Abstract
Laterally-moving sprinkler irrigation systems under low pressure experience problems including small spraying range, low uniformity, surface runoff, and low water utilization rate. To solve these problems, experiments were carried out on a laterally-moving sprinkler irrigation system using a Nelson D3000 sprinkler (Nelson Irrigation Co., Walla Walla, WA, USA) under low pressure, sinusoidal oscillating water flow. The sprinkler intensity and impact kinetic energy intensity distribution were investigated for sprinklers both static and in motion. The test data were used to calculate combined sprinkler intensity and impact kinetic energy intensity uniformity for different nozzle spacings, and were compared with constant water pressure test results. It was found that sinusoidal oscillating water flow can effectively increase spraying range, as well as reducing the peak value of the sprinkler intensity and impact kinetic energy intensity. Within an optimal range of amplitude and nozzle spacing, sinusoidal oscillating water flow significantly improves the combined sprinkler intensity, impact kinetic energy intensity uniformity, and the spraying quality of laterally-moving sprinkler irrigation systems under low pressure conditions. When the average water pressure is 100 kPa, the optimal range of amplitude of sinusoidal oscillating flow applied to the laterally-moving sprinkler irrigation system is 50–60 kPa. When the amplitude is 50 kPa, the optimal nozzle spacing is 3.5–4 m; when the amplitude is 60 kPa, the optimal nozzle spacing is 3.5–4.5 m. The related parameters can provide a reference for the application of sinusoidal oscillating water flow in laterally-moving sprinkler irrigation systems.
Highlights
Agricultural production consumes significant water resources, and their conservation and efficiency have always been the goal of irrigation [1]
The results show that the low pressure, sinusoidal oscillating water flow can solve the problems of small spraying range, low uniformity, surface runoff, and low utilization rate of water
Sinusoidal oscillating water flow can significantly improve the distribution of sprinkler intensity and the impact kinetic energy intensity of a single sprinkler
Summary
Agricultural production consumes significant water resources, and their conservation and efficiency have always been the goal of irrigation [1]. Sprinkler irrigation equipment has been widely used in various countries as it reduces labor and water, provides uniform irrigation, and results in yield increases [2,3,4]. High water pressure is a common problem in sprinkler irrigation equipment, associated with high energy consumption, input costs, and maintenance costs [5,6]. High water pressure sprinkler irrigation equipment cannot meet the needs of some small farms or remote areas due to inadequate water supply facilities [7]. As energy costs continue to increase, more attention is being paid to the production and research of low pressure and low energy consumption sprinkler irrigation equipment.
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