Modeling Water Distribution for Irrigation Machine with Small Spray Nozzles

A model and computer program were developed to calculate water application depth and uniformity coefficient for small spray nozzles mounted on a center-pivot irrigation system. The program requires two basic inputs. First, the experimental data for the static distribution pattern of the spray nozzle, including collection time, spacing between collection cups, cup opening radius, and volume of water collected in each cup at a specific pressure and height are required. Second, irrigation system inputs including spacing between spray nozzles, radius of distal end tower and moving velocity, distance of spray nozzle from the pivot, move stop cycle time, or cycle time, and percentage of moving time from the cycle time, or percentage of moving time are needed. The outputs are water application depth and uniformity coefficient. Experiments were conducted to validate the simulation for various moving velocities, spacing between spray nozzles, cycle times, and percentages of moving time. Results showed that the uniformity coefficient of water distribution was 98.4% of the predicted coefficient and that by changing cycle time, or percentage of moving time, the uniformity coefficient was improved by as much as 14.2%.     

Sprinkler and Corn Canopy Effects on Water Application Characteristics

Water application characteristics of a very low pressure spray sprinkler (40 kPa), a low pressure spray sprinkler (100 kPa), a medium pressure impact sprinkler (170 kPa), and a high pressure impact sprinkler (345 kPa) were evaluated under field conditions. Average field application rates varied from 42 to 156 mm∕h and maximum 5-min application rates varied from 54 to 226 mm∕h. Both were inversely related to sprinkler nozzle pressure in a manner that can be described by a logarithmic relationship. Maximum 5-min and 10-min application rates were, respectively, about 20 and 10% higher than average rates for the irrigation events. The 100, 170, and 345 kPa sprinklers produced application uniformity coefficients of 95% for single events and up to 99% for sequential events. About 70% of applied irrigation water reached the soil surface within a 200-mm diameter area at the base of corn plants. Maximum water application rates at the base of corn plants were amplified from three to four times when compared with above-canopy rates.     

Comparison of Fixed and Rotating Spray Plate Sprinklers

A comparative study of two types of spray sprinklers was performed. Rotating spray plate sprinklers (RSPSs) and fixed spray plate sprinklers (FSPSs) were evaluated individually in open field conditions. The water distribution, wind drift, and evaporation losses during the evaluations were measured under low, medium, and high wind speed conditions with three nozzle diameters and two nozzle heights above the soil surface. Individual spray sprinkler water distributions were mathematically overlapped to simulate the water distribution resulting from sprinkler machines. The water distribution of the RSPS had a conical shape, whereas the FSPS concentrated the water application in a circular crown. The uniformity coefficient of the simulated water application in sprinkler machines fitted with RSPSs or FSPSs was >93% in all cases. However, the RSPS could attain a higher uniformity coefficient at higher spacing along the lateral. For the nozzle diameters of 6.7 and 7.9 mm, the wetted width produced by the RSPS was larger than that of the FSPS. Also, the peak instantaneous precipitation rate of the RSPS was smaller than that of the FSPS.     

Analysis of Residential Irrigation Distribution Uniformity

Irrigation has become commonplace for residential homeowners desiring high quality landscapes in Florida. The goal of this project was to document irrigation system uniformity in Central Florida and to quantify distribution uniformity of residential sprinkler equipment under controlled conditions. The catch-can testing procedure used was a modified version of both the American Society of Agricultural Engineers standard and Florida Mobile Irrigation Laboratory (MIL) procedures. The modified version included a larger sample size to ensure complete sample collection over the entire irrigated area. The standard MIL procedure may overestimate the uniformity for residential systems. From the tests on residential irrigation systems, the average low quarter distribution uniformity (DUlq) value was calculated as 0.45. Rotary sprinklers resulted in significantly higher DUlq compared to fixed pattern spray heads with 0.49 compared to 0.41, respectively. From uniformity tests performed on rotor and spray heads under ideal conditions, rotor heads had more uniform distributions than the spray heads of 0.55 compared to 0.49, respectively. Spray heads had better uniformity when fixed quarter circle nozzles were used as opposed to adjustable nozzles. Both residential irrigation system and controlled tests resulted in (DUlq) at the low end of industry guidelines. Residential irrigation system uniformity can be improved by minimizing the occurrence of low pressure in the irrigation system and by ensuring proper spacing is used in design and installation.     

