water usage and increased crop yields1 . Polyethylene microirrigation piping systems are typically divided into two categories: thin wall tapes (4-25 mil) and thick wall tubing (>25 mil). Thin wall tapes typically see application in shorter life cycle, high value crops such as berries, while thick wall tubing is used in more permanent installations such as orchards and vineyards. Innovative new resin designs have been developed for both of these piping systems.
For thin wall tapes, a new bimodal polyethylene resin has been developed that allows for downgauging by several mils, higher production rates and incorporation of post-consumer and post industrial recycle (PCR and PIR) materials. The bimodal design results in irrigation tapes with high environmental stress crack and burst resistance.
For thicker wall tubing products, a new one-pellet PCR rich linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) compound was developed that can be used directly to make microirrigation tubing with 65% recycled content. Compared to standard PCR available in the marketplace, this fully formulated offering offers highly consistent composition, processability and end use properties in tubing. This compound can also be used in combination with materials recovered after end of life of existing microirrigation installations to further boost the recycled content.
As manufacturers look to close the loop in microirrigation, these products offer enabling technology through resin design.
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