Rain Bird R-VAN - User Manual

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R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle Installation Guide
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R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle
Installation Guide
Introduction
Rain Bird R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzles provide
water eciency and design exibility. R-VAN Adjustable
Rotary Nozzles feature rotating stream technology which
uniformly delivers water at a low precipitation rate,
signicantly reducing runo and erosion. Retrotting
standard spray nozzles with R-VAN Adjustable Rotary
Nozzles can reduce ow by up to 60% and improve water
eciency by up to 30%. Nozzle spray pattern and distance
are easily adjusted by hand with no tools required.
Models
R-VAN1318

Black Rotary Deector

13’ to 18’ (4,0 to 5,5m) radius

45° to 270° arc
R-VAN1724

Yellow Rotary Deector

17’ to 24’ (5,2 to 7,3m) radius

45° to 270° arc
ARC
ADJUSTMENT
CAP
ROTARY
DEFLECTOR
FILTER
SCREEN
RADIUS
ADJUSTMENT
DIAL
COLLAR
Features

Adjust arc and radius without tools

Color coded for easy identication of R-VAN model

Low precipitation rate reduces run-o and erosion

Maintains ecient performance at high operating
pressures without misting or fogging

Compatible with all models of Rain Bird spray bodies in
addition to a wide variety of risers and adapters

Three year trade warranty
Installation
Install Nozzle
R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzles can be used for a new
installation or to replace existing sprinkler nozzles.
1. Unscrew and remove the existing sprinkler nozzle (if
applicable) from the spray body.
2. Screw the nozzle onto the spray body until secure.
Identify the Left Edge
A grooved white mark located on the collar, just under the
rotary deector, represents the left edge of the arc.
LEFT EDGE
INDICATOR
1. Align the nozzle to the left most edge of desired
coverage area (arc).
ARC
ALIGN LEFT EDGE
INDICATOR WITH ARC

Summary

Introduction

Product Models

Installation Guide

Install Nozzle

Instructions for screwing the nozzle onto the spray body for installation.

Identify Left Edge Indicator

How to locate the left edge indicator on the nozzle for arc alignment.

Initial Start Up and Checks

Adjusting Nozzle Arc

Adjusting Nozzle Radius

Re-program Controller Settings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Nozzle Maintenance Procedure

Nozzle Spacing Options

Square Sprinkler Spacing

Describes a square sprinkler layout pattern for irrigation zones.

Triangular Sprinkler Spacing

Describes a triangular sprinkler layout pattern for irrigation zones.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Installation
4. Identifying the Left Edge
5. Initial Start-Up
6. Arc Adjustment
7. Radius Adjustment
8. Re-programming Controller
9. Nozzle Spacing Options
10. Maintenance Features
11. Cleaning the Filter Screen
12. Troubleshooting
13. General Care

The Rain Bird R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle is an innovative irrigation component designed to enhance water efficiency and provide flexible design options for landscape watering systems. This nozzle utilizes rotating stream technology to deliver water uniformly across a designated area, significantly reducing runoff and erosion. Its primary function is to replace existing sprinkler nozzles, offering a substantial upgrade in water conservation and system performance.

Function Description

The core function of the R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle is to apply water to landscapes at a low precipitation rate. This is achieved through its unique rotating stream technology, which ensures even water distribution. By delivering water slowly and consistently, the nozzle minimizes the risk of water pooling and soil erosion, making it ideal for various terrains and soil types. The nozzle is designed to operate efficiently across a range of operating pressures, maintaining its performance without misting or fogging, which often leads to water waste in traditional spray nozzles.

A key benefit of the R-VAN nozzle is its ability to reduce water flow by up to 60% compared to standard spray nozzles, leading to an improvement in water efficiency of up to 30%. This makes it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for both new installations and retrofitting existing irrigation systems. The nozzle's design allows for easy adjustment of its spray pattern (arc) and distance (radius) without the need for specialized tools, providing users with complete control over their watering zones.

The nozzle is compatible with all models of Rain Bird spray bodies, as well as a wide variety of risers and adapters, ensuring broad applicability across different irrigation setups. This versatility makes it a practical choice for upgrading or designing new systems. The color-coded deflector on each model aids in quick identification of the R-VAN type, simplifying installation and maintenance processes.

Usage Features

The R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle offers several user-friendly features that simplify its installation, adjustment, and overall operation.

Installation:

Installing the R-VAN nozzle is a straightforward process, whether for a new system or as a replacement for an existing nozzle.

1. Removal of Existing Nozzle: If replacing an existing nozzle, it is simply unscrewed and removed from the spray body.
2. Nozzle Attachment: The R-VAN nozzle is then screwed onto the spray body until it is securely fastened.

