Hybrid Emitter And Method Of Integrating Emitters And Accessories Within Irrigation Pipe

Abstract

A hybrid emitter of low discharge for water or solutions is inserted and welded into a pipe during the production phase. The hybrid emitter bears at its convex and cylindrical surface local protrusions that are covered completely from the pipe which is swelled locally. The water exits preferably from two nozzles that are created within the protrusions by the cutting-off of the tips, which protrusions protrude and after cutting-off, said nozzles eject the water almost cross-wise to two opposite directions and at short discrete distances left and right of the pipe. A method for welding of emitters and accessories into a pipe where the emitter or the hybrid one with or without protrusions on the outer surface, are inserted into the pipe during its production phase.

Claims

1. A hybrid emitter of low discharge for irrigation water or solutions, adapted to be welded into a pipe during the pipe's production phase, comprising a bearing inlet filter, meandering path, exit channels, outlet openings at the end of the exit channels, and local protrusions emerging substantially above the convex surface of the emitter and the pipe, said protrusions bearing the outlet openings, wherein the pipe covers along with the convex surface and the protrusions, wherein the tips of the protrusions and the parts of the pipe covering them are cut off by a fraise in the production line, with the characteristic that the water outlet openings are two outlet nozzles of considerable length, said nozzles being created within the protrusions protruding considerably by ΔH over the outer surface of the pipe and after the cutting-off of the tips of the protrusions and the parts of the pipe covering them, said nozzles being formed at the end of exit channels of considerable length Le and both, the nozzle and the exit channel being of a cross-section equal or less than that of the meandering path, where the nozzles and their axes are crosswise to each other and perpendicularly positioned in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipe with said axes drawing symmetrical angles −α° and +α° left and right respectively of axis of symmetry Y; wherein the relation holds: Le=(8 to 20)*d, where d is the equivalent diameter of the cross-section, and Le the sum of the length of the exit channel plus the length of the nozzle.

2. The hybrid emitter according to claim 1, where the jets are led in two parallel planes.

3. The hybrid emitter according to claim 2, where the emitter is of linear form.

4. The hybrid emitter according to claim 1, where the emitter is of on-line or irregular form.

5. The hybrid emitter according to claim 1, where the emitter is of cylindrical form.

6. The hybrid emitter according to claim 1, where the emitter is of continuous form (tape type).

7. The hybrid emitter according to claim 1, wherein the emitter is of pressure compensated type consisting of three parts, the base the cover part and the membrane, wherein the water comes already controlled by the meandering path and the pressure compensation chamber through the communication opening, supplying the two exit channels and through them the nozzles.

8. A method for the welding and incorporation of hybrid emitters or accessories into the pipe during the production of the pipe, according to claim 1, wherein the pipe is calibrated by a fix calibrator, the emitters or accessories cover only a part of the periphery of the pipe protruding internally, the emitters or the accessories are welded into the pipe being compressed between the end of the fix internal guide and the elastic wheel, or endless elastic band, said wheel or endless band being arranged externally of the pipe at the end of the fix internal guide being driven by a motor mechanism and being rotating with the velocity V of the produced pipe, with the characteristic that the elastic wheels are two, arranged in continuous contact one opposite to the other and symmetrically to the central plane K, with their rotational axis being led in the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe said axis forming between them an angle of 45°-90°, where their treads are consisting of two adjacent and discrete zones, the conical internal one on which they are in continuous contact (rolling) to each other, and the main tread being a part of a ring torus with its revolving circle having the diameter of the extruded pipe and the said part of the rotating ring torus being in continuous contact and almost radial to a longitudinal zone of the outer cylindrical surface of the passing pipe.

9. The method for the welding and incorporation of hybrid emitters or accessories according to claim 8 where the wheels are placed under the pipe.

10. The method for the welding and incorporation of hybrid emitters or accessories according to claim 8, where the internal peripheral zones of the treads of the wheels are separated by a peripheral channel.

11. The method for the welding and incorporation of hybrid emitters or accessories according to claim 8, where the internal peripheral zones of the treads bear a widened extension.

12. The method for the welding and incorporation of hybrid emitters or accessories according to claim 8, where the composition of the internal peripheral zones of the treads of the elastic material of the wheel is made of a more elastic material.

13. A method for the cutting-off of the tips of the emitters according to claim 1, where the pipe is of thick wall thickness and the tips of the protrusions are cut-off by a rotating fraise bearing a concave cutting surface/profile during passing and pressing of the pipe through arrays of rollers arranged opposite to each other, with the characteristic that the pipe is kept round during the cutting phase maintaining its cylindrical and round form being compressed from all sides by an array of concave or cylindrical rollers, and where the tips are cut-off by a fraise of circular cutting profile/surface being almost equal to the circumference of the pipe and being corresponding to an angle of about 120°, said fraise bearing almost radially arranged cutting blades of conical cutting profile where all the radial sections of said blades, and at its entire cutting surface/profile, provide cutting angles equal to each other.

