How long is the cleaning and maintenance cycle of atomizing micro-sprinklers

Importance of cleaning atomizing micro-sprinklers
Atomizing micro-sprinklers are widely used in many fields such as agricultural irrigation, greenhouse humidification, orchard cooling, nursery seedling cultivation, etc. During long-term use, the nozzle is prone to blockage due to water source impurities, algae, mineral sediments or fertilizer liquid residues. Blockage can lead to uneven spraying, reduced coverage area, changes in droplet particle size, and even complete cessation of spraying in severe cases. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance are key measures to ensure nozzle performance, extend service life, and reduce operating costs.

Common causes and types of blockage
Sand impurities in water: from well water, pond water or river water that has not been fully filtered.
Algae growth: easy to breed in a hot and humid environment, blocking micropores.
Mineral deposition: such as calcium carbonate, rust, manganese scale, etc., will accumulate inside the nozzle or on the filter.
Fertilization residues: slightly soluble salts in fertilizer solution can form crystals, affecting the atomization effect.
Organic debris: such as leaf debris, insect corpses or small plant tissues.

Cleaning cycle standard of atomizing micro-sprinkler
Depending on the different use environments and water quality conditions, the cleaning and maintenance cycle of atomizing micro-sprinklers can refer to the following standards:

Recommended Cleaning Frequency for Atomizing Micro Sprinklers

Classification of cleaning methods for atomizing micro-sprinklers
External flushing method
Applicable to mild blockage or sediment attached to the nozzle surface:
After turning off the system pressure, rinse the nozzle surface with clean water;
You can use a soft brush to lightly brush the water outlet and spray piece;
Suitable for daily maintenance.

Disassembly cleaning method
Applicable to nozzles with moderate blockage or abnormal spray effect:
Remove the nozzle body and disassemble the nozzle, rotating disk or blade assembly;
Remove internal sediments with clean water, brush or ultrasonic vibration equipment;
Some models are equipped with removable filters, which need to be cleaned separately.

Chemical immersion method
Applicable to inorganic blockages such as calcium and magnesium deposition and rust:
Prepare a diluted acetic acid or phosphoric acid solution with a concentration of 1% to 3%;
Soak the nozzle parts for about 30 minutes;
Rinse the residual solution thoroughly with clean water;
Be careful to avoid using strong acids to prevent corrosion of plastic materials.

High-pressure backwashing method
Applicable to extensive cleaning inside and outside the pipeline and simultaneous maintenance of multiple nozzles:
Stop the operation of the irrigation host;
Start the system backwash device to allow the water flow to reversely flush;
Quickly clean the entire branch pipe network;
Reduce manual disassembly and assembly, suitable for large-scale system operation and maintenance.

Nozzle maintenance cycle and inspection points
In addition to regular cleaning, the atomizing micro-sprinklers also need to cooperate with the following maintenance operations:
Check the atomization effect: observe whether the droplet size is uniform, whether there is biased spraying, and insufficient atomization.
Observe whether the water pressure is normal: Water pressure fluctuations may cause changes in the spray effect and indirectly lead to accumulation of residues.
Check the rotation of the nozzle: If some rotating micro-sprinklers do not rotate smoothly, check whether there are debris on the axis.
Replace aging parts: Some parts of plastic nozzles that have been used for more than 2 years may be aged and should be replaced in time.
Calibrate the spray angle and coverage: Regularly readjust the installation position to ensure uniform distribution.

Recommended maintenance tools
Multi-function micro-spray cleaning brush;
Adjustable pressure water gun;
Special antacid or mineral solvent;
Spare seals, filters, atomizer disc components;
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (suitable for high-end greenhouse systems).