Amiad Filters for Irrigation: The Complete Range from Tagline to Filtomat
Introduction
Filtration is the single most important factor in preventing dripper and emitter blockage in irrigation systems. Amiad Water Systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers of irrigation filtration equipment, with a product range that spans from simple, low-cost inline screen filters to sophisticated fully automatic self-cleaning units capable of handling the most challenging water sources.
IrriSmart stocks the full Amiad filter range, and this guide covers every product — explaining how each type works, what it is best suited to, and how to choose the right filter for your water source, flow rate, and system requirements.
Understanding Filtration Degrees: Mesh and Micron
Before selecting a filter, it is important to understand filtration ratings. Amiad filters use a colour-coded screen system that makes it easy to identify the filtration degree at a glance:
- Green screen — 30 mesh — 500 micron: coarse pre-filtration, suitable for removing large particles and debris before a finer secondary filter
- White screen — 75 mesh — 200 micron: suitable for sprinkler and micro-sprinkler systems, and as a secondary filter after coarser pre-filtration
- Red screen — 120 mesh — 120 micron: suitable for drip irrigation systems with larger emitter flow paths
- Yellow screen — 155 mesh — 100 micron: fine filtration for drip systems with small emitter orifices, misting systems, and fertigation equipment
As a general rule, most dripper manufacturers recommend 120 to 200 mesh (120 to 75 micron) filtration as a minimum. For misting nozzles and fine emitters, 155 mesh (100 micron) or finer is recommended.
Amiad Tagline Filters — 120 Micron
The Amiad Tagline filter is the simplest and most compact filter in the range — a small inline screen filter designed for installation directly on a lateral pipe or at the point of connection to a dripper or sprinkler. It provides last-line-of-defence filtration at the emitter, catching any particles that have passed through upstream filters.
- Filtration: 120 micron (red screen, 120 mesh)
- Sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, 2 inch, and 3 inch
- Best for: inline filtration on individual laterals, point-of-use protection for drippers and sprinklers, retrofit filtration on existing systems
- Maintenance: manual cleaning — unscrew and rinse the screen element
Amiad Plastic Screen Filters — Manual
The Amiad plastic screen filter range covers three filtration degrees in a robust, compact body suitable for permanent installation on irrigation supply lines. These are manual clean filters — the screen element is removed and cleaned by hand when the pressure drop across the filter indicates it is becoming blocked.
100 Micron (155 Mesh — Yellow Screen)
The finest filtration in the manual plastic filter range, suitable for drip systems with small emitter orifices, misting systems, and fertigation equipment protection.
- Sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch (small and standard), 1.5 inch Y-filter, 2 inch compact, 2 inch long, and 3 inch
- Best for: drip irrigation, misting systems, fertigation equipment, fine emitter protection
View 100 Micron Plastic Filters
200 Micron (75 Mesh — White Screen)
A versatile mid-range filtration option suitable for sprinkler and micro-sprinkler systems, and as a secondary filter downstream of coarser pre-filtration on drip systems.
- Sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch Y-filter, 2 inch, 3 inch, and 3/4 inch with stainless steel screen
- Best for: sprinkler systems, micro-sprinklers, secondary filtration on drip systems
View 200 Micron Plastic Filters
500 Micron (30 Mesh — Green Screen)
Coarse pre-filtration for removing large particles and debris before a finer downstream filter. Suitable as a first-stage filter on surface water or reservoir supplies with high sediment loads.
- Sizes: 1.5 inch Y-filter
- Best for: coarse pre-filtration, surface water intakes, first-stage filtration before finer filters
View 500 Micron Plastic Filters
Spare Screens
Replacement screen elements are available for the 100 micron plastic filter range in 3/4 inch, 1 inch, and 1.5 inch sizes, allowing worn or damaged screens to be replaced without purchasing a complete new filter body.
View Spare Screens — 100 Micron
Amiad Semi-Automatic Flushing Filter — 120 Micron
The Amiad semi-automatic flushing filter takes the next step beyond manual cleaning. It incorporates a manual flush valve that allows the filter screen to be backwashed without removing the filter from the pipeline or interrupting water flow to the irrigation system. Opening the flush valve creates a reverse flow through the screen that dislodges accumulated particles and flushes them to drain.