14. The method for the cutting-off of the tips of the emitters according to claim 13, where the fraises are three being peripherally arranged with their axis forming angles of 120°.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates the typical arrangement of an irrigation installation with main and lateral pipes and hybrid emitters, known emitters, micro-sprinklers, micro-base, micro-connectors, etc.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates the plan view of a linear non pressure compensated hybrid emitter with two independent paths and two nozzles at the middle of the emitter.

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-section A-A of the hybrid emitter of FIG. 2 with a part of the attached pipe.

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-section B-B of the hybrid emitter of FIG. 2 with part of the attached pipe.

[0059] FIG. 4a illustrates a hybrid emitter with the nozzles located at the same vertical level.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates the plan view of a linear asymmetrical hybrid emitter with two outlet openings on one end and two independent meandering paths.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates the plan view of a linear hybrid emitter with two distant water outlet openings, one on each end of it.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates the plan view of a linear self-compensated hybrid emitter.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates the cross-section C-C of the hybrid emitter of FIG. 7 with part of the attached pipe.

[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates the plan view of a hybrid emitter of on-line type suitable for attachment into the pipe, without its cover part.

[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates the cross-section D-D of the hybrid emitter of FIG. 9 with part of the attached pipe.

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates schematically a variation where the hybrid emitter is cylindrical.

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates for comparison means the arrangement of an installation at a field with dripline pipe systems of the state of the art, along with corresponding arrangements of pipes and hybrid emitters of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates a typical emitter of the state of the art with local protrusion suitable for attachment into the pipe.

[0069] FIG. 19 illustrates an arrangement of incorporating an accessory (emitter, mini-base, etc.) into the pipe at its production phase with the elastic wheels positioned under the pipe.

[0070] FIG. 15 illustrates a variation of the arrangement for the incorporation of accessories (emitter, mini-base, etc.) into the pipe with the elastic wheels positioned over the pipe.

[0071] FIG. 16 illustrates the cross-section 6-6 of the arrangement of FIG. 15.

[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates the plan view of the elastic wheels of FIG. 15 with the passing through swollen pipe.

[0073] FIG. 18 illustrates the cross-section 8-8 of the elastic wheels with the passing through swollen pipe of FIG. 17.

[0074] FIG. 19 illustrates a detail of the compression for welding of an emitter with a local protrusion, at a place away and after the local protrusion, where the convex surface of the emitter is smooth.

[0075] FIG. 20 illustrates a variation of the elastic wheels with the internal zones of the wheel's tread been separated from the main tread by a peripheral channel.

[0076] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternation of the elastic wheels with their internal peripheral narrow zones of tread bearing a concave and more elastic profile.

[0077] FIG. 22 illustrates a variation of the method of two wheels applied to the classic linear emitter of the state of the art with smooth convex surface at its entire.

[0078] FIG. 23 illustrates a variation of the method of a simple wheel of the state of the art with smooth concave tread for the incorporation into the pipe of an emitter with protrusions.

[0079] FIG. 24 illustrates a variation of the method of a wheel with peripheral channel of the state of the art for the incorporation into the pipe of an emitter with protrusions.

[0080] FIG. 25 illustrates a detail of the elastic wheel of FIG. 24 with the pressure forces, the peripheral velocities and the forces that are developed at the phase of compression.

[0081] FIG. 26 illustrates the side view of a cutting fraise for cylindrical hybrid emitters or pipes that must remain cylindrical during the cutting-off.

[0082] FIG. 27 illustrates the cross-section E-E of the cutting fraise of FIG. 26.

[0083] FIG. 27a illustrates the manufacturing process of the cutting blade by a cutting tool of conical shape.

[0084] FIG. 28 illustrates an arrangement where both cutting fraises and rollers peripherally positioned every 120° for pipes that are not allowed to be compressed due to their thick wall thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] FIG. 1, illustrates a typical irrigation installation with: main pipe 1, dripline pipes 2, lateral pipes 4, hybrid emitters, emitters of internally welded (in-line) linear type in general (14, 40) 3, emitters of on-line type 5, in-line welded mini-bases for couplings, adaptors, etc. 13, micro-connectors (nipples) 11, micro-tubes 8, micro-sprinklers 6, saddles 9, couplings 10, end plugs 12.

[0086] In-line emitters could be: a) linear (flat) with smooth convex surface 3, or b) linear (flat) with local protrusions 14, both of which of the state of the art, as well as: c) linear (flat) hybrid emitters 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, or cylindrical hybrid emitters 66 with local protrusions 45 and 70 respectively, of the present invention.

