Underdrain Tube Wall, Perforation Design and OBPA to Minimize Bio-Chemical Clogging

by H. W. Ford, Univ of Florida, United States,
W. E. Altermatt, Univ of Florida, United States,
N. F. Hamilton, Univ of Florida, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Planning Now for Irrigation and Drainage in the 21st Century

Abstract:

Bio-chemical clogging of underdrains has been most frequently associated with iron deposits (ochre). The underlying sticking agents have been a variety of bacteria and their exudates commonly called bioslimes. An organic compound known as OBPA was incorporated into the plastic compound during the manufacturing process. After 2-1/2 years of field trails, the incorporation of this compound into materials used in the manufacture of Bio-Flow tubing has shown significant benefits in reducing ochre sticking properties as well as delaying the deposition of hard crystalline ochre in the pipe and around the holes. Self-flushing of the underdrain will occur under sufficient drain flows. Studies are also in progress to assess the best placement of the biocide within the underdrain wall as well as to evaluate the efficacy of different base materials.

Subject Headings: Drainage | Pipe materials | Synthetic materials | Porous media | Organic compounds | Material properties | Base course

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