Mini-Compact Micro Sprinkler

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Mini-Compact Micro Sprinkler

Mini-Compact Micro Sprinkler

DIG’s 861-1B Mini Compact Micro Sprinkler on Spike (pack of 1) is an insect-protected micro sprinkler with a 360° spray pattern, completely assembled with a 13″ spike and 24″ micro tubing with a barb. The micro sprinkler frame’s compact design supports the spinner/rotor (without a bridge) for a full-circle pattern. At the end of each irrigation cycle, the spinner is closed, preventing insects from entering the micro sprinkler housing. This large-diameter micro sprinkler has a flow rate of 39.7 GPH at 25 PSI and it provides a gentle and consistent uniformity over a wide area of up to 27’ in diameter. It is ideal for areas where low-volume overhead irrigation is desired and for areas where drip emitters are not practical. Micro sprinklers are a great choice for watering flowerbeds, groundcovers, vegetable gardens and under tree canopies.

Features

  • Recommended for vegetable gardens, seedlings, flowerbeds, groundcovers, under tree canopies and for dust control
  • Low flow rate
  • Easy to dismantle, clean and assemble
  • Press-fit configuration for easy maintenance
  • No misting
  • Strong propulsion of the spinner/rotor at low pressure for even uniformity
  • Ideal for sloped areas with high water runoff
  • Available completely assembled on a 13″ spike with 24” (.160 ID x .270 OD) micro tubing and a barb
  • Excellent performance with uniform water distribution
  • Less risk of clogging due to a larger water passage when compared to drip systems
  • Constructed of UV-resistant, durable plastic material to withstand the most adverse conditions

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Specifications

  • Operating pressure range: 15 to 30 PSI
  • Recommended operating pressure: 25 PSI (use with model D46 25-PSI pressure regulator)
  • Flow rate: 39.7 GPH @ 25 PSI
  • Pattern: 360°
  • Diameter of coverage: up to 27' in diameter
  • Color: brown
  • Filter requirement: minimum of 120 mesh
  • Recommended micro-sprinkler spacing: 12' to 16' apart
  • Micro tubing length & size: 24" x 1/4" with .160 ID x .270 OD
  • Material:
    • Stake: polypropylene
    • Micro sprinkler: high-impact plastic

Model 861-1B flow rate, and diameter

Pressure Micro sprinkler Flow rate diameter
PSI orifice GPH 360°
15 brown .071" 30.7 23'
20 brown .071" 35.5 25'
25 brown .071" 39.7 27'
30 brown .071" 43.4 28'
*Diameter is based on 10" above ground

Maximum number of micro sprinklers on 1/2" drip tubing with .600 ID @ 25 PSI

Micro sprinkler model 861-1B spacing 12' 13' 14' 15' 16'
Flow rate @ 25 PSI 39.7 39.7 39.7 39.7 39.7
Maximum length 60' 65' 70' 75' 64'
Flow rate in GPM 3.31 3.31 3.31 3.31 2.65
Flow rate in GPH 198.5 198.5 198.5 198.5 158.5
# of mini sprinklers 5 5 5 5 4
Head loss in PSI 3.2 3.5 3.7 4.0 2.3
Velocity (f/s) 3.76 3.76 3.76 3.76 3.01
24" micro tubing head loss in PSI 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3
Total head loss at the spray head 6.5 6.8 7.0 7.3 5.6
Videos
  • Demonstration Connecting a Micro Sprayer to .700 Poly Tubing

About

The 861-1B is a 360º mini-compact micro sprinkler on a stake with a flow rate of 39.7 GPH at 25 PSI and coverage of up to 27’ in diameter, depending on installation height of the micro sprinkler. This model of micro sprinkler is available as a complete assembly unit with a 13” stake and 24” micro tubing with a barb. It is suggested for use in flowerbeds, groundcovers, seedlings, vegetable gardens, under tree canopies and for dust control. The ideal spacing for full coverage of an area is 12’ to 16’ between the micro sprinklers to a maximum distance of 75’ in length, using 1/2” drip tubing as the main lateral.

To replace the micro sprinkler rotor assembly, pull the head, including the orifice, out of the stake assembly and replace it with a new rotor assembly and the same colored orifice. Make sure to flush the line before inserting the new head and nozzle. No tools or glue are required.

