Effect of Configurations on the Coefficient of Uniformity and Water Distribution Using Single-Nozzle Plastic Sprinkler Heads

Abstract

This study was conducted during February and March 2014 in the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum at Shambat (longitude 32o32’E, latitude 15o40’N and altitude 380 m amsl), on a total area of 40 m x30 m .The objective of the study was to determine the effect of layout configuration under different operating pressures (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 bar) on the coefficient of uniformity (CU %) and distribution uniformity (DU %). The tested configurations were the square, rectangular and triangular sprinkler patterns by using single- nozzle plastic sprinkler heads (LEGO).For each configuration, a solid-set sprinkler system was designed and installed .Catch cans were placed at centre of grids of 4×4 m. The completely randomized design was used, and treatments were replicated three times. For each treatment the system was run for one hour. The data was analyzed, using Minitab Software Version 16. The triangular configuration recorded the highest uniformity coefficient and uniformity of distribution under 2 bars operating pressure. The mean CU% of value (87%) and DU% of value (80%) at (P≥ 0.05) gave the following descending order: triangular > square > rectangular configuration. All values obtained were within the acceptable range of standards set by Keller and Bliesner 1990. The appropriate operating pressure and sprinkler configuration should be considered when designing and installing a solid-set sprinkler system.