Rain Bird’s Flow Indicating Basket Filter has won the top award in the Landscape Irrigation category of the Irrigation Association’s 2021 New Product Contest. Contest winners were announced December 9 at the annual Irrigation Show and Education Week, hosted this year in San Diego.
Available in four models, including a complete control zone and a retrofit kit, Rain Bird’s Flow-Indicating Basket Filters are designed to work with any residential or commercial irrigation system with an operating flow range of 0.3 gph to 20 gph (11,4 to 75,7 L/m) and a diagnostic minimum flow of 3 gph. A dial at the top of the filter cap provides diagnostic information about the zone’s operation, saving time and simplifying maintenance.
During irrigation system installation, contractors can use the basket filter’s accurate flow reading to simplify design and scheduling calculations. Then, by using the basket filter’s indicator bezel to mark that zone’s appropriate flow rate on the dial, they can also quickly diagnose any future maintenance issues, such as weeping valves, system blockages, leaks/excessive flow or a clogged filter. Cleaning the filter is fast and easy thanks to its unique upright design, which also prevents debris from entering the downstream line during routine maintenance.
“It’s extremely gratifying to see the Flow Indicating Basket Filter recognized as a top landscape irrigation product for 2021,” said Whitney Braun, product manager for Rain Bird’s Landscape Drip Division. “By introducing this filter, we’re helping to eliminate the concern about whether a drip zone is performing as it should. Now, contractors and their customers can check a zone’s flow reading at a glance to quickly troubleshoot any issues and gain invaluable peace of mind.”
This year, the New Product Contest included 40 entries spanning five categories: Agriculture, Specialty Agriculture, Landscape Irrigation, Specialty Landscape Irrigation and Landscape Lighting. The contest was a hybrid event, combining both virtual and live elements. Judges evaluated each product based on innovation, design quality, increased water/resource-use efficiency, ease of use and life expectancy.
“Our Flow Indicating Basket Filter is one more example of Rain Bird’s overarching commitment to The Intelligent Use of Water,” said Heidi Moore, director of Rain Bird’s Landscape Drip Division. “By developing efficient solutions that are easier for contractors to install and maintain, we’re also making it possible for people everywhere to apply less water and still enjoy healthy, beautiful landscapes.”