DIG’s Plastic Screen Filters are heavy-duty filters with 155-mesh screen elements, used to protect drip irrigation systems in residential and commercial installations. The screen filter protects the water passages of drip emitters and micro sprinklers from particles that may enter the irrigation system. They provide reliable, low-maintenance filtration and help to ensure trouble-free operation of both drip and micro sprinkler systems.

Features:

• All-purpose screen filters for use in drip irrigation or micro sprinkler systems
• Screens have excellent resistance to most common chemicals
• Large filter area and low friction loss allow for long intervals between cleaning
• Easy maintenance – the screen can be removed from the filter for easy cleaning
• Color-coded replacement screens for easy identification are available
• Constructed of UV-resistant durable plastic material to withstand the most adverse conditions

Specifications:

• Flow rates:
  • 3/4″ up to 13 GPM
  • 1″ up to 18 GPM
• Operating pressure: up to 100 PSI
• Temperature range: up to 130F (54C)
• Screen size: 155-mesh
• Materials:
  • Housing: Polypropylene
  • O-ring: EPDM
  • Screen: Polyester

Installation Guide

All irrigation systems require proper maintenance and drip irrigation systems are no exception. If you use drip system, the major cause of most drip irrigation system failures is clogging of drip emitters, therefore, the 3/4 in. MNPT x 3/4 in. MNPT screen filter with pipe thread installed after the solenoid valve and before the pressure regulator and the 3/4 in. FHT x 3/4 in. MHT installed to the faucet are one of the most important components in the micro irrigation system. The 3/4 in. MNPT x 3/4 in. MNPT with pipe thread and 3/4 in. FHT x 3/4 in. MHT with hose thread plastic screen filters are simple and economical methods to protect a drip irrigation system by preventing such clogging. Periodically the filter screen needs to be cleaned by opening the filter cover, removing the screen, and rinsing the screen under water.

Each filter contains a screen of 155 mesh, a measurement that tells how many holes the screen has per one square inch. A higher number means a finer mesh screen filter. A 155-mesh screen filter, for example, will collect smaller particles than a 120-mesh screen filter. Most micro irrigation systems require filters of 150 mesh or finer. DIG’s screen filters are designed with a 3/4″ threaded cap on the bottom which can be used for adding a flush valve, useful for cleaning the filter while the system is on.

Screen filters are the most popular filtering devices used in drip irrigation systems. Proper filtration and clean water are essential to the efficient operation of drip irrigation systems. Without a good filter, debris, sand and other contaminants found in the water can plug drip emitters and micro-sprinklers, clog valves and lead to an overall significant reduction in system efficiency resulting in poor system performance. A screen filter will reduce maintenance and extend the life of a drip or micro-sprinkler system.

Installation suggestions

The point of connection to the water supply can start from an AC valve, anti-siphon valve, well, pump or rain barrel combined with gravity feed.

Installation into a faucet or to hose thread

To the faucet, first connect a backflow device. If water quality is a concern, install DIG’s fine mesh 3/4″ filter with 155 mesh, then a 25 PSI pressure regulator and then a 3/4″ swivel adapter with screen.

• To automate the system, install one of DIG’s hose end timers before (upstream of) the backflow device.
• The 3/4″ FHT backflow preventer should only be used to keep contaminated water from re-entering the household/municipal water supply lines, and in areas where discharge or spilling of water will not cause damage.
• The filter is used to protect the small orifices of the drip emitters and micro sprinklers against clogging and it is mounted after the backflow device if used.
• The pressure regulator should be installed after the filter, if used, and only if the system water source pressure is above 30 PSI.

Installation into in-line valve or into pipe thread

• If installation is into a PVC pipe, first shut off the main water supply.
• We recommend installing a 3/4″ ball valve or gate valve before the valve. This ball valve can be very useful as an emergency backup to turn the system off. This type of arrangement is used by professional installers.
• Turn the water supply on to flush the line and then shut the water supply off using the new ball valve or gate valve.
• Install the AC valve or battery operated controller, wrapping TEFLON tape on all the male thread fittings used.
• Turn the water supply on again to pressurize the system. The unit will open momentarily and then will shut off.
• To the outlet of the valve, install a 3/4″ screen filter with 155 mesh. The filter is used to protect the drip system from clogging. Then add the 25 PSI pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is used to lower the incoming system pressure to the suggested operating pressure of 25 PSI, which is within the range of recommended pressures for drip irrigation or micro sprinkler systems. Finally, follow with a swivel adapter to the drip tubing or 3/4″ PVC female threaded x slip adapter to the PVC pipe.
• Test the valve using the manual bleed. Check that the system is working and that there are no leaks.