Evaluation of Closed-Loop Site-Specific Irrigation with Wireless Sensor Network

Automated site-specific sprinkler irrigation system can save water and maximize productivity, but implementing automated irrigation is challenging in system integration and decision making. A controllable irrigation system was integrated into a closed-loop control with a distributed wireless in-field sensor network for automated variable-rate irrigation. An experimental field was configured into five soil zones based on soil electrical conductivity. In-field soil water sensors were installed on each zone of the distributed wireless sensor network and remotely monitored by a base station for decision making. The soil water sensors were calibrated with a neutron probe and individually identified for their response ranges at each zone. Irrigation decisions were site-specifically made based on feedback of soil water conditions from distributed in-field sensor stations. Variable-rate water application was remotely controlled by the base station to actuate solenoids to regulate the amount of time an individual group of sprinkler nozzles was irrigating in a 60-s time period. The performance of the system was evaluated with the measurement of water usage and soil water status throughout the growing season. Variable water distribution collected in catch cans highly matched to the rate assigned by computer with r2 = 0.96. User-friendly software provided real-time wireless irrigation control and monitoring during the irrigation operation without interruptions in wireless radio communication.     

Coupled Crop and Solid Set Sprinkler Simulation Model. II: Model Application

In this work, applications of the coupled solid set sprinkler irrigation and crop model AdorSim introduced in the companion paper are presented. The sprinkler irrigation model is based on ballistic theory, while the crop model is based on CropWat. AdorSim was used to evaluate the effect of sprinkler spacing on seasonal irrigation water use (WU) and crop yield. The most relevant results were related to the characterization of advanced irrigation scheduling strategies. The differences in crop yield and WU derived from irrigating at different times of the day were estimated for two locations strongly differing in wind speed. Irrigation guidelines were established in these locations to relate gross water use and water stress induced yield reductions. Simulations were also applied to estimate adequate wind speed thresholds for irrigation operation. In the experimental conditions, thresholds of 2.0–2.5?m?s?1 proved effective to control yield reductions and to minimize WU.     

Uniformity Distribution and its Economic Effect on Irrigation Management in Semiarid Zones

The management of water resources in irrigation is a fundamental aspect for their sustainability. For correct management, several tools and systems for decision making are necessary. Among the large number of factors that affect the optimization of water use, we must focus on irrigation uniformity and its economic implications. The following methodology, implemented in a computer model, allows us to carry out an economic analysis of the effects of different Christiansen’s uniformity coefficients (CU), which are useful for system design and calculation and also for irrigation management in order to obtain maximize gross margin. In the zone studied (Hydrogeologic System 08.29, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) working with a solid set system and with four crops (barley, garlic, maize, and onion), there is an economic interest in designing systems with a high CU (90%) that allows us to obtain a high application efficiency (Ea). Regarding the economic optimization of the irrigation depths, the results show that the optimum gross depths are always lower than the irrigation depths for maximum crop yield. The higher the CU, the lower the depths, while the crop yield increases and the gross margin of the crop improves. These general results present significant differences among crops, according to their water requirements and their economic profitability.     

Analytical Solution for Normal Irrigation Distribution Parameters

The model most widely used to represent sprinkler irrigation distribution parameters is based on numerical solutions to the normal cumulative probability density function. For most practical irrigation design and management applications, numerical solutions are too laborious. One other study reported analytical approximations for several irrigation distribution parameters derived from the normal model. The estimation error resulting from those approximations were variable over the operational range of irrigation uniformity and irrigation adequacy and were quite high in some ranges. In this note, more accurate analytical approximations are presented for the distribution coefficient, the application efficiency, the water requirement efficiency, the deficiently irrigated volume, and the average deficit over the deficiently irrigated area. On average, over the entire operational range of irrigation uniformity and irrigation adequacy, the new approximations are about an order of magnitude more accurate than the previous approximations and introduce negligible error for most practical applications.     

