Pressure compensating microsprinklers using microtube as a flow controller

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Microsprinkler non-pressure compensating nozzles usually show water flow variation along the lateral line. This study aimed at adapting microtubes into non-c ompe nsating system of microsprinklers previous installed in the field, as a self-compensated nozzle, to improve the flow uniformity along the lateral line. Microtubes were adapted to three types of commercial microsprinklers. Tests were conducted, both in the laboratory and in field, to evaluate the microsprinkler performance at four different flows (40, 50, 60 and 70 L h -1 ) under pressure head range from 75 to 245 kPa. Nozzles presented coefficient of flow-rate variation (CVq) lower than 5.5% and distribution uniformity (DU) greater than 95%, which are classified as excellent. The original spatial water distribution of the microsprinkler did not change by using microtube as a nozzle. This device adapted to non-pressure compensating microsprinklers are functional and operate effectively with flows ranging up to 70 L h -1 . Small variations at microsprinkler flows along the lateral line can occur, however, at random manner, which is common for pressure-compensating nozzles. Therefore, the microtube technique is able to control pressure variation in microsprinklers.KEYWORDS: microtube nozzles, micro-irrigation, lateral design. MICROASPERSORES AUTOCOMPENSANTES UTILIZANDO MICROTUBOS

Hydraulic Performance of Low Pressure Drip Irrigation Appropriate for Smallholdings

“…Microirrigation refers to low-pressure irrigation systems that use drippers and small tube emitters to provide water on or beneath the soil surface (Rashad, 2013). These micro irrigation systems have been adopted because of the high potential benefits of high irrigation uniformity, watersaving performance, and energy efficiency (Almeida et al, 2016;Lili et al, 2013;Li, 2020). Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient micro-irrigation systems for applying small and consistent irrigation to crops, allowing for the regulated injection of chemicals and the application of frequent and light irrigation depths (Onwuegbunam, 2020).…”