In agricultural manure distribution, “mainline” and “drag hose” refer to different components of the manure application system, each serving distinct roles. Here’s a detailed explanation of their differences:
Mainline Manure Hose:
- Function:
- The mainline is the primary pipeline that transports liquid manure from the storage source (such as a manure pit or lagoon) to the field or distribution points.
- It acts as the main conduit through which large volumes of manure are conveyed over long distances.
- Construction:
- Mainlines are typically constructed from durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, or steel to withstand the high pressures and corrosive nature of liquid manure.
- They are designed to be robust and resistant to wear and tear, as well as to the chemicals present in manure.
Mandals Mainline Hose
- Size and Capacity:
- Mainlines have larger diameters to handle high flow rates and volumes of manure.
- They are engineered to maintain consistent pressure and flow throughout the distribution system.
- Installation:
- Mainlines are usually installed in a more permanent fashion, often buried underground to protect them from physical damage and to avoid obstructing farming operations on the surface.
- They require careful planning and installation to ensure a leak-proof system.
Drag Hose:
- Function:
- A drag hose is used to transport manure from the mainline to the application equipment, such as a manure injector or spreader.
- It allows for flexible and precise delivery of manure across various parts of the field.
- Construction:
- Drag hoses are made from flexible, heavy-duty materials like reinforced rubber or specialized synthetic fabrics designed to withstand the abrasive and corrosive nature of manure.
- They are built to be durable and resistant to kinking, abrasion, and punctures.
Mandals Dragman Drag Hose
- Size and Capacity:
- Drag hoses have smaller diameters compared to mainlines, as they are designed for handling the manure flow needed for application equipment.
- They must be lightweight enough to be easily moved but strong enough to handle the pressures involved in manure application.
- Installation and Use:
- Drag hoses are temporary and movable. They are laid out on the surface of the field and connected to the mainline or a distribution manifold.
- They can be manually repositioned or moved using machinery, allowing for targeted application of manure to different areas of the field.
Summary of Differences:
- Purpose: Mainlines transport large volumes of manure over long distances from the storage source to the field, while drag hoses deliver manure from the mainline to the specific application equipment and areas within the field.
- Construction: Mainlines are typically rigid and more permanent, designed to handle high pressures and volumes, while drag hoses are flexible, durable, and designed to be moved frequently.
- Size: Mainlines have larger diameters to accommodate higher flow rates, whereas drag hoses have smaller diameters suited for the flow rates needed by application equipment.
- Durability: Both are constructed from materials resistant to the corrosive and abrasive nature of manure, but mainlines are more robust for permanent installation, while drag hoses are built for flexibility and frequent movement.
In summary, in manure distribution systems, the mainline forms the core pipeline for transporting manure from storage to the field, while drag hoses provide the flexibility needed for precise application across different areas of the field.
Questions about manure distribution? Call us at 517-458-9741 or email us at info@triplekirrigation.com.