Performance of Rotating Spray Plate Sprinklers in Indoor Experiments

The use of rotating spray plate sprinklers (RSPS) can reduce the water and energy requirements in pressurized irrigation systems. Installation of RSPS in continuous move irrigation machines, such as traveling trailers (nozzle booms), presents relevant advantages compared to sprinkler-gun machines. The aim of this study is to develop design criteria for continuous-move irrigation machines using the RSPS Nelson Rotator R 3000 D-4. Water distribution by this RSPS was evaluated in an indoor facility under the following experimental conditions: 6.1, 7.0, and 7.8 mm nozzle diameters; 1.0 and 1.5 m nozzle height above the ground; and working pressures of 100, 150, and 200 kPa. The water distribution patterns were overlapped at 3 and 4 m distances, the simulated Christiansen uniformity coefficient averaged 91.8%, and the simulated average precipitation rate under the different experimental conditions ranged between 23 and 57?mm?h?1. These values are acceptable for a wide range of irrigation-machine applications.     

LEPA and Spray Irrigation for Grain Crops

Two low energy precision application (LEPA) sprinkler methods (double-ended socks and bubblers) and two spray sprinkler methods (low-elevation spray application and overhead spray) were used to irrigate corn, grain sorghum, and winter wheat in the Southern High Plains. For full or 100% irrigation, sufficient 25-mm applications were applied to maintain soil water at non-yield-limiting levels determined in earlier research with the three crops. Deficit-irrigated treatments were irrigated on the same days as the control treatment in 25 or 33% increments of the fully irrigated amount. Irrigation water was applied to or above alternate furrows with a three-span lateral move irrigation system. Corn and sorghum were grown on beds and furrows with all furrows diked, and wheat was flat-planted without basin tillage. Grain yields increased significantly with irrigation amount (p ≤ 0.05) for all crops during all years. With full irrigation, grain yields varied little among the sprinkler methods, and yields averaged 13.5, 8.9, and 4.6 Mg∕ha for corn, sorghum, and wheat, respectively. With the 25 and 50% deficit irrigation amounts, sorghum yields with LEPA irrigation were 1.1 Mg∕ha larger than with the two spray methods. For 75% irrigation of sorghum and for deficit irrigation of the other two crops, there was little yield difference between the LEPA and spray sprinkler methods. Grain yields were significantly correlated with seasonal water use with regression coefficients of 2.89, 1.84, and 0.915 kg∕m3 for corn, sorghum, and wheat, respectively.     

Sprinkler Technologies, Soil Infiltration, and Runoff

Previous simulation studies dealing with surface runoff use mathematical models based on a single soil infiltration relationship to estimate the influence of irrigation application depths and rates on surface runoff depths. Soil infiltration is influenced by such parameters as soil type, tillage practices, and soil water content. Surface runoff data from a field study with a continuous-move irrigation lateral indicate that Green and Ampt soil infiltration parameter values may also be influenced by sprinkler technologies. Soil infiltration parameter values derived from a sprinkler test with a low application rate may produce results that overestimate runoff values for sprinklers with higher application rates. Likewise, parameter values derived from a sprinkler with a high application rate can produce results that underestimate surface runoff for sprinkler technologies with lower application rates.     

Water Management of Irrigated-Drained Fields in the Jordan Valley South of Lake Kinneret

The Jordan Valley is one of the primary regions for growing winter crops of fruit and vegetables in Israel and Jordan. Control of water management in these fields is obtained by solid-set irrigation systems and subsurface drainage. Detailed field observations were conducted at a location near the Jordan River, south of Lake Kinneret. Water table heights were measured by approximately 100?piezometers. An exiting wide spacing (160?m) subsurface drainage system was monitored and the total drainage discharge from this regional drainage system to Lake Kinneret was measured. Rainfall, irrigation, and evapotranspiration rates were measured and overall hydrological balance was conducted. The old irrigation method in the region was border irrigation with very high leaching fraction and poor irrigation efficiency. During the 1970s the irrigation method was changed to computer operated drip irrigation. The leaching fraction was reduced and irrigation efficiency increased. Reduction of the total drainage discharge to Lake Kinneret by a factor of about 10 was observed. Water table rise under hand moving sprinkler and soil-set drip irrigation methods were measured and compared for assessment of salinization of the root zone by upward movement of groundwater. The result indicates the strong effect of irrigation time interval on the extent of these rises. The effect of irrigation mode on the extent of water table rises was measured at the field by comparing that under hand moving sprinkler irrigation to that under water solid set drip method. This effect depends, among other variables, on the irrigation time interval, a fact which complicates prediction of water table rise under different irrigation practices. These field results support previous theoretical analysis by the writers and highlighted the interrelationship between irrigation practice and drainage design. The effect of water table drawdown towards the Jordan River was monitored and found to be about 4.6%. The strong influence of the Jordan River on water table height at the drained field is magnified by the existence of sandy layers in the soil profile. This observed gradient may be used for the estimation of lateral seepage flow from the irrigated agricultural field towards the adjacent Jordan River. This study provides a useful source of data for future studies in similar situations.     

