Drip Irrigation Emitter/Dripper Comparison There are many ways to apply water to plants with drip irrigation. The component at the end of the line that actually delivers water to the plant is called an emitter or dripper. Drip emitters may drip very slowly or output a steady flow of water. Some are staked and some stream water in "fingers" or a fine spray. Pressure-compensating drip emitters contain a rubber or silicone diaphragm that allow them to maintain the same output even if the water pressure fluctuates. Non-pressure-compensating drip emitters are less expensive but the flow will very with changes in elevation and pressure. Pressure Compensating Emitters - Deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressure range is 10- 40 psi
- Works well with elevation changes
- Self flushing to reduce clogging
- Operating Pressure Range: 10.2 - 58 psi
- Inlet Barb Size: 1/4"
- Outlet Barb Size: 1/8" - intended for 1/8" micro tubing or Netafim Superflex
- Shut-Off (Closing) Pressure: 1.7 psi (3.9' of Elevation)
For more information, click here Non- Pressure Compensating Emitters - Output will vary with changes in pressure and elevation
- Works best with flat landscapes
- Excellent for gravity- fed drip irrigation systems
| Emitter Type | Users | Pressure Compensating | Removable Top | Outputs (gph) | Pattern | Connects to | Connection Type | Adjustable |  | SPCV05 SPCV10 SPCV20 | Changes in elevation- Self Peircing | Yes | Yes | 1/2, 1, 2 | n/a | 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No |  | TAE 10 TAE 20 TAE 40 | Flat landscapes, low pressure | No | Yes | 1, 2, 4 | n/a | 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No |  | SR 360B SR 180B | Cover large areas with stream spray | No | Yes | 0-10 | full circle, half circle | 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing or micro stakes | barb or thread | Yes |  | SR 360S stake SR 180S stake | Cover large area stream spray, good in flower pots | No | Yes | 0-10 | full circle, half circle | 3/4" or 1/2" drip tubing | on stake with barb | Yes |  | 06-042 06-043 | Sprinkler retrofits | Yes | No | 6 or 10 per outlet | n/a | 1/2" threaded riser | 1/2" female threads | No |  | 01WPCJL2 01WPCJL4-B 01WPCJL8-B 01WPCJL12 01WPCJL25 | Changes in elevation | Yes | Yes | 1/2, 1, 2.1, 3.2, 6.6 | n/a | 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No | Ref 180 |