[0087] The dripline pipes 2 and the lateral pipes 4 are applied along the row of trees and plants 7. The lateral pipes 4 bear incorporated mini-bases of couplings 13 and the on-line emitters 5, or feed the micro-sprinklers 8. The connection of on-line emitters 5 is performed externally, either directly by means of incorporated mini-bases 13 of the lateral pipes 4, or indirectly through micro-connectors (nipples) 11 and micro-tubes 8 that are connected also on the incorporated mini-bases for couplings 13.

[0088] FIG. 2,3,4 illustrate the plan view of the cross-section A-A and B-B respectively of a linear non-pressure compensated hybrid emitter 40 of preferably low discharge rate suitable for welding internally of a lateral feeding pipe 2. In the center and directly over the external cylindrical surface 24 of the hybrid emitter 40 are emerged characteristic protrusions 45 of considerable height. The hybrid emitter 40 is double, featuring double water inlet filters 41, two independent meandering paths 42, as well as two exit channels 43 that comprise the continuation of the meandering paths 43. The channels 43 connect the meandering paths with the two outlet nozzles 44 of the water that are formed in the interior of the protrusions 45. The protrusions 45 are emerged directly over the external cylindrical convex surface of the hybrid emitter bearing slightly inclined side walls 23.

[0089] The water supply of the nozzles 44 from the exit channels 43 is done preferably vertically to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and the emitter. The outlet openings are created by the cutting-off of the tips of the protrusions 45 that continue to considerably protrude even after the cutting-off of the tips.

[0090] In the known, from drip irrigation, meandering path dominates turbulent flow, enabling the effective pressure drop (pressure elimination) causing the drastic limitation of the water exit velocity and therefore the limitation of the water discharge.

[0091] At the present invention which regards hybrid emitters of low discharge, similar to the discharge of the known drip irrigation, there are specific differentiations, such as: a) the total length and b) the cross-section of the new meandering path is calculated and designed such a way, in order not to be eliminated the total available grid pressure and the water to exit in the form of drops (similar to drip irrigation), but allowing for a part of the hydraulic pressure always to be available and adequate of ejecting water with suitable velocity in the form of fine jet and of specific and stable parabolic trajectory at a small and specific distance (range) 3-30 cm, without touching-leaking the pipe walls.

[0092] The optimal range is varied and is designed separate for every case according to the: composition of the soil, the application, and the required wetted soil surface or volume. The stable trajectory and the continuous shape of flow is supported by the fact that the flow after the meandering path 42 is totally converted from turbulent to laminar within the considerable length of the narrow exit channel 43 and the form of the nozzles 44 that follow. It is important the fact, that the protrusions 45 along with the nozzles 44 continue to protrude considerably by ΔH over the pipe's surface and after the cutting-off of their tips, in order to create the water outlet openings. The cutting-off is performed along with the part of the pipe that convers them.

[0093] It should be noted that a certain length of exit channel 43 after the meandering path is required in order for the laminar flow to be completely developed. The “entrance length” Le, i.e. the total length of the exit channel 43 after the meandering path where the laminar flow acquires 99% of its full profile, has to be equal to (8-20)*d. The relation holds: Le=(8-20)*d. Where d is the equivalent diameter of the cross-section, and Le the sum of the length of the exit channel 43 plus the length of the nozzle 44. These prerequisites are guaranteed at the present invention since the meandering paths are shorter in comparison to the corresponding ones of the emitters of the state of the art, and thus there is sufficient available length left and right of the protrusions in order to the water exit channels 43 to be developed. In some cases this sufficient length could not be a mandatory prerequisite, since there are meandering paths where the flow is not totally turbulent, the pressure is not completely throttled and eliminated and therefore the flow jet could be in the adequate jet form even with smaller length of exit channel 43. The exit channels 43 have preferably the same or narrower cross-section in comparison to the meandering paths 42, while the nozzles 44 that follow have preferably converging shape in order to supplementary increase the velocity, if needed. This is happening in case where the exit channels 43, for protection reasons against clogging and mainly for direct conversion to the laminar flow, are designed more spacious than they should have been, and as a result the velocity drops and is not high enough.

[0094] The water is ejected from the two cross-wise arranged nozzles 44 with two discrete and diverging jets to parabolic trajectories that move preferably on two parallel levels vertical to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The trajectories start from two symmetrical angles +α° and −α° left and right of the axis of symmetry Y, or of the projection of the radius of the cross-section of the pipe that pass through the two points of the water outlet.

[0095] The limitation of the phenomenon of the dispersion of the water in very fine particles due to the resistance of the air (the main issue by all the known micro-sprinklers), is the main characteristic and feature of the present invention. For this reason the water ejection is performed with only one jet for every nozzle, at a minimum height and a small distance from the soil in order for the jet on one hand not to be disturbed and on the other the water moving into the soil to follow the expected laws of drip irrigation. A characteristic of the present invention is: a) the assurance of the required range of the trajectory, b) the preservation of the consistency of the water to its trajectory towards the soil (avoiding the phenomenon of the dispersion), and c) the maintenance of the character of low water discharge of the drip irrigation.

