
15
SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS ..........................................................................
Proper irrigation system design and operation assures opti-
mum performance of the Flow-Clik in monitoring for poten-
tial high flow conditions. It is important to understand that
the Flow-Clik is primarily designed to shut off the irrigation
system in the event of a catastrophic system failure such as
a main line or lateral line break. However, depending upon
the design of the irrigation system, the Flow-Clik can offer
increased protection when components such as sprays
or rotors are damaged or removed due to vandalism. The
following may be helpful in making your Flow-Clik System
operate at its optimum level.
Proper Irrigation System Design
Generally, the Flow-Clik is designed to shut off the irriga-
tion system when a high flow condition is identified. A high
flow occurs when the actual flow rate through the system
exceeds the “learned” flow of the highest flow zone. If a
wide variation in flow rates exist between the highest flow
zone and the lowest flow zone, the Flow-Clik may not sense
an over flow condition if damage occurs within the low
flow zone(s). For example, if an irrigation system has a
rotor zone that operates at 18.9 GPM, and a drip zone that
flows at 5 GPM; any damage to the drip zone components
may not result in high enough flow rate for the Flow-Clik to
sense an over flow condition.
The more balanced the irrigation system is designed, the
more protection will be provided by the Flow-Clik. Zones
should be designed so that they operate at similar flow
rates.
Mainline Pressure Fluctuation
Some water sources may have varying pressure depending
upon the demand for water upstream of the point of con-
nection. During times of heavy demand, system pressure
through the mainline may drop. A decrease in mainline
pressure will result in a decrease in flow rates throughout
the system. If the Flow-Clik calibration procedure takes
place during a period of time which pressure is at its lowest
point, an increase in pressure at the point of connection
may result in system flow rates that exceed the calibrated
“high flow”. As a result, the Flow-Clik may shut the system
down prematurely even though the system is functioning
normally.