The mini-compact micro sprinkler, with its large diameter, operates with low flow at relatively low pressure compared to conventional sprinkler systems. Low-flow overhead irrigation can be used for areas where drip emitters are not practical, for keeping plant foliage constantly moist or when overhead watering is required. The micro sprinklers apply water to the surface area at a very light precipitation rate and at low tension to the soil, allowing the water to dissipate in a wetted profile that provides high uniformity and reduces plant stress.

Installation suggestions

Basic installation recommendations for these products include first reviewing the area and then making a drawing of the garden or site with your preferred layout.
If automation is required, use one of DIG’s hose end timers or battery operated controllers. The ideal controller should have flexible scheduling options and two to four start times per day for added flexibility.

Start the installation from a PVC pipe or to pipe thread

  1. If the micro irrigation installation is started from a PVC pipe, first shut off the main water supply.
  2. If an automated system is preferred, we recommend installing a 3/4” ball valve or gate valve before the battery operated controller or AC valve, if used. 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.
  3. Turn the water supply on to flush the line and then shut the water supply off using the new ball or gate valve.
  4. Install an AC valve or battery operated controller, wrapping TEFLON tape on all the male thread fittings used.
  5. Turn the water supply on again to pressurize the system. The unit will open momentarily and then will shut off.
  6. Test the valve or the battery operated controller and make sure that it is working correctly.
  7. After the AC valve or battery operated controller, add a 3/4” screen filter with 155-mesh (model D55). The screen filter is used to protect the micro irrigation system. Next, add a preset 25 PSI pressure regulator (model D46P) or adjustable pressure regulator (model PRV075). The pressure regulator is used to lower the pressure to the suggested operating pressure for a micro/drip system. Follow with a 3/4” swivel adapter (model 50001) to the drip tubing or 3/4” PVC thread x slip adapter to the PVC line.

Start the installation from a faucet or hose thread

  1. If an automated system is preferred, install a hose end timer.
  2. Test the hose end timer and make sure that is working correctly.
  3. To the hose end timer, add a backflow device (model D45), then a 25 PSI pressure regulator (model D46) and then a 3/4″ swivel adapter with screen (model C34). If water quality is a concern, we highly recommend using a fine mesh 3/4″ filter with 155-mesh (model D57A).

Product installation

  1. Use the drip tubing as the main lateral or sub lateral and lay out the drip tubing per your layout. Secure the drip tubing to the ground using stakes (model R60) in key areas and add more stakes as you unroll the drip tubing. Add stakes every 10′-20’ and at the end of each section, or as needed. An extra 1% of drip tubing length should be added to each lateral to compensate for drip tubing contraction at low temperature.
  2. Throughout the installation and per your drawing layout, add, if needed, 1/2” fittings, such as tees (model C35) and elbows (model C36), leaving the end of the drip tubing open. To install the 1/2″ compression drip fittings, cut the drip tubing with a hand pruner, being careful to keep dirt from entering the line. Hold the fitting in one hand and the drip tubing in the other and force the drip tubing into the compression fitting by wiggling it from side to side.
  3. The micro sprinklers or micro sprayers are installed along the drip tubing at varying or at specific intervals. The distribution uniformity of water from the micro sprinklers or micro sprayers along the line depends on the incoming pressure, number of micro sprinklers or micro sprayers used per lateral and lengths of the laterals. Special care should be taken to ensure high uniformity of water along the laterals by not exceeding the product recommendations. To install a micro sprinkler, punch a hole into the drip tubing using the small punch (model D44) or the gun punch (model 16-035), and snap the 1/4” barb at the end of the micro tubing into the drip tubing. The micro sprinkler should be elevated to a minimum of 8” above ground for best coverage.
  4. Turn the water on and flush the line.
  5. Close the end of the drip tubing using the hose end (model Q58) or figure “8” (model F68B).
  6. Pressure-test the system to identify leaks in the drip tubing laterals, fittings and barbed connections. Make sure that all the micro sprinklers are standing in a vertical position and operating with good uniformity, and then program the hose end timer or battery operated controller.