EN 12734:2000

Overview

EN 12734:2000 - Irrigation techniques: Quick coupling pipes for movable irrigation supply (CEN) specifies the conditions of suitability, technical characteristics and testing requirements for quick coupling pipes used in movable irrigation systems. The standard covers pipes made of steel, aluminium, polyethylene (PE) or rigid PVC intended for temporary or portable irrigation supply lines. Note: where applicable, separate national or product standards for PE or PVC do not replace the specific provisions of EN 12734 for quick coupling pipe applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

EN 12734 focuses on the essential properties and verification methods needed to ensure safe, interoperable and durable quick coupling irrigation pipes. Main technical topics include:

• Material and construction criteria for steel, aluminium, PE and rigid PVC pipes appropriate for movable irrigation supply
• Design features that affect compatibility with quick couplings, flanges, couplings and joints used in irrigation and drainage equipment
• Mechanical performance requirements such as strength and resistance to handling stresses (drop, bending and axial loads)
• Hydraulic performance and leakage control, including test methods for pressure tightness during service conditions
• Durability and environmental resistance, e.g., requirements related to corrosion, UV exposure and wear from repeated coupling/decoupling cycles
• Dimensional tolerances and interchangeability to ensure components from different manufacturers mate reliably
• Marking, inspection and documentation requirements to support traceability, installation and maintenance
• Test procedures and acceptance criteria used by laboratories and manufacturers to verify compliance

(The standard gives procedural and test guidance rather than prescribing specific numeric values in this summary; refer to the full EN 12734 text for exact test methods and acceptance limits.)

Applications and users

EN 12734 is relevant to professionals and organizations involved in movable irrigation systems, including:

• Manufacturers of quick coupling pipes, flanges and couplings who need to design and certify products for portable irrigation lines
• Irrigation system designers and consultants specifying components for lateral-move, portable mains, and temporary supply systems
• Agricultural contractors and operators who install, maintain and interconnect movable irrigation infrastructure
• Testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing mechanical, hydraulic and durability tests
• Procurement and regulatory bodies specifying compliant components for safe, interoperable irrigation supply

Typical applications include portable lateral lines, temporary farm mains, hose and pipe networks for field irrigation, and any movable supply arrangement requiring frequent assembly/disassembly.

Related standards

• Other EN or national standards covering flanges, couplings and joints and material-specific standards for PE or PVC (note: material standards do not replace EN 12734 for quick coupling pipe applications).
• Standards for irrigation system design and testing where interoperability and mechanical connections are critical.

Keywords: EN 12734:2000, quick coupling pipes, movable irrigation supply, irrigation techniques, CEN, irrigation and drainage equipment, flanges, couplings, testing, PE, PVC, aluminium, steel.