Nowadays, drip irrigation is an essential technique to optimize water usage and improve agricultural output, with an eye to environmental sustainability.
One of the key elements of a drip irrigation system is water distribution pipes, which convey water to drip tapes. There are various alternatives for these products available on the market, such as high-density polyethylene pipes (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene pipes (LDPE), rigid PVC pipes and layflat hoses. The latter are characterized by their flexibility and ease of transport.
Initially, layflat hoses were mainly made of PVC, but over recent years, thanks to technological innovation and thanks to SAB SpA, the polyethylene (PE) layflat hose was created: RioFlex. Not only did SAB introduce this novelty on the market, but it is also the pioneer in the development of this technology.
In this article, we will compare the characteristics and advantages of PE RioFlex hose with traditional PVC layflat hoses.
PVC layflat hoses and PE layflat hoses
PVC layflat hoses are used both for drip irrigation and in applications such as firefighting. Here are some of their characteristics:
- Robustness and weight. Made of reinforced fiber polyester, PVC LAYflat hose is equipped with a satisfactory robustness, which on one hand makes the pipe flexible on field, but on the other it weighs down the pipe, making the hose more difficult to handle.
- Non-recyclable. PVC LAYflat hose is not recyclable at the end of its life, and its disposal may be challenging, due to the synthetic materials used that are not easy to recycle.
- Chemical resistance. PVC LAYflat hose is known for its resistance to many chemicals used in agriculture, including fertilizers and pesticides.
- UV resistance. PVC LAYflat hose has a good resistance to sun exposure.
Polyethylene (PE) layflat hose RioFlex by SAB SpA: Innovation and advantages
The polyethylene (PE) layflat hose RioFlex designed, patented, and manufactured by SAB SpA represents an innovative solution, which is particularly recommended for drip irrigation applications. RioFlex was created in 2017 following the need of a SAB’s partner to have a distribution pipe more appropriate to its irrigation systems that was resistant, easy, and lightweight to use at the same time. RioFlex is a modern and versatile solution that is ideal for drip irrigation and for heap leaching in mining.
Here are its main strengths:
- 100% recyclable at the end of its service life. RioFlex is environmentally friendly: being produced 100% in polyethylene, it is entirely recyclable at the end of its use.
- High resistance to twisting. Composed by 3 layers of polyethylene, as well as a reinforcing web, RioFlex layflat hose has a higher stability on field, limiting the so-called “snake effect” caused by the wind and thus remaining straighter.
- Lightness and better handling. RioFlex weighs approximately 60% less than standard PVC layflat hoses, which is a big advantage in terms of transport and handling, even in areas with a difficult landscape. As it is light, RioFlex, can be easily transported also with more efficient means of transport. In the field, RioFlex, being lightweight, is easy and practical to install.
- Ease and versatility of connections. RioFlex can be supplied with or without pre-installed outlets to meet various needs and to be compatible with pre-existing systems.
- High UV resistance. Thanks to the anti-UV additives applied on the upper layer, RioFlex offers an advanced protection from sun rays, guaranteeing a longer durability when the product is exposed to sunlight compared to PVC layflat hoses. Moreover, its multilayer structure contributes to preserving its integrity over time, reducing the risk of early degradation, due to UV radiations.
- Light barrier, which prevents the penetration of sunlight, avoiding the formation of algae and bacteria inside the pipe.
Another added value of this product is its exclusive patent, which represents the innovation and authenticity of its technical characteristics.
Conclusions
As we have seen, PVC Layflat hose and polyethylene (PE) RioFlex layflat hose represent two valid alternatives in the application as main line in drip irrigation.
However, PE RioFlex offers many advantages in drip irrigation. Its lightness offers logistic benefits, with a potential cost saving, while its characteristics such as the greater lightness, ease and speed of installation, total recyclability and longer lifespan make it an innovative and practical solution.
Do you want to know more? Click below to visit the RioFlex product page or contact us to ask for more information!
