Australian Irrigation Technology Centre
an
independent testing facility for irrigation equipment in Australia
The AITC registered laboratory can carry out a range of tests, using calibrated instruments on all types of irrigation equipment from pumps to soil moisture sensors – including, filters, pipes, valves, fittings, sprinklers and other types of emitter. Other services include type testing of hydraulic products (eg valves and pipe connections) and flow meters accuracy calibrations.
The laboratory offers research services is an active participant of the CRC for Irrigation Futures.
Further information and contacts:
WWW : http://www.capeability.biz/testing.htm
Ph : Jeremy Cape (info@capeability.biz) 0410 307 444
David Pezzaniti (david.pezzaniti@unisa.edu.au) 08 8302 3652
AITC, University of South Australia, MAWSON LAKES 5095
The Australian Irrigation Technology Centre was established in 1989 by the South Australian Government and University of South Australia to undertake testing and research of equipment for the irrigation sector. Testing and research of irrigation equipment conducted over the years includes a wide range of flow meters, pipes, pipe fittings, valves, emitters, drippers, time taps, moisture sensors and other hydraulic components.
The facility provides a variety of testing and research services, in particular testing and including type testing of waterworks products for StandardMarks certification. Several other tests are performed to Australian Standards, including water meters, for man government and private sector organisations. The Australian Irrigation Technology Centre or the University of South Australia is known throughout the industry as an independent, third party testing facility.
Flow meter range that can be tested: 25mm to 300mm, however traceability to a NATA calibrated Class 2 reference device limits the maximum meter size to 150mm.
The facility has four separate and independent pump systems that can operate simultaneously:
Pump system 1 : up to 5 L/s
Pump system 2: up to 12 L/s
Pump system 3: up to 100 L/s
Pump system 4 : up to 255 L/s
It is possible with the current laboratory configuration to achieve 340 L/s capacity. The laboratory has a permanent water storage of 130,000 litres and is recirculated throughout the laboratory and hence, is not subjected to loses or water use restrictions.
The facility is part of a larger complex involving the University of South Australia’s water engineering laboratory extending the facility’s basic infrastructure, including pumps, power, supply pipes, fire safety and OHW&S requirements.
To date the facility has tested well over 2000 meters for error of measurement to the Australia Standard. An example of the test reports can be made available.
Projects and testing carried out by the facility are audited regularly as part of the ISO 9001 accreditation. The facility has continued to provide independent testing services to a range of organisations and do so it has needed to ensure good project management. As an independent testing facility good project management has been vital, particularly when the use of Australian Standards are involved.