DEVELOPMENT OF A POROUS PIPE USING RECYCLING RUBBERPOLYETHYLENE, TO IMPROVE MICRO-IRRIGA TION SYSTEM IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Attached

The porous pipe is a one of the emitter type utilizing in the agricultural field which used in the micro- irrigation system in maintain under ground moisture content. The product is along flexible hose made out from recycle rubber and plastic binder. As per the end-use requirements product should consist of both technical and agricultural nature. Hence product should satisfy technical requirements that are needed to improve product quality and properties as well as needs of the agricultural field requirements (e.g. excellent water discharge rate). The project study was aimed to develop a porous pipe at a price very much competitive to similar products that are available in the market such as drip trickle, spray. The project works mainly based on the formula developments and process developments. The formula development was carried out working on number of formulations based on the plastic binder and vulcanized rubber was carried out based on the temperature settings of the extruder barrel and the mixing characteristics of the blends. The finished product was tested on range of application requirements such as strength properties (Tensile strength & tear strength), resistance properties (UV, ESCR, Chemical resistance) ability of water dischargebility through a wall, pressure resistance, durability, density of the product. The appropriate tensile and other physical properties and measurement of water discharge rate were carried out on all samples UV, ESAR chemical resistance properties were tested on selected samples to make sure the developed sample properties. Field tests were carried out on selected finished product samples to conform field compatibility. Obtained results were evaluated to identify the best compromise of process ability parameters and performance characteristic. After careful examination of performance application and quality aspect of the product, a process was develop for commercial implementation with a competitive price. Because of the use of recycling rubber as a major component the product should be rather price competitive and also it is as a major solution for a growth of the disposable tire amount in the environment. The project is fully implemented in a company of D. Samson industries and expecting to continue this to spread and growth especially in local market and also foreign market.