[0096] For this reason it is sought the optimum combination of the parameters mentioned below: a) the magnitude (%) of the pressure drop of the available grid's pressure in the meandering path 41, b) the length and the cross-section of the exit channel 43, c) the geometry, the progressive reduction of the cross-section (convergent) and the length (or height ΔH) of the raised part of the nozzle 44, and d) the final cross-section of the tip of the nozzle after the cutting-off.

[0097] In comparison to the corresponding drip irrigation emitter of the same nominal discharge and of the same available grid pressure, the new hybrid emitter 40, will have certainly shorter total length of meandering parts and thus shall require a shorter surface and size of the emitter, but most certainly a more spacious cross-section of meandering path 42 for the protection against clogging. The above, as a consequence of the fact that intensive pressure drop is not required.

[0098] In the present invention, in case of an unforeseen event that one of the two jets is launched vertically, and to its downward trajectory/motion it happens to fall again over the pipe's surface, its fall shall have considerable both velocity and kinetic energy and due to its solid jet the most of the water amount shall not remain on the pipe's surface but rather vertically continue towards the soil without any leaking on the pipe surface. It is obvious that the second jet shall follow an almost horizontally trajectory over the soil, where even on this unforeseen case the result is not far from the targeted and expected.

[0099] In cases of high grid pressure, and in order to avoid uncontrollable range of the trajectories, a pressure regulator 75 (FIG. 12) is installed at the begging of the lateral pipe.

[0100] FIG. 4a illustrates the hybrid emitter with the nozzles 44 to be located at the same vertical level.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates the plan view of a linear non-pressure compensated asymmetrical hybrid emitter 40a with two water outlet openings 44 and two independent meandering paths 42. The hybrid emitter is deemed asymmetrical, since the protrusion 45, is located at its one end.

[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates the plan view of a linear hybrid emitter 40b with two completely independent and distant water outlet openings 44, one at each of its ends, guaranteeing even further the decentralized location and the more effective soil surface wetting.

[0103] The same variations could be used also for the pressure compensated hybrid emitters:

[0104] FIG. 7,8 illustrates the plan view and the cross-section C-C respectively of a linear pressure compensated hybrid emitter 40c, with the protrusions 45 and the two nozzles 44 formed internally to the protrusions 45. The hybrid emitter 40c is complex and consists in general from three parts: the base 47, the cover part 48 and the elastic membrane 49. The hybrid emitter through the membrane 49 and the meandering path (is located in the interior of the hybrid emitter 40c and is not illustrated in the specific designs) maintains a constant discharge for a large range of water grid pressures. The principle of operation is known to the drip irrigation. The water from the meandering path and the pressure compensation chamber 50 feeds the two exit channels 50 through the communication opening 51. The new membrane system 49 and the new meandering path of the present invention is distinguishing from the drip irrigation since it maintains a specific pressure and therefore a water outlet velocity, adequate to develop two diverging parabolic trajectories, similar as described at the non-pressure compensated hybrid emitters 40, 40a, 40b. Otherwise the hybrid emitter 40c keeps all the main characteristic features of the previous ones, as such the complete covering of the protrusions 45 that are based directly onto the convex surface 24, along with the covering from the pipe 2 and the process of the creating of the outlet openings onto the pipe by the cutting-off of the tips of the nozzles 44.

[0105] FIG. 9 illustrates the plan view of the base 60 of the hybrid emitter 40d of on-line type but suitably formed for attachment in the interior of the pipe, while FIG. 10 illustrates the cross-section D-D of the hybrid emitter 40d along with the cover part 61 and the part of the attached pipe 2. There are two filters 62, two meandering paths 63, and two outlet openings 64 with angles +α° and −α°, left and right respectively, through the protrusion 65. At another variation the hybrid emitter 40d could bear the known support and water supply nozzle 60a (dashed lines on the design) in order not to be welded inside, but fixed onto the pipe even as an on-line hybrid emitter.

[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates schematically another variation where the hybrid emitter 66 is cylindrical. In this case the hybrid emitter bears the filters 67, the meandering paths 68, the exit channels 69, the protrusions 70, and the nozzles 71 at angles +α° and −α°, similarly to the previously mentioned variations. The differences are that the protrusions 70: a) are developed preferably peripherally on both ends of length La of the hybrid emitter, and b) there are might be more than two, uniformly arranged on the same periphery.

[0107] The cylindrical hybrid emitter 66 could be also pressure compensated. At this case, as well as in the case of the respective linear hybrid emitter 40c (FIG. 7,8) the discharge and the water final outlet velocity is controlled continuously and automatically by a modified meandering path, a modified elastic membrane and a compensation chamber, similar to the above mentioned 40c. As far as the respective exit channels 53 and the corresponding communication opening 51 are concerned, are both similar to FIG. 7,8. As far as the protrusions are concerned with the associated nozzles, they are similar with the protrusions 70 and the nozzles 71 of the corresponding simple cylindrical hybrid emitter 66.