Identifying the Left Edge:

A crucial step in setting up the nozzle's coverage area is identifying its left edge. A distinct grooved white mark on the collar, positioned just beneath the rotary deflector, serves as the left edge indicator. This mark helps users align the nozzle accurately with the desired starting point of the watering arc.

1. Alignment: The left edge indicator should be aligned with the leftmost boundary of the intended coverage area.

Initial Start-Up:

After installation, it is recommended to apply water to the system to verify proper operation and check for any leaks. During this initial phase, users may observe that nozzles rotate at slightly different speeds. This is normal and does not affect performance, as the nozzles are designed to maintain uniformity and apply water at the same rate regardless of their rotation speed.

Arc Adjustment:

The arc, or the coverage area of the nozzle, can be easily adjusted from 45° to 270°. This adjustment requires the water to be turned ON.

1. Decreasing the Arc: To reduce the arc, the user pushes down on the Arc Adjustment Cap and turns it counter-clockwise.
2. Increasing the Arc: To expand the arc, the user pushes down on the Arc Adjustment Cap and turns it clockwise.

Radius Adjustment:

The radius, or the distance of the water spray, can also be adjusted to suit specific landscape needs. This adjustment also requires the water to be turned ON.

1. Decreasing the Range: To reduce the nozzle's range, the Radius Adjustment Dial is turned counter-clockwise.
2. Increasing the Range: To extend the nozzle's range, the Radius Adjustment Dial is turned clockwise. A distinct clicking sound will be heard when the range limits are reached, indicating the maximum or minimum setting.

Re-programming Controller:

After installing R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzles, it is essential to adjust the run times of the watering schedule in the irrigation controller. This is because R-VAN nozzles have a lower precipitation rate compared to standard spray nozzles. Run times for R-VAN nozzles may need to be two to three times longer to deliver the same amount of water, based on an application rate of 0.6 inches per hour (14.7 mm/hr). Users should refer to their controller's user manual for specific instructions on adjusting run times.

Nozzle Spacing Options:

The manual outlines two common sprinkler layout designs for irrigation zones: square spacing and triangular spacing. Single-row applications are not recommended. It is also advised not to mix rotary and spray nozzles within the same zone due to their differing application rates.

• Square Spacing: In this layout, nozzles are arranged in a square pattern with equal distances between all nozzles. This design is best suited for areas with 90° corners and fixed boundaries. A potential disadvantage is that some areas may experience overlap, leading to overwatering.
• Triangular Spacing: This layout places nozzles in a triangular grid, maintaining equal distances between all nozzles. Triangular spacing is ideal for irregularly shaped areas and generally waters more surface area with less overlap compared to square spacing. Both spacing methods are typically based on 50% of the diameter of throw.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle is simple and crucial for ensuring its long-term performance and efficiency. The primary maintenance task involves cleaning the filter screen.

Cleaning the Filter Screen:

A clogged filter screen can lead to a degradation of the nozzle's performance, affecting its rotation and water distribution. Regular cleaning prevents this issue.

1. Unscrew Nozzle: The rotary nozzle is unscrewed from the riser.
2. Remove Screen: The clogged filter screen is then removed.
3. Clean and Replace: The screen should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any debris and then replaced.
4. Reattach Nozzle: Finally, the nozzle is screwed back onto the riser.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to address common operational issues.

• Nozzle Not Rotating or Watering:
  • Cause: Clogged filter screen or low water head pressure.
  • Solution: Clean the screen. Ensure the effective pressure range for R-VAN nozzles (20 to 55 psi, with 45 psi recommended) is met. Check the system pressure.
• Small Amount of Fine Grit Inside Nozzle:
  • Cause: Fine grit obstructing internal mechanisms.
  • Solution: Cycle the system a few times to flush out the grit.
• Water Path in Rotary Deflector Clogged:
  • Cause: Debris obstructing water flow paths.
  • Solution: Visually inspect and clean out any debris from the rotary deflector.
• Nozzle Operating in Sandy Environment:
  • Cause: Sand accumulation affecting rotation.
  • Solution: Wait 2 to 4 minutes for sand to flush out and the nozzle to begin rotating. If rotation does not resume, clean the screen.
• Gaps or Distorted Streams:
  • Cause: Nozzle operating in a sandy environment.
  • Solution: Clean the screen.
• Range of Water Spray Less Than Expected:
  • Cause: Low water head pressure or the Radius Adjustment Dial not fully open.
  • Solution: Ensure the Radius Adjustment Dial is fully open (turn clockwise until clicking is heard). Check the system for proper pressure.

General Care:

It is important to regularly check the nozzles for proper operation and safety, as they can be damaged by mowers or other equipment. This proactive approach ensures the longevity and continued efficiency of the irrigation system.

The Rain Bird R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle is designed to be a durable and reliable component, backed by a three-year trade warranty, reflecting its quality and expected lifespan under normal operating conditions.

Rain Bird R-VAN Specifications