1. What is T-Tape?

T-Tape is a high quality drip irrigation hose with integrated emitters. It is designed to deliver water with high uniformity to crops that are planted in rows. It is formed from a strip of thin but strong polyethylene plastic that is rolled into 3/8"(9.5mm), 5/8"(16mm), 7/8"(22mm) or 1-3/8"(35mm) diameter and "glued" at the seam. This polyethylene "glue" also forms a flow track within the seam.

2. Why is it referred to as "tape"?

Because it consists of a collapsible tube that "inflates" when it is pressurized and "deflates" when the pressure is turned off. When the pressure is off it will roll flat similar to a tape.

3. How does the T-Tape work?

• The water is delivered from the main supply tube into the flow track, also known as the Turbulent Flow Regulating Channel, through interruptions in the glue that are referred to as inlets.

• This turbulent flow channel is designed to precisely regulate the flow of water in the channel and maintain excellent uniformity while reducing the tape’s susceptibility to plugging.

• The water exits the regulating channel through a slit outlet that is designed to impede root intrusion, while providing a true drip flow without squirting or jetting.

4. What do the numbers 504-08-670 mean?

Our product nomenclature is very easy to learn.

The first number stands for the inside diameter of the hose.

The next 2 numbers are the thickness of the material in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch).

The next 2 numbers stand for the emitter spacing (inches or cm).

The last 3 numbers are the flow per 100 feet in gallons per minute or GPM (This is also referred to as the Q100.) In metric, the flow is measured in liters per hour per 100 meters.

Therefore, 504-08-670 has a 5/8" diameter, 4 mil wall thickness, an 8" emitter spacing and a flow rate of 0.670 gallons per minute per 100 feet.

5. How do I calculate the flow rate per emitter?

Use the following formula:

  Q100 x 60
----------------- x Se = gph per emitter
     1200

Where:
Q100 = Gallons per minute per 100 feet
60 = Minutes in one hour
1200 = Inches in 100 feet
Se = Spacing between emitters in inches

Example (for 504-08-670):

  0.670 x 60
------------------ x 08 = 0.27 gph per emitter
      1200

6. How do I determine which T-Tape product to use?

While the Selecting T-Tape section of this Website provides general guidelines, we encourage you to contact your T-Tape dealer to determine the T-Tape product that fits your crop and soil conditions.

7. What is the farthest distance that I can run the T-Tape?

If using our 1100 Model (1-3/8" (35mm) diameter) it is possible to run a distance of 1/2 mile (2,640 feet (805m)) with 90% emission uniformity. Other models can be run from 130 feet (40m) to 1/4 mile (1320 feet (402m)). The length of run will vary depending on the T-Tape diameter and field slope.

8. What emitter spacing is the T-Tape available in?

Standard emitter spacing for row crops is as follows:

U.S. 4, 8,12,16,18,24 inches
Metric 10,20,30,40,45,60 cm

T-Tape with custom-spaced emitters can be ordered in minimum quantities.

9. What pressure do I run in my T-Tape?

For model 504 the pressure range is 4 to 8 psi (0.30 to 0.55 BAR).

For models 306, 506 & 708 the pressure range is 4 to 10 psi (0.30 to 0.70 BAR).

For all others it is 4 to 15 psi (0.30 to 1.05 BAR).

10. Can T-Tape be recycled?

Yes. T-Tape is made of polyethylene that can be recycled into useful products such as nursery containers, speed bumps, park benches and peach bins. The tape must go through an extensive and expensive scrubbing process that rids it of dirt and chemical residue.

11. Can I buy T-Tape directly from the factory?

No. We have a network of dealers throughout the world that will provide growers with the T-Tape plus a variety of other products and services to assist you with your complete drip irrigation needs.  

12. Should I install the tape with the emitters facing up or facing down?

The emitters should always be installed facing up. The words "This side up" as well as product identification are printer directly on the T-Tape. If the emitters are installed facing down there is a possibility of plugging due to the fact that any fine sand or silt will settle to the bottom of the tape plugging the inlets.

13. Should I install T-Tape on top of the ground or underground?

It depends on the type of crops and on the growing practices. T-Tape is commonly buried at depths of 1 to 24 inches (2.5 to 60 cm). This will result in the following advantages:

• Reduced field damage from animals and workers in the field.
  
  
• Maintains the T-Tape in the proper location so it is not moved by wind or temperature fluctuations.
  
  
• Results in less surface evaporation of water, chemicals and fertilizers.
  
  
• More uniform placement of water, crop protection materials and nutrients at the plant root zone.

14. Is there equipment available for burying the T-Tape?

Yes. There are several manufacturers of high quality drip tape installation and retrieval equipment. The equipment ranges from a very basic configuration to very sophisticated designs that incorporate several functions such as mulch layers and planters.

