Irrigation systems are typically utilized for landscaping, large-scale agriculture, chemical plants, and manufacturing factories.
Sprinkler systems are found in the majority of large warehouses, factories, and other public buildings. They are used to stop or contain fire outbreaks before they can spread across a facility.
Sprinkler and irrigation systems alike are marked with identification tags and nameplates. This can help operators distinguish between various valves, pipes, and pumps.
With the often complex and maze-like pattern of some piping systems, simple identification can make a big difference.
Applications
Safety
These water systems are also often adorned with information regarding safe use, as well as precautions to prevent leaks, damage, or other accidental operation. This can be as simple as a small placard or warning label.
In some cases, a full size nameplate with operating directions may be included on or around the water system.
In addition the ability to seamlessly identify the right valve or pump in a timely manner can be very important. For example, in the event of a leak or other malfunction, quickly locating the shut-off is crucial.
Inspections
One of the most important elements in industrial safety is preventative, in the form of inspections. Periodic checks of machines, equipment, wiring, and valves, is important for all industrial organizations.
This keeps accidents from occurring and stops malfunctions before they happen. In many cases, regular inspections are a requirement through OSHA or other federal safety guidelines.
Sprinkler and irrigation valves must be regularly checked for any potential issues or weak points. Custom inspection tags help ensure these inspections are consistent and accurate.
Materials
When selecting the right identification solution, material is an important element. Material options often used for this application include:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Brass
- Copper
- And More
These materials are not only durable, but resistant to water and other weather elements the tags may be exposed to.
Marking Processes
Embossing
This process is used to mark tags and nameplates for a wide range of industrial uses. Often embossing is used to mark tags for many types of valve marking applications, such as safety release valves.
The embossing process uses a die set to create a tag with raised characters.
One of the most durable processes, embossed tags are suitable for the harshest industrial conditions. The sturdy raised text will not easily be removed from the material.
As there is no topical ink, fading or wearing is not a concern.
This means that embossed nameplates can be used in nearly any environment, and will last for decades outdoors. Weather is no match for the raised metal design.
There are some limitations to this process, as design options are limited. Producing large quantities of a single design, or a set of sequential numbers is no problem.
However, creating tags with custom designs can get very costly. Each new design requires a new stamp to be produced.
Photo Anodization
For identification with durability in mind, photo anodization is a great option. This process creates a design beneath protective layers of aluminum.
Durability is not a concern with these nameplates. Rated for 20+ years outdoors, the marking will not simply fade or wear when exposed to the elements.
This process can include nearly any design, logo, barcode, or imaging. Barcodes can be used for asset tracking, or to provide additional information.
The anodization process can also add a solid background color to the aluminum material. This allows for customization opportunities such as color coding or branding.
Unlike embossing, variable designs are not a problem with the photo anodization process.
Wrap-Up
Irrigation and sprinkler systems are crucial in processes for modern manufacturing and agriculture, as well as a source of safety for residential and industrial buildings.
In order to maintain the effectiveness of these systems, clear identification is necessary. Metal irrigation tags are used to provide information in regards to safety and operation.