- Filtration: 120 micron (red screen, 120 mesh)
- Sizes: 2 inch and 3 inch
- Best for: systems with moderate particle loads where manual cleaning is inconvenient, systems where interrupting flow for cleaning is not practical, as a step up from manual filters on busier systems
- Maintenance: periodic manual operation of the flush valve — no tools or disassembly required
View Amiad Semi-Auto Flushing Filters
Amiad Mini Sigma — Automatic Self-Cleaning Filter
The Amiad Mini Sigma is a fully automatic self-cleaning screen filter that flushes itself without any manual intervention. A differential pressure sensor monitors the pressure drop across the filter screen; when the pressure drop reaches a set threshold (indicating the screen is becoming blocked), the Sigma automatically initiates a backwash cycle — flushing the screen clean while maintaining continuous water flow to the irrigation system.
The flush cycle is powered by a 12V DC motor, making the Sigma suitable for remote locations with battery or solar power as well as mains-powered installations.
- Filtration: 120 micron (red screen, 120 mesh)
- Sizes: 2 inch FBSP, 3 inch flanged, and 4 inch flanged
- Power: 12V DC (ADI-P controller)
- Best for: systems with variable or high particle loads, automated systems where manual filter maintenance is impractical, remote locations, large systems where filter downtime for cleaning is costly
- Maintenance: minimal — periodic inspection of the flush mechanism and controller
View Amiad Mini Sigma Auto Filter
Amiad Filtomat M100 — Fully Automatic Self-Cleaning Filter
The Filtomat M100 is Amiad's premium fully automatic self-cleaning filter, designed for the most demanding irrigation applications. It uses a unique suction scanner mechanism that continuously scans the inside of the filter screen, removing accumulated particles in a targeted, highly efficient backwash that uses minimal water and does not interrupt flow.
Unlike conventional backwash filters that flush the entire screen at once, the Filtomat's suction scanner moves across the screen surface, cleaning only the areas that need it. This results in extremely low flush water consumption — typically less than 0.5% of throughput — making it ideal for water-scarce applications or where flush water disposal is a concern.
Filtomat M100 — Bell Type
The bell type configuration is the standard Filtomat design, with a single filter element in a compact body. Available in 2 inch FBSP, 3 inch flanged, and 4 inch flanged connections.
Filtomat M100 — Parallel Type
The parallel type configuration houses two filter elements in parallel within a single body, providing higher flow capacity for large-scale systems. Available in 4 inch flanged connection.
View Filtomat M100 Parallel Type
- Best for: large commercial irrigation systems, systems with high or variable particle loads, water-scarce applications where flush water must be minimised, systems requiring continuous uninterrupted filtration
- Maintenance: very low — the suction scanner mechanism is highly reliable with minimal wear parts
Choosing the Right Amiad Filter
Use this guide to match the right filter to your application:
- Simple inline protection for individual laterals or emitters: Amiad Tagline Filter
- Manual filter for a small to medium system with clean to moderately turbid water: Amiad Plastic Screen Filter (100, 200, or 500 micron depending on emitter type)
- Moderate particle load, want easier cleaning without disassembly: Amiad Semi-Auto Flushing Filter
- Automated system, variable particle load, or remote location: Amiad Mini Sigma Auto Filter
- Large system, high particle load, or where flush water must be minimised: Amiad Filtomat M100
Filtration Degree Selection by Application
- Drip irrigation (standard emitters): 120 micron (red) minimum; 100 micron (yellow) preferred
- Drip irrigation (fine emitters, drip tape): 100 micron (yellow)
- Micro-sprinklers and sprinklers: 200 micron (white)
- Misting systems: 100 micron (yellow) or finer
- Fertigation equipment protection: 100 to 120 micron
- Coarse pre-filtration before a finer filter: 500 micron (green)
Maintenance Best Practices
Regardless of filter type, regular maintenance is essential for reliable performance:
- Monitor differential pressure across the filter daily during peak season — a rising pressure drop indicates the screen needs cleaning
- Clean or flush manual filters at regular intervals even if the pressure drop has not reached the trigger threshold
- Inspect screen elements for damage, holes, or bypass at the start and end of each season
- Use pressure gauges on both sides of the filter to monitor differential pressure accurately
- Flush lateral lines at the end of each season to remove any debris that has passed through the filter
Conclusion
Amiad filters offer a solution for every irrigation filtration requirement, from a simple inline tagline filter on a single lateral to a fully automatic Filtomat M100 on a large commercial system. Choosing the right filter for your water source and system is one of the most important investments you can make in long-term system reliability.
Browse the complete Amiad Filters range at IrriSmart, or contact our team for expert advice on selecting and sizing the right filtration solution for your system.