[0108] The nozzles 71 are created by the cutting-off of the tips of the protrusions 70 along with the attached part of the pipe 25 that covers them, but remains a very important part of the height ΔH, that remain protruding beyond the surface of the pipe.

[0109] It is obvious that the discharge of the hybrid emitter 40 could be considerably higher in relation to the corresponding low discharge of the drip irrigation emitters and to approach those of the micro-sprinklers in order to the water to be ejected with steady and discrete trajectories to greater ranges.

[0110] In another variation the hybrid emitter could bear a third nozzle 44v between the two inclined nozzles 44 with the difference that this one would be vertical over the convex surface of the hybrid emitter 40 and the pipe, ejecting vertically the water between the other two. (Not drawn).

[0111] In another variation there could be one and only outlet with a single nozzle vertical to the hybrid emitter and the pipe. (Not drawn).

[0112] In another variation instead of a single couple of nozzles there could be plenty more. At this case the discharge of the hybrid emitter would be significantly higher in comparison to the corresponding low discharge of the known drip irrigation emitter. (Not drawn)

[0113] At another variation there could be a common meandering path 42 with two exit channels 43 that would feed the outlet nozzles 44. (Not drawn).

[0114] It is obvious that there could be developed with combinations more variations.

[0115] FIG. 12 illustrates for comparison reasons three application's arrangements: a) an application of dripline pipes 72 and drip irrigation emitters 73 of the general state of the art, and b) and c) two more applications of lateral pipes 74 both with hybrid emitters 40 of the present invention. The three arrangements are developed to three consecutive zones-lanes of cultivated fields of surfaces (a), (b), and (c) respectively. The distances (D.sub.1) between the drip irrigation emitters 73 as well as between the hybrid emitters 40, are the same for all the arrangements a), b) and c). For comparison purposes, the distances L.sub.1 are also the same, between the driplines 72 of the state of the art (case a), as well as between the laterals 74 of the new hybrid emitters 40 (cases b). But at the zone (c) the distances between the laterals 74 are doubled: 2×L.sub.1. We also assume for simplification purposes that the range of the hybrid emitters 40 is equal to the L.sub.1/3 (or 0.33L.sub.1).

[0116] At the begging of all dripline pipes there are pressure regulators 75 for the control and limitation of the grid pressure at predefined limits.

[0117] The footprint of the wetted area 76 of the soil displays an almost equal circular surface, and the total wetted surface is exactly the same for all cases since the discharge of the hybrid emitters 40 is chosen to be double compared to the discharge of the drip irrigation emitters 73, in order for the drip irrigation emitters 73 and every one of the two trajectories of the hybrid emitters to have the same discharge.

[0118] The difference between the state of the art and the present invention regards the percentage of wetted surface of the soil for the same number of rows both of the classic driplines 72 and the laterals 74 with the hybrid emitters 40. We can observe that for the same conditions, the total wetted surface is double in the case of the present invention as it is obvious from the comparison of the zones (a) and (b). It is certain that wetting is more decentralized and presents a greater dispersion of the total wetted points-areas 76 (doubled) and better allocation, a very important advantage for drip irrigation.

[0119] From the comparison between the zones (a) and (c), it is also obvious that the number of irrigation rows-laterals of the present invention could, for the same surface coverage and dispersion, be reduced almost to half. Given that the cost of the driplines and the pipelines in general constitutes about the 80% of the total cost of an irrigation installation, the total cost of the installation could be drastically reduced.

[0120] Regarding the Method of Welding and Integration.

[0121] FIG. 13 illustrates a typical known emitter 14 (or even a hybrid emitter 40 of the present invention) with the local protrusions 18 (or 45 of the hybrid emitter 40), the meandering path that are developed left and right, and the central longitudinal zone of width M which includes the protrusions. This particular zone M apart from the protrusions, includes the zones A and B with the transversally arranged connection parts of the meandering paths 41b. It is clear that for proper function of the emitters (or the hybrid ones) a uniform compression throughout the entire convex surface 24 (without exceptions and with the central zone and the protrusions included) and a sealed welding is required.

[0122] FIG. 14 illustrates an arrangement of the insertion and incorporation of an accessory into the pipe. The accessory at this particular case is an in-line linear emitter 14 or a hybrid one 40 of FIG. 13, that bears local protrusions 18,45 on its convex surface 24, that is being inserted in the vacuum bath 15, or its pre-chamber where generally higher temperatures and moderate negative pressures prevail in comparison to the main bath.

