Irrigation Systems

The first innovation in portable solid-set irrigation in 40 years, Certa-Set is leak-proof, corrosion-resistant, easy to install and reuse, suitable for mechanization, and loaded with innovative features.

CertainTeed has manufactured polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping systems for mining and industrial applications for nearly 30 years. Now we’ve applied the experience gained in these demanding environments to the needs of the row crop and turf grass grower - and the innovative Certa-Set Portable Irrigation Piping System is the result. Certa-Set has features that no other irrigation piping system, aluminium or plastic, can offer, backed by a company known around the world for quality and innovation.

Certa-Set is designed to provide a portable solid-set irrigation system with nothing less than total reliability. The polyvinyl chloride from which Certa-Set laterals and couplings are made is virtually impervious to the effects of sunlight, electrolysis, chemicals and fertilizers. The patented Certa-Set sled coupling is designed to eliminate leakage during start-up, operation and shutdown, while ensuring the risers remain upright (even during mechanical handling).

Certa-Set is a highly efficient above-ground portable irrigation piping system that offers extensive advantages over traditional aluminium irrigation products.

Corrosion Resistance

Polyvinyl chloride simply cannot pit or corrode, under any circumstances. Certa-Set will not deteriorate due to electrolysis or injection of fertilizers or chemicals, even copper based products. Some row crop and turf grass growers are experiencing problems with their aluminium systems dut to corrosion from fertilizers and chemicals. Growers who use Certa-Set don’t need to worry about the effects of corrosion on their irrigation system.

Certa-Set Sled Coupling

Our patented sled coupling is specifically designed to solve two chronic problems with aluminium coupling systems: leaky joints and unreliable performance (risers tipping over, joints coming apart during operation, etc).

Leak-proof Operation

To help eliminate leaks, we have designed the coupling to incorporate the performance proven Certa-Lok restrained joint. Two flexible O-rings in the joint provide a watertight hydraulic pressure seal where pipe laterals connect to the sled coupling. This eliminates the problems (bacteria and fungal disease, uneven water pressure, weeds) that occur when water leaks from the joint and pools underneath aluminium couplings. In the Certa-Set sled coupling’s riser quick connect cap, a Chevron seal maintains a watertight seal not only during operation, but also during shutdown. The combination of these two gasket systems allows for instant pressurization during start-up, and water conservation due to the leak-proof coupling system.

Unparalleled Reliability

The patented Certa-Set sled coupling offers extraordinary stability thanks to the “wings” that extend outward on either side.

These wings keep the coupling in place and the riser upright, even in harsh weather. In terms of overall reliability, the Certa-Lok restrained joint is designed to ensure the Certa-Set system will not come apart during start-up, operation or shutdown. Certa-Lok joints provide a fully restrained connection around the entire circumference of the joint.

This is accomplished through the use of a flexible spline that is inserted into precision molded grooves in the coupling and matching machined grooves on connecting lateral pipe. Only the Certa-Set coupling offers growers the confidence that their solid set system will remain in place and operate smoothly once it’s installed.

Mechanisation

The Certa-Set system is suitable for drag, mechanised retrieval and mechanical side shift operations of up to 20 feet for cultivation. Unlike aluminium systems, the Certa-Set spline lock restrained joint cannot come apart during shifting operations. Additionally, it is not necessary to drain the water from the 3” Certa-Set lateral pipe before shifting. Mechanisation of the Certa-Set system will increase efficiency of labour, therby reducing labour costs.

Durability

The resin compound used for Certa-Set is specially formulated with ultraviolet inhinitors, which counteract the potentially damaging effects of prolonged sunlight. The addition of impact modifiers gives Certa-Set components added strength and abrasion resistance. CertainTeed Certa-Lok piping products have been meeting the challenge in demanding environments like mining and industrial systems for nearly 30 years. CertainTeed draws from the heritage of performance and offers a seven-year limited warranty on the Certa-Set pipe and couplings.

Automation Capability

Certa-Set can be inexpensively fitted for automation systems. With compatible connectors available for virtually all reactionary drive and impact sprinklers, row crop and turf grass growers who install Certa-Set systems can fine-tune irrigation patterns in response to changing weather and soil conditions. The addition of automatic valves and other components enables growers to sequence irrigation and pulse systems, practices that have proven very successful with drip irrigation systems.

Ease of Use

Certa-Set components are easy to install and disassemble for relocation and reuse.

The Certa-Lok joint is designed to provide the same water-tight seal no matter how often it’s taken apart and put back together. Certa-Set is suitable for drag, mechanical move and side shift systems. Certa-Set pipe is available in convevient 30- and 40-foot lengths that can be handled without the use of heavy equipment or special tooling. It’s easy to palletise and is adaptable to mechanical transport.

Value

The Certa-Set system will not leak at the joint or corrode like aluminium can, and provides an extremely smooth interior surface which in turn can reduce pumping costs. The installation of Certa-Set will improve water conservation and reduce the possibility of crop loss due to poor water application efficiency. Certa-Set meets or exceeds the ASTM-D-2241 standard, and also complies with the rigorous requirements of the CertainTeed Quality assurance Program. Areas tested include, among others, appearance, dimensional stability, impact resistance, burst pressure and joint integrity.