Month: December 2016

Soil type is a crucial factor when considering irrigation applications. Soil is broadly classified based on three types of weathered rock described as sandy, loamy or clay. There are six different soil types that are most often identified. All six are simply a different combination of the three types of weathered rock and are as follows:

• Sand
• Silt
• Clay
• Peat
• Chalk
• Loam

Each particular type of soil that makes up your agricultural land has its own unique behavioral characteristics. When comparing samples, three properties are considered important in understanding how soil will react. The particular composition of a soil is what determines to what degree it represents each of these three factors.

Water Retention

Water retention refers to the amount of water that can be absorbed and retained within the soil itself, much like calculating how much water a sponge can hold.

Intake Rate

The intake rate refers to how quickly your soil absorbs water. This would impact, for instance, how quickly water could be applied by an irrigation system. Some soil types require a slow trickle, while others can be quickly watered.

Drainage Erosion

Applying water faster than the soil can absorb it results in the wash off of soil. This is what is termed drainage erosion.

Differences in soil structure affect liquid applications; everything from the type of fertilizer you use to the features of your new irrigation system. Knowing how your land will react based on your soil composition brings accuracy and efficiency to soil applications and equipment. Working with professionals like those at WP Law, Inc., can show just how valuable this knowledge can be for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

Contact the experts at WP Law, Inc. to determine the best fluid handling equipment that suits your needs and land. W. P. Law, Inc. is one of the Southeast’s leading suppliers of fluid handling equipment for farmers, contractors, and industries. Our reputation to find economical solutions to customer’s needs is due to our efficient and professional team, so you can rest assured that we will get your job done to your particular needs.

Water is necessary for all living things; however, it can have a damaging impact on mechanical equipment.  Below, we have listed three tips for preserving your submersible well pump to ensure it runs efficiently for the lifetime of the pump.

1. Prevent multiple starts- You can extend the life of your well pump by preventing the number of multiple start-ups, also called short cycling.  It is better to allow the pump to turn on and stay running continuously instead of having the pump turn on and off frequently.  Frequent starting and shopping can cause the windings in the motor to overheat causing the motor will wear out faster than it should.

2. Pressure Switch – Frequently check and clean the pressure switch.  The switch can become easily corroded and packed with small ants and bugs.  Regular maintenance performed on the switch will prevent replacement.  A good water pressure to adjust the switch to should be between 40-60 psi.

3. Bladder Tank – Checking the air pressure in the bladder tank is something that is frequently overlooked by well owners, mostly because people simply do not know to include this as a part of their regular maintenance.  The air pressure in the bladder tank should be checked every year.  To perform the check, fist turn off all power to the submersible well pump.  Allow the water to drain by running the faucet.  Then, by using a tire gauge, check the air pressure at the top of the bladder tank located by the air nipple.  A good air pressure should be about 38 psi (or 2 psi below the cut-in pressure).  

Above we have detailed three easy ways to prolong the life of your submersible well pump through regular preventative maintenance and inspection.  If ever you have a question or need an option on your submersible well pump, the experts at W. P. Law, Inc will be sure to help. 

Temperatures are dropping here in South Carolina, which means one of the biggest dangers to our precious crops is frost. The freezing cold conditions that create frost cause ice to form inside plant tissues. As we all know, water expands as it freezes into ice, so this expansion within a plant can cause its cell membranes to burst. This is physically damaging to a plant and can result in its death.

Clearly, frost is not good when it comes to keeping your crops alive and healthy. Irrigation methods, such as sprinkler systems, can help prevent frost from hurting your crops.

The Science Behind Frost Prevention

The method by which irrigation saves crops from frost is actually quite simple. Water is sprayed on the plants, covering the exterior of the crops. The water freezes in the cold weather, and in the process the heat inside the water is released and transfers to the plant, keeping its temperature from dropping below 32°F.
However, the ice that forms on the outside of the plant has to remain wet in order for the plant to stay at the freezing point. This is because if no more water is added to the ice, its temperature will drop below freezing and no more heat will be transferred to the plant, allowing its internal temperature to drop below freezing, as well. As long as water is added to the ice, the mixture of ice and water will remain at 32°F and will keep the plant’s temperature from dropping any further.

What We Can Do for You

Here at W. P. Law, Inc., we specialize in fluid handling equipment for farmers and workers in other industries. We have some of the best irrigation equipment in all of South Carolina, and our agricultural engineering designers will set you up with whatever’s best for you. Find out what we can do for you by contacting W. P. Law’s experts. You can count on us to help you defeat the dangers of frost.

PVC piping provides reliable service for contractors and farmers in a variety of industries. With many advantages, it is easy to see why PVC pipe has replaced traditional materials for many projects.

Convenient Design

PVC pipes are generally much lighter than other materials used to create pipes. A lightweight design is easier to maneuver, preventing injury and reducing the number of people it takes to move equipment. PVC pipes are also highly flexible, which makes them resistant to breakage and generally more durable than other materials.

Safety

Because PVC pipes are made of non-toxic materials, they are generally safer to use. A significant amount of research has gone into testing PVC pipe materials for overall safety and quality.

Versatility

PVC pipes are durable and offer more options when it comes to design and use. Many farmers and contractors use PVC to refurbish existing systems for even greater versatility.

W.P. Law, Inc. is an industry leader in the Southeast when it comes to supplying irrigation equipment to farmers and contractors. Contact the experts at W.P. Law today for the answers to any additional questions you may have about the benefits of PVC tubing.