Can I use a down stream PRV on the Ozito constant pressure pump? I use the pump for irrigation from a rainwater tank, however it is too powerful for my 4mm micro tubes. It doesn't leak or break the tubes, however the flow and spray is too strong.
Hello @RNC
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your pressure pump.
Yes, you can absolutely use a downstream pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the Ozito CPPAS-800 constant pressure pump, and in your situation, it is a sensible solution. The Ozito CPPAS-800 is capable of producing significantly more pressure than most 4 mm micro-irrigation tubing and micro-sprayers require. Even though your system is not leaking or damaging the tubing, the excessive flow and spray pattern indicate that the operating pressure is higher than what the emitters were designed for. Installing a PRV after the pump will allow the pump to continue operating normally while reducing the pressure delivered to the irrigation network, resulting in more controlled spray patterns, improved water efficiency, and more uniform irrigation performance.
I suggest providing at least a minimum of a 1-meter lead using the outlet pipe diameter of the pump. If you can install the PRV further away from the pump outlet that would be better for the pump.
For best results, I would recommend installing a filter https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-25mm-inlet-outlet-pump-y-strainer_p4817622 and pressure regulator assembly on the irrigation side of the pump before the micro-tube network. A suitable option available from Bunnings is the https://www.bunnings.com.au/pope-300kpa-pressure-reducer_p3121926 , which is specifically designed for drip and micro-irrigation applications and helps maintain a consistent downstream pressure. Depending on the requirements of your particular emitters, a lower-pressure regulator may also be appropriate if available within the Holman irrigation range. Keeping the main line at a larger diameter before the regulator and then feeding the 4 mm micro-tubes downstream will provide the most stable performance.
My best advice is to proceed with a pressure regulator rather than trying to restrict flow with valves or smaller fittings. A properly sized PRV will give you finer control over the irrigation system, improve the performance of your micro-sprayers, and place less stress on the irrigation components over the long term. As long as the pump continues to run steadily without frequent start-stop cycling, the regulator will not be harmful to the pump and should contribute to a more reliable and efficient irrigation setup. Overall, this is a practical and effective way to tailor the Ozito CPPAS-800's performance to the needs of a low-pressure micro-irrigation system, and I would expect it to deliver a noticeable improvement in watering quality.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Excellent thank you, I will install the pressure reducer over the weekend