[0123] The pipe 2 is extruded from a cross-head (not drawn) and is inserted to the bath 15 and comes to contact with the cooling water and the fix calibrator 16. All the emitters 14, or the hybrid ones 40, with their protrusions 18, 45, are inserted into the pipe 2 being arranged in an array with the same orientation and preferably in contact to each other. A couple of endless feeding bands (caterpillar) outside the cross-head (not drawn) is pushing the emitters (or the hybrid ones 40) through an opening of the fix internal guide 19 in the interior of the fix calibrator 16 with a specific velocity V.sub.1 until they meet the extruded pipe 2 of velocity V.

[0124] Almost at the end of the fix calibrator 16, in contact and under the passing through pipe 2, an arrangement of elastic wheels 20 is installed.

[0125] The wheels 20 are two independent elastic ones with rotational axis that draw between them an angle of α° preferably 45°-90°, and are driven by a special motor, or motors with constant peripheral velocity V, equal to the respective velocity of the extruded pipe 2.

[0126] The emitter 14, or the hybrid one 40 is attached initially by its proceeded tip 14.sub.1 and by the protrusion 18, 45 and is welded slightly into the pipe 2 where the following phases take place:

[0127] The emitter 14 is carried over by the pipe, is accelerated reaching the velocity V of the pipe 2, while the emitter is rotated on the inclined level 19a at an angle β° around its proceeded tip 14.sub.1, is dragged by the wheels 20, and is compressed between the wheels and the horizontal level 26, that is developed after the inclined level 19a of the fix internal guide 19. It is then leveled horizontally onto the level 26, its protrusion 18, 45 submerges in the walls of the pipe 2 swelling it, while the simultaneous compression exerted between the wheels 20 and the horizontal level 26 of the guide is attaching tightly and reliably the emitter and its protrusions at the walls of the pipe.

[0128] In another variation the insertion of emitters and their initial attachment into the passing through pipe 2 could be performed well before the vacuum baths 15, i.e. already inside the cross-head of the extruder where the temperature is higher. The final compression could take place later on within the bath by the wheels. Not drawn.

[0129] FIG. 15 illustrates another variation where the emitters 14, or the hybrid ones 40 are inserted in the area of the internal guide 19.sub.1 which is inverted on this particular variation. The guide 19.sub.1 similarly to the corresponding design 19, develops in succession three levels: a horizontal one 25, an inclined 19.sub.a and a second horizontal elevated level 26 at its end.

[0130] Both wheels 20 are placed and rotate over the pipe 2. The emitter 14, or the hybrid one 40, are forwarded preferably in contact to each other in an array and take over the entire horizontal level 25 of the fix internal guide 19.sub.1 up to the inclined level 19.sub.a. Immediately when the first emitter comes in contact with the hot passing through pipe 2 is separated from the others, pivoting at an angle β° around its preceding tip 14.sub.1 and attaches itself as already known internally to the pipe being compressed between the wheels 20 and the second horizontal level 26 of the fix internal guide 19.sub.1.

[0131] FIG. 16 illustrates the cross-section 6-6 of FIG. 15.

[0132] FIG. 17,18 illustrate a plan view and a cross-section 8-8 respectively of the elastic wheels' 20 system of the FIG. 15 with the pipe 2, the emitter 14, or the hybrid one 40, and the protrusion 18, 45 at the phase of compression. The profile of the main tread 21 of the elastic wheels 20 has lightly concave shape that matches the periphery of the pipe 2. The pressure p exerted from the main tread 21 of the wheels 20 on the pipe 2 is almost radial (vertical to the pipe surface) with the peripheral velocities of all the points of the profile of the treads 21, being equal, a fact that ensures the constant compression at the entire surface. Since the internal peripheral narrow zones/edges 22 of the main treads 21 of the wheels touch each other over the surface of the pipe 2 and over the symmetry level K, are receding slightly at the areas of the protrusions embracing and pressing vertically the inclined sides 23 of the protrusions 18,45 ensuring a reliable welding even at the more difficult and inaccessible places such as the points A.sub.1 and B.sub.1 just before and after the protrusion 18,45, on the central zone M of the convex surface 24.

[0133] In the FIG. 18 is shown the characteristic profile of the pressure development and distribution p both at the center 21 as well as in the internal peripheral zones 22 of the tread of the wheel that are in contact to each other along the symmetry axis X and on the level K.

[0134] Due to the radial (vertical) pressure action on the convex surface 24 and simultaneously the almost vertical pressure on the inclined sides 23 of the protrusions 18,45, it is ensured that: a) gapless and completely tight welding of the meandering paths 35 that are engraved on the convex surface 24 of the emitter 14, or the hybrid one 40, b) the exertion of horizontal forces P.sub.H (components of the radial force P) from both sides over the protrusions 18,45 that exerts torques aligning continuously the emitter and the protrusions with the axis of symmetry X and with the vertical level K.