15. Is it O.K. to install T-Tape under plastic mulch?

• Yes. Drip tape has been used under plastic mulch for many years. Certain precautions need to be taken.

• When using opaque plastic mulch one should be careful not to cut the tape when planting through the mulch.

• If using clear plastic mulch there exists the possibility of burning of the T-Tape by the sun’s rays being focused by water droplets formed on the underside of the plastic. It is advisable to completely bury the tape when used under clear plastic.

16. Are the T-Tape rolls easy to handle?

Yes. T-Tape rolls range in weight from 25 lbs to 85 lbs depending on tape diameter and wall thickness. Maximum reel diameter is a compact 20" (51cm).

17. How do I connect the T-Tape to my water lines? How do I close the ends of the T-Tape?

Several companies make quality fittings for use with tape products. Your nearest T-Tape dealer will be glad to provide these for you. There is an extensive line of fittings and a variety of ways to connect T-Tape to your water lines depending on the type of pipe being used. There are alternative ways of connecting without fittings by using small diameter polyethylene tubing and securing with wire ties. The ends can be closed by folding the tape and securing with a sleeve cut from the same tape.

18. What problems are associated with drip tape?

Drip tape is made from thin polyethylene material and is susceptible to damage from sharp edges on installation equipment, from hoes, and from insects and rodents. Good water maintenance is essential when using any drip irrigation product due to the fact that all drip products are comprised of tiny chambers that are susceptible to clogging.

19. Will the T-Tape plug?

Any drip irrigation product will plug if the water source is not filtered or if the product is not flushed regularly or if a maintenance program is not adopted.

20. How do I maintain the drip system to prevent plugging?

Periodic flushing of the filters, underground pipelines, and tape laterals will help prevent potential problems associated with emitter plugging. A maintenance program consisting of acid and chlorine treatments throughout the season will keep the tape laterals clear of contaminants.

21. Will soil compaction be a problem for buried tape?

It is not a problem if the tape is installed and used correctly. When the tape is installed below the ground surface the installation tool slices through the ground depositing a layer of soft soil above the tape that will eventually settle. If this soil consists of heavy clay it is advisable to run the system right away so that the tape forms a "tunnel" when it expands with the water pressure. This tunnel stays open to allow for the expansion of the tape when pressurized.

If the soil is allowed to dry excessively above the tape and if compaction occurs it is possible that the tape will not be able to expand properly.

22. How is root intrusion prevented?

Root intrusion can be minimized or prevented by avoiding water stress during the growing season. Roots can also be suppressed by injecting acid or using herbicides that kill the roots around the emitters without harming the plant.

23. What is soil ingestion and how can it be prevented?

Soil ingestion occurs when soil is drawn into the tape through the emitters. This is due to the vacuum that is caused by the negative pressure that happens inside the lateral when the water drains down a steep slope. Negative pressure occurs if there is no means of introducing air into the lateral to prevent a vacuum. Air/vacuum relief valves should be installed at all high points in a system. Air/vacuum relief valves help prevent soil ingestion by allowing air into the pipelines to prevent vacuums and exhausting air to avoid trapped air pockets.

24. When would acid be used in a drip irrigation system?

Acidification of the irrigation water may be necessary to treat iron or calcium precipitates. These precipitates can clog the emitter openings.

25. What is Layflat hose?

Layflat hose is a collapsible vinyl tubing that is connected to a control valve and is laid along the edge of a field. This hose carries the water to the drip tape laterals that are connected to it. The hose is made of woven material with a vinyl covering in colors such as blue, green and gray. It ranges in size from 1-1/2" to 8" (3.8 to 20cm). It is called "layflat" because it inflates when it is pressurized but lies flat when not pressurized. Farm equipment can travel across the layflat hose while in operation without damaging it. The hose is easily rolled up at the end of the crop season and moved to another location. Layflat hose usually lasts from 3 to 5 years before needing to be replaced.

26. What is OVAL HOSE or FLAT TUBE?

Oval Hose and Flat Tube are brand names for a collapsible polyethylene hose that is used in place of layflat hose. This hose does not completely collapse like the layflat hose but becomes an oval when not pressurized. Sizes range from 1-1/2" to 6" (3.8 to 15cm). This type of hose will last up to 10 years in use.

27. What is SPAGHETTI TUBING?

Spaghetti Tubing is a name for a small diameter tubing that is used to connect the T-Tape to the layflat hose and the oval hose/flat tube when fittings are not desired. This tubing is used in diameters from 1/8" to 3/8" (0.318 to 0.953cm) and cut into various lengths to regulate the pressure that goes into the T-Tape laterals.

28. What are WIRE TIES?

Wire ties are pieces of stainless steel wire about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) in length with loops at both ends. They are used to connect the T-Tape to the spaghetti tubing by wrapping around the tape and tubing and twisting with a tool that hooks into the wire loops.