# Irrigation filters: choose protection from the water and the system.

Source page: [https://perinirrigacao.com.br/en/conteudos/filtros-de-irrigacao/](https://perinirrigacao.com.br/en/conteudos/filtros-de-irrigacao/)

Automatically translated from Portuguese. Our projects, service information and technical references relate to Brazil. Contact us to discuss your location and requirements. [Read the Portuguese original](https://perinirrigacao.com.br/conteudos/filtros-de-irrigacao/)

A filter must be selected for the incoming water and the components it needs to protect. Connection diameter and appearance are not enough. Understand what data to gather, how to compare technologies and what to observe in the operation before changing or expanding filtration.

Reviewed in October 16, 2026 (2026-10-16)

## Apparently clean water also needs to be evaluated.

Mineral particles, organic matter and other materials can affect emitters. Embrapa also describes chemical and biological causes of clogging. The absence of visible dirt is not a water analysis; record the source and conditions under which problems occur to guide the investigation.

A change in supply, rain or a change in the reservoir must be communicated to the person responsible for the assessment. Also inform if the difficulty started after maintenance or expansion. These records help distinguish what happened in the water from what changed at the facility.

## Screen, discs and sand have different characteristics.

Manufacturers present screen, disc and sand bed technologies, with different cleaning methods. The choice must consider the material present in the water, the emitters, the flow rate and the operating capacity. There is no automatic equivalence between filters that use the same size connections.

The system may require other protection steps, depending on the analysis and design. This does not authorize adding components at random. Request a justification for the proposed set and check the manufacturer's specifications and requirements, including regarding cleaning and operating pressure.

General filtering principles; the choice depends on the water and sizing.

| Technology | Where retention occurs | Conference point |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Screen | In the openings of the filter element mesh. | Actual opening size, screen condition and cleanliness. |
| Discs | In the channels formed between compressed grooved discs. | Degree of filtration and cleaning procedure for the set. |
| Sand | In the bed of filtering material covered by the water. | Bed condition and backwash requirements. |

## Filtering and maintaining hydraulic condition are joint tasks.

The flow through the filter and the pressure loss need to be considered when sizing. Measuring before and after the equipment allows you to monitor the pressure difference. An Embrapa publication on filtration evaluation describes this comparison with pressure gauges.

This monitoring requires a reference to the project and equipment. An isolated number, without knowing the cleaning condition and operating flow, does not define the diagnosis. Note the sector in operation and the situation observed; do not adopt a universal cleaning limit found in another system.

## Backwashing also requires operating conditions.

Automatic filters can perform backwash cleaning. The equipment and discharge must meet the conditions predicted by the manufacturer. AZUD shows, in a technical case, that pressure and route of waste water are part of this assessment; the numbers in that case are not a rule for other facilities.

Ask how the cycle is activated, how the operator confirms its operation and where the cleaning water goes. Automatic does not mean no inspection. In Fazenda Santa Clara, Perin registers discs with automatic backwashing, within the specific set delivered to the property.

## Organize a routine that can be checked.

Use the manufacturer's instructions and design as a reference. Record cleaning dates, filter element condition, available readings, and blockage occurrences. Compare the behavior of the sectors before concluding that the problem is only with the filter.

- Identify the model and save its operating instructions.
- Observe pressure, flow and warnings available at the installation.
- Record frequent cleanings or cleaning interval changes.
- Check that the drain works according to the expected procedure.
- Report leaks, damage or irregular distribution in emitters.

## Changing the filter does not solve all causes of clogging.

Mechanical filtration alone does not correct all processes that form deposits in the system. The diagnosis may involve water, the use of inputs, installation and maintenance. Do not apply chemicals or copy cleaning concentrations without technical evaluation and instructions compatible with the materials.

To talk to Perin, gather the origin of the water, the identification of the filters, the sectors served and the history of the problem. Photographs of equipment and identification can help. The scope may involve evaluation, adaptation or supply, depending on the confirmed possibility of service.

## FAQ

**Which mesh should I use for the irrigation filter?**

There is no single value for all installations. The degree of filtration must correspond to the water and the emitter's requirements, according to specification and sizing.

**Automatic filter requires no maintenance?**

No. It is necessary to check the cleaning cycles, hydraulic conditions and the condition of the components according to the manufacturer's instructions and the project.

## Technical references

The sources support the concepts presented. Equipment requirements and design decisions must be confirmed for the actual installation. Historical references do not represent current prices or quotes.

- [Embrapa — Clogging of emitters in localized irrigation, Documents 182](https://www.infoteca.cnptia.embrapa.br/infoteca/bitstream/doc/737096/1/documentos182.pdf)
- [Embrapa — Filtration system, Documents 23](https://www.infoteca.cnptia.embrapa.br/bitstream/doc/421474/1/Dc023.pdf)
- [Netafim — filtration technologies: screen, discs and sand](https://www.netafim.com.br/produtos-e-solucoes/produtos/filtros-netafim/)
- [Embrapa — Evaluation of filtration equipment](https://www.infoteca.cnptia.embrapa.br/infoteca/bitstream/doc/134307/1/ID25299.pdf)
- [AZUD — filtration and backwashing in water with a high organic load](https://azud.com/en/success-stories/maximum-safety-against-water-with-a-high-organic-load-with-azud-helix-automatic-equipment/)
- [Perin Irrigação — technical delivery of the Fazenda Santa Clara system](https://pt.linkedin.com/posts/perin-irriga%C3%A7%C3%A3o_inaugura%C3%A7%C3%A3o-e-entrega-t%C3%A9cnica-do-sistema-activity-7486397310462193664-nBfc)

## Bring data from your area into the conversation.

Enter the municipality, crop or use of the area, approximate size and water source. The team confirms the possibility of service and the applicable scope.

[Prepare request](https://perinirrigacao.com.br/en/?segmento=agricola#contato)[Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/5514998245219?text=Hello%21+I+want+to+talk+about+an+irrigation+project.)