Capillary vertical irrigation system with clay-filled pipe

Abstract

Irrigation system consisting of: - a cylindrical, vertically positioned tube, 1 - a closed lower end,4 - a filling of finely ground, dry clay, - lower openings with a diameter of approximately 5 cm, - wherein the openings on the inside are covered with a water-permeable non-woven material, - and the pipe is placed in a lower-lying water reservoir, Water is transported vertically upwards within the clay by capillary action and released into the surrounding planting substrate through the upper elongated openings 3.

Description

1. Title of the invention

[0001] Capillary vertical irrigation system with clay-filled pipe. 2. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to an irrigation system for plants in gardens, agricultural crops or urban planters, which is based on capillary water transport and does not require electric pump technology. 3. State of the art

[0003] Current technologies include capillary irrigation systems such as olla pots or porous ceramic pipes, which are embedded in the ground and release water through their porous walls. Other systems are based on fabric wicks that transport water horizontally. These systems are either expensive to manufacture, limited in their range, or inflexible in adapting to different plant needs. 4. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-manufacture, cost-effective and modular irrigation system that can transport water vertically over greater distances into a plant substrate without relying on electrical aids. 5. Solution to the task

[0005] The task is accomplished by a tube 1 filled with finely ground, dry clay powder. The tube is closed at the bottom by a lid 4 and has openings at the side and top. The lower openings are lined on the inside with a water-permeable, tear-resistant horticultural fleece to prevent the clay from leaking out. The tube is placed vertically in a lower water reservoir. Capillary action between the clay particles draws water upwards and releases it into the surrounding planting substrate through the upper openings where the clay is exposed. 6. Advantages of the invention - No use of pumps or electricity - Simple, inexpensive manufacturing using commercially available components - Modular applicability depending on bed size and water requirements - Reduction of watering effort through continuous water supply - Also usable in water-sensitive regions 7. Example of implementation

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, an HT pipe 1 with a diameter of 160 mm and a length of 1.5 m is used. The openings on the side 2 are located at a height of 5-10 cm, while the upper openings 3 are positioned at a height of 80-130 cm.

[0007] The pipe is sealed at the bottom end with a watertight lid 4. Then, finely ground, dry building clay is poured in.

[0008] The openings in the pipe are lined on the inside with a tear-resistant, water-permeable horticultural fleece (e.g., made of PE, PP, or PET) that prevents clay from escaping while still allowing water exchange. The prepared pipe is then placed vertically in a water reservoir below. Water is transported upwards through capillary action in the compacted clay, reaching heights of up to 2 meters, and released through the upper openings into the surrounding planting substrate. 9. Summary

[0009] The invention describes a vertical irrigation system based on the capillary action of fine mineral substances contained within a sealed tube. Water is released to the planting substrate through openings in the tube. The system is easy to manufacture, versatile in its application, and requires no pump.

Claims

[1] Irrigation device consisting of: - a cylindrical, vertically positioned tube, 1 - a closed lower end,4 - a filling of finely ground, dry clay, - lower openings with a diameter of approximately 5 cm, - wherein the openings on the inside are covered with a water-permeable non-woven material, - and the pipe is placed in a lower-lying water reservoir, Water is transported vertically upwards within the clay by capillary action and released into the surrounding planting substrate through the upper elongated openings 3. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the tube is made of commercially available rigid PVC plastic or a non-corrosive metal. 1 [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric consists of PP, PE or PET. 2 [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position and number of openings can be variably adapted to the place of use. 2;3 [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is used for the permanent irrigation of planting beds, raised beds, planting troughs or greenhouse crops. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition of the mineral filling is adapted according to the place of use.

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