Irrometer R Brochure

ORDERINGINFORMATION: Catalog #1 _ _ – IRROMETER Model RIRROMETER Model Rincludes reservoir, air-free gaugechamber and hermetically sealedIRROMETER vacuum gauge with dualscale of centibars (cb) and kilopascals(kPa) [ 0-100 cb (kPa) range].MODEL ROptimizing Irrigation . . . Maximizing Conservation . . . Worldwide Since 1951®OPERATING PRINCIPLE: The IRROMETER operates on thetensiometer principle, which measures soil water tension. Soilwater tension is the energy (vacuum) applied to soil by the plantas it draws in water for nutrition. This force is measured incentibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) of tension with a high readingindicating the dry end of the scale and a low reading indicatingthe wet end of the scale. The IRROMETER instrument consistsof a sealed, fluid filled tube that is equipped with a porousceramic tip and a special vacuum gauge. They are installed inthe ground with the tips placed at desired root zone depths. Asthe soil dries (increasing tension), fluid is drawn out of theinstrument. This reduces the fluid volume in the IRROMETER,thus creating a partial vacuum which is registered on the gauge.The drier the soil, the higher the gauge reading. An irrigationapplication or rainfall event reverses this action. As water flowsback into the soil (and the IRROMETER), tension is relieved inthe soil and the instrument, resulting in a lower gauge reading(lower tension). In effect, the instrument is indicating how hardthe roots are working. Due to the IRROMETER’s uniqueprinciple of operation, no calibrations are necessary undernormal operating conditions for different soil types. A gaugereading of 50 cb (kPa) indicates that the roots are extracting thesame amount of moisture whether the crop is planted in sandysoil or clay soil.APPLICATIONS: IRROMETERS can be used for manual measurementand tracking of soil moisture status for most soil types. Whenequipped with optional electronic output and data loggingequipment, measurement and tracking can be done automatically.The standard vacuum gauge on this model can be replaced withelectronic measurement options, or automatic switching deviceswhich can activate peripheral equipment at desired soil watertension levels. See the “Automation and Output Options”specifications for more details. The Model R uses a fixed tip and isdesigned for general use with row, tree and field crops.Features:• 0-100 cb (kPa) range gauge • Fixed ceramic tip (white)• Air-free gauge gives accurate readings• Large reservoir makes maintenance easy• Hermetically sealed gauge designed for harsh environmentsIRROMETER — Model RSpecifications –INSTRUMENT BODY:MATERIALS: Butyrate body, ceramic tip, neoprene stopperRESERVOIR SECTION DIMENSIONS:HEIGHT: 4.75 in. (120 mm) – 5.125 in. (130 mm) including capDIAMETER: 2 in. (51 mm) – 2.15 in. (55 mm) including capBODY TUBE SECTION DIMENSIONS:LENGTH: Ranges from 6 in. to 60 in. (15 cm to 150 cm) (special lengths available)DIAMETER: .875 in. (22 mm)INSTRUMENT WEIGHT: 12 in. (30 cm) is .968 lb. (.439 kg) with increases of .252 lb. (.114 kg) per footCERAMIC TIP: White tip – used for most soil typesWARRANTY: One year 1008 – Standard Vacuum GaugeSpecifications –DIAL SIZE: 2 in. (51 mm)CASE: Hermetically Sealed Thermo Plastic RubberWINDOW: Inner – Polycarbonate, Outer – ButyrateDIAL: Scale of 0-100 cb (kPa), white with contrasting green markingsACCURACY: +– 3-2-3% of span ASME B40.1 Grade BMECHANISM: Bronze Bourdon TubeCONNECTION: Standard 1/4 in. NPT – Brass Bottom MountOPERATINGTEMPERATURE: -40° to 150° F (-40° to 65° C), 32° to 150° F(0° to 65° C ) for water serviceWARRANTY: One year ———®The IRROMETER was first developed in 1951 to help growers improve irrigation efficiency. Itprovides the user with accurate information on soil moisture status regardless of soil type. Theinstrument measures in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) of soil water tension. This valuerepresents the energy a plant’s root system uses to draw water from the soil. Understandingsoil moisture activity helps the user make informed irrigation scheduling decisions resultingin improved yield and quality while reducing water, fertilizer, labor and energy costs.**06 = 06" (15 cm)12 = 12" (30 cm)18 = 18" (45 cm)24 = 24" (60 cm)36 = 36" (90 cm)48 = 48" (120 cm)60 = 60" (150 cm)IRROMETER®Hermetically Sealed Gauge —Accuracy and long life are ensured by ahermetically sealed cover with amolded-in diaphragm that keeps dirt andmoisture out and compensates forvariations in temperature and barometricpressure.Air-Free Gauge — The water sealprevents air from entering gauge, sogauge and chamber remain full regardlessof fluid level in instrument.SPECIFICATION INFORMATION: The irrigation system shallincorporate soil moisture indicators to aid in making irrigationscheduling decisions. The soil moisture indicator shall operate onthe tensiometer principle and indicate soil watertension, displaying in units of centibars(cb) or kilopascals (kPa). It shallhave a hermetically sealed gaugethat remains full of fluid even if theinstrument tube is completelydrained. Tube shall be constructedof durable plastic that isimpervious to attack by soilchemicals, with a ceramic sensing tipthat is fixed in place. It shall include afluid reservoir with a submerged valve,whereby fluid can be drained into thetube by turning the cap. All ceramic toplastic connections shall be guaranteedleak proof. The soil moisture indicatorshall be an IRROMETER Model R asmanufactured by the IRROMETERCompany, Inc. of Riverside, California.MODEL RTHE IRROMETER COMPANY, INC.P.O. Box 2424, Riverside, CA 92516(951) 689-1701 PHONE(951) 689-3706 FAXwww.IRROMETER.comsales@IRROMETER.comLITHO U.S.A. (4/10) #103®The IRROMETER Body — is constructed oftough durable plastic impervious to attack by soilchemicals or electrolysis.The IRROMETER — is available in standardlengths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 & 60 inches (15,30, 45, 60, 90, 120 & 150 cm).Closure — Large cap for easy operation andbetter control. Cap removes for filling reservoir.Submerged valve gives a positive leak proofseal. Servicing is instantaneous with atwist of the wrist.Reservoir — holds a reserve supplyof fluid sufficient for several irrigationcycles under average operatingconditions. Unscrewing cap part wayreleases air and fills tube to replace fluidlost by the action of drying soil.Ceramic to Plastic — connections arepermanently leak proof.Ceramic Tip — has many times the strength ofconventional tips. It is more porous to give quickresponse to variations in soil moisture.IRROMETER®