[0135] It is characteristic that the action of aligning forces P.sub.H initiates before the point of the contact between the two wheels, immediately when the protrusion 18,45 (in case it is not moving already on a straight line) presents the slightest deviation, and touches one of the two wheels first. This wheel will then exerts immediately the forces P.sub.H aligning and automatically directing the emitter and the protrusions towards the axis X and towards the vertical level K. This process will be continuously repeated.

[0136] FIG. 19 illustrates a detail showing one more crucial feature of the present invention, the uniform compression of the emitter even at the difficult and inaccessible area direct before and after the local protrusion 18,45 where the convex surface 24 is smooth. Meaning the areas A.sub.1 & B.sub.1 of the central zone M (FIG. 17).

[0137] Since the two peripheral frontal surfaces 22 are in contact, or are compressing each other at the vertical level K, the compression and welding of the convex surface 24 is not showing any irregularity, since the two wheels 20 are acting at this area as a “single wheel” of a slightly concave profile. But with the crucial difference (in comparison to the single one) that the two wheels are compressing at the same time radially (vertically on the surface) from right and left the convex surface 24, simultaneously aligning in a complementary way the emitter and the pipe with the axis X and the vertical level K, ensuring aligning, and uniform and perfect welding in addition.

[0138] It is characteristic that the entire irregular surface of the emitter is compressed vertically and uniformly even at the hardest to reach areas A.sub.1, B.sub.1 (FIG. 17), with the magnitude of compression (deformation) of the elastic material of the wheels to be minimal and uniform at all the points of the surfaces of the tread.

[0139] FIG. 20 illustrates a variation of the wheels 27 with the internal peripheral narrow zones 22 to be split from the main treads 21 by a peripheral channel 28.

[0140] FIG. 21 illustrates a variation of the wheels 29 where the internal peripheral narrow zones 30 of the main treads 21 bear a concave and more elastic profile.

[0141] It is obvious that a large number of variations of geometric shapes and peripheral zones of the treads may occur, as well as the treads themselves. More over there might be shapes where the zone 22 bears radial grooves in order to locally increase the elasticity. Not drawn.

[0142] At another variation of the wheels the internal peripheral narrow zones/edges of the main treads 21 are made from different, more elastic material.

[0143] FIG. 22 illustrates a variation of the wheels 20 of the present invention applied for the attachment of the simple classic known linear emitter 3 of the state of the art with smooth convex surface without any protruding parts. Besides the two wheels are behaving (similarly to already discussed in the FIG. 19) as a “single one” and much more advantageous in addition.

[0144] FIG. 23 illustrates a variation of the application of a simple elastic wheel 33 of the state of the art bearing a simple concave tread by attachment into the pipe of a linear emitter 14, or a hybrid one 40, with protruding parts. In the design is shown the concave profile with the strong characteristic unequal distribution of the pressures p at the center and the peripheral zones of the surface of the wheel. The dashed line on the top part of the wheel illustrates the deformation of the tread and the gaps of welding created from the uneven exertion of pressure, while the full line shows for comparison the profile of the wheel uncompressed. It is obvious that the points: a) 18.sub.c right and left from the bases of the protrusions and b) the places A & B and the points A.sub.1 & B.sub.1 just before and after the protrusions 18,45 and the entire central zone M as well (compared also FIG. 17) are not going to be compressed.

[0145] FIG. 24 illustrates a variation of the application of a different wheel 34 of the state of the art for the attachment into the pipe of a linear emitter 14, or hybrid one 40, with protruding parts. The wheel 34 bears at its center a deep peripheral channel 35. In the design is shown the characteristic profile with the strong unequal distribution of pressures p at the center and the peripheral zones of the surface of the wheel. It is obvious that the emitter 14 has to move perfectly aligned with the middle of the pipe and that the areas A and B of the zone M and especially the points A.sub.1 & B.sub.1 before and after the protrusions 18,45 (FIG. 17) will not be compressed.

[0146] FIG. 25 illustrates a detail of the profile of the pressure's development at the surface of the wheel 34 of FIG. 24. The pressures p that exert from the periphery of the elastic wheel over its contact area with the pipe 2, even though they have the same vertical direction, are neither the same (as shown in the profile at FIG. 23) nor exerting the same welding pressure on all the points. One component of the vertical pressure p, is radial p.sub.r, compressing the pipe over the convex surface 24 of the emitter 14, or the hybrid one 40 causing a significant welding, while the other p.sub.p, is of peripheral direction with tendency to cause displacement and distancing (slipping) of the walls from the convex surface 24 of the emitter, thinning locally the pipe, a fact that affects negative the welding, the uniformity of the wall thickness, tampers the characteristics and reduces the overall durability of the anyway extremely thin pipe. This distortion and tampering is proportional to the size of the peripheral arc occupied by the attached emitter as well as to the size, to the height and to the arc occupied by the local protrusions 18, 45. It is also obvious that the pressures and their components are different at the center and the periphery of the wheel 34. The following relation holds: p.sub.1>p.sub.2>p.sub.3, and similarly p.sub.r1>p.sub.r2>p.sub.r3, while also the reverse holds: p.sub.p1<p.sub.p2<p.sub.p3. The pressure p.sub.po being exerted onto the inclined side surface of the protrusions has no peripheral component that could be able to align the emitter with the axis of the pipe. It is obvious also that the difference between the peripheral velocities of the different zones of the tread of the wheel 34 due to the huge difference on diameters d.sub.1, d.sub.2, d.sub.3, affect negatively the uniform exertion of pressure onto the pipe and cause uncontrollable conditions and detachments at high production velocities and thin wall thickness pipes 2.

