The Gulf Pre-Pack Butterfly Combination Barbs (20-Pack) are essential multi-purpose irrigation connectors designed for low-pressure micro-irrigation systems. These "Butterfly" style fittings allow for the secure connection of 4mm micro-tubing to larger HDPE or LDPE distribution lines, making them a staple for vineyard, orchard, and garden maintenance in the Heidelberg - GP region.
Technical Specifications
- Fitting Type: Combination Barb (Butterfly Wing Design).
- Connection Size: 4mm Barbed Inlet (Fits standard 4mm ID micro-pipe).
- Material: High-Impact UV-Stabilized Polypropylene.
- Pressure Rating: Up to 3.0 Bar (300 kPa).
- Pack Quantity: 20 Units per pre-pack.
- Color: Industrial Black.
Key Performance Features
- Ergonomic Butterfly Wings: The unique "wing" design provides a superior finger-grip. This allows you to exert maximum pressure when pushing the barb into a punched hole in a 20mm or 25mm HDPE pipe without needing a Kaufmann shifting spanner or pliers.
- High-Retention Barb: The sharp, tapered barb is engineered to "lock" into the wall of the main distribution pipe. Once inserted, the pipe wall contracts around the barb, creating a leak-proof seal that resists "blow-outs" even during high-pressure cycles from a Pascali Pump.
- UV Shield Technology: Specifically formulated to resist the intense Gauteng sun. These fittings will not become "chalky" or brittle during the dry Winter Bulk 2026 season, ensuring your irrigation grid remains intact for years.
- Clog-Free Internal Bore: The smooth internal pathway ensures a consistent $L/min$ flow to your Rain-Jet Micro Complete sprayers or drippers, minimizing the buildup of mineral scale from borehole water.
- Versatile "Combination" Design: These barbs can be used to connect micro-jets directly to the main line or as a "joiner" to bridge two sections of 4mm micro-tubing.
Installation & Professional Tips
- Punching the Hole: Use a dedicated 3mm or 4mm irrigation punch tool to create a clean, circular hole in your LDPE pipe. Avoid using a Kaufmann screwdriver or drill bit, as jagged edges can lead to "weeping" leaks around the barb.
- The "Warm Pipe" Trick: If the main pipe is cold and stiff, let it sit in the sun for 10 minutes. The softened polymer will allow the Butterfly Barb to "snap" into place much easier and create a tighter seal as it cools.
- Feeder Line Attachment: Push your 4mm micro-tube fully over the barb until it hits the "butterfly" base. If the tube is loose, a small drop of hot water on the tube end will help it stretch and then shrink-fit onto the barb.
- Layout Planning: Space these connectors according to your plant spacing. For the Easter 2026 planting season, ensure each barb is clear of heavy mulch or soil to prevent ants or grit from entering the micro-line.
- System Flush: Before attaching your micro-jets to these barbs, run the Pascali Pump for 2 minutes to flush out any plastic shavings created during the punching process.
Common Use Cases
- Nursery Benches: Connecting overhead micro-misters to a central supply line.
- Vegetable Tunnels: Branching off 4mm feeder lines for individual drip-stakes in tomato or pepper crops.
- Orchards: Running multiple micro-jets from a single 25mm HDPE line to the base of fruit trees.
- Home Flower Beds: Creating a hidden "spaghetti" network of tubes to water potted plants and hanging baskets.
Pro Tip: Always keep a few spare Butterfly Barbs in your Kaufmann tool chest. If a micro-line is accidentally cut by a spade or lawnmower, these barbs act as the perfect "emergency joiner" to get your irrigation system back up and running in minutes.