[0147] At another variation instead of two wheels 20, it could be installed a system of two endless elastic bands drawing an angle of almost 90° between them and are driven by one or two motors. The difference regarding the respective system of the two wheels is that the pressure acts simultaneously at a greater surface along the length of the emitter (Not drawn).

[0148] The same method can be used for the attachment of mini-bases 13 internally to the lateral pipes 4 utilized for the support of on-line emitters 5, micro-connectors (nipples) 11, etc. of FIG. 1. (WO 2012/12031712 A2).

[0149] The same method can be used for the welding emitters with protruding parts that are not being cutting-off at their tip for the creation of water outlet openings, but the openings are created between or around the protrusions by slicing the walls of the pipe at the production phase.

[0150] It is obvious that the incorporation system may be used successfully for non-linear emitters, of completely irregular and non-symmetrical form.

[0151] It is obvious that may be created new variations with the combination of the aforementioned, as well as the use of the method for the variations where the emitter being attached is of continuous shape (tape type). Not drawn.

[0152] Regarding the Method of Cutting-Off of the Tips.

[0153] A cutting device is added at the production line for the automatic cutting-off of the tips of the protruding parts and part of the pipe and the emitter, or the hybrid one, for the creation of the outlet openings.

[0154] FIG. 26,27 illustrate two side views of a cutting fraise 77 for protrusions of cylindrical emitters (or of cylindrical hybrid ones 66) and linear hybrid ones 14,40 and in general dripline pipes 2, or laterals 25 that due to their thick wall thickness are not allowed to be compressed and flattened at the phase of cutting-off of the tips. The fraise 77 bears teeth-blades 77a almost radially arranged with a circular cutting profile. The profile, which is conical at the same time, ensures the same exactly cutting behavior on all points of the periphery (the arc corresponding to the central angle β°) of the cutting profile 77b of the blade 77a. Meaning, that all the typical cutting blade angles, e.g.: rake angle γ°, clearance angle δ′, wedge angle ε°, are the same for all the radial cross-sections of the cutting profile/blade. Therefore all the radial cross-sections E1-E1, E2-E2, E3-E3, etc. of the blade 77a, have the same profile with the cross-section E-E. This conical cutting profile may be created, if the cutting surface 77b is manufactured by a conical cutting tool 82 of conical angle 180°-2δ° as depicted at FIG. 27a.

[0155] With this system are completely covered all the possible movements-rotations of the dripline pipes 2, and laterals 25 and the subsequent movements of the protrusions 77,45,18 left and right from the vertical axis Z (FIG. 28). Notice: the extruded pipe rotates and wobbles continuously slightly around its longitudinal axis, either way left or right, during its production phase.

[0156] It is obvious that fraises 77 could also be manufactured from solid metal with teeth instead of the attached blades 77a, similarly the cutting shape could be of simple concave form and not of a conical one, and without the ability of the same cutting behavior on the entire profile-arc of the cutting surface.

[0157] FIG. 28 illustrates an array of 3 cutting fraises 77. The fraises 77 are peripherally positioned in order to cover the entire periphery, since at cylindrical pipes it is not possible to maintain the protrusion 70,45 exactly on the vertical axis of symmetry Z when the emitter reaches the cutting station. The rotational axis 78 and 77, are not required to be located all at the same level, but there might be displaced in parallel along the length of the longitudinal axis of the pipe, keeping the angle of 120° between them.

[0158] In another variation there could be only one or only two cutting fraises. At this case the missing fraises are substituted by a set of equal amount of rollers 83 exactly at the same positions having the same geometry and same concave profile in order to maintain the completely cylindrical shape and the support during cutting.

[0159] The pipe before and after the cutting is moving and guiding in a straight line between an array of simple rollers, rotating freely: under, on the sides and over the pipe, providing direct support and correcting any imperfections of the circular cross-section of the pipe.

[0160] Similar arrangements with the peripheral arranged rollers at angles of 120° are present before and after the cutting place in order to maintain the circular shape of the pipe. Some of the rollers bear elastic coating treads in order to allow the passing through of the protrusions before the cutting, along with their remaining protruded parts (ΔH) after it.