喷嘴喷淋距离对连铸小方坯二冷均匀性的影响

研究了不同喷淋距离下连铸小方坯二冷喷嘴的水量分布,建立了凝固传热模型分析了82B钢连铸坯的热行为。该模型特别考虑了二冷区铸坯表面宽度方向的水流密度分布,并根据铸坯表面测温结果进行了模型校正。采用凝固传热模型研究了喷嘴喷淋距离对连铸二冷均匀性的影响。结果表明:喷嘴喷淋距离的增加有助于提高二冷水横向分布的均匀性,导致铸坯表面温度横向均匀性降低、纵向均匀性提高。这些效果有助于改善铸坯内部裂纹,但是会对角部裂纹产生不利影响。在二冷区前段喷嘴采用低喷淋距离,二冷区末段采用高喷淋距离,既可以提高铸坯角部温度,又能降低表面最大回温速率,有助于同时改善连铸坯角部和内部裂纹。在此基础上,提出了一种连铸小方坯二冷喷嘴布置方式,即二冷区每段喷嘴喷淋距离沿拉坯方向逐渐增加,该方法有助于提高连铸坯“纵?横”冷却均匀性。      

Flow Uniformity of Roller-Type Quenching Machine

 Abstract: Three dimensional finite element flow field model of spraying pipe of roller-type quenching machine is built. The flow field under different structural parameters is computed. After grouping the nozzles, the spraying uniformity is analyzed under different water inlet pipe diameter, different water inlet pipe distance, nozzle diameter, nozzle distance. And the spraying intensity absolute deviation and relative deviation are computed under different conditions. The effect rule of different structural parameters to cooling uniformity is obtained. The results provide theoretical support for improving production quality and optimizing cooling device design.     

Coupled Crop and Solid Set Sprinkler Simulation Model. I: Model Development

The development of a coupled crop model (Ador-Crop) and solid set sprinkler irrigation model (Ador-Sprinkler) is reported in this work. The crop model incorporates many of the features developed in the well-known CropWat model. Improvements include the use of thermal time and the input of daily ET0. The solid set sprinkler model applies ballistic theory to determine water distribution resulting from water droplets subjected to a wind vector. Regarding the validation of the coupled model (AdorSim), the plot of soil available water versus measured and simulated yield reduction resulted in similar features. AdorSim explained 25% of the variability in measured yield reduction. Most of the unexplained variability is due to the effect of nonwater-related factors affecting crop yield. In a companion paper, AdorSim is used to investigate optimum water management options in the middle Ebro basin in the NE of Spain.     

Hydrologic Impacts due to Changes in Conveyance and Conversion from Flood to Sprinkler Irrigation Practices

Improvements in irrigation efficiency are well documented when changing from flood to sprinkler irrigation methods; however, other impacts to the watershed associated with this change are not well known. The resulting impacts to a river basin hydrology when irrigation and conveyance methods are changed are the focus of this study. In an attempt to improve water application and conveyance efficiencies in the Salt River Basin of western Wyoming, irrigation practices were changed from flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation beginning in the late 1960s, with completion by the mid-1970s. Based upon a water balance, flow in the Salt River increased an average of 65.62 MCM/year. Return flow timing was also impacted by the conversion to sprinkler irrigation. Flows increased 34% in May and 50% in June, while decreasing 15 and 14% in August and September. These changes may have coincided with decreases in groundwater storage. However, analysis of changes in groundwater levels with time was inconclusive. Surface water total dissolved solids (TDS) appears unaffected by the conversion in irrigation practices, while limited groundwater quality data indicate that TDS values are lower in sprinkler irrigated areas.     

Water Distribution in Laterals and Units of Subsurface Drip Irrigation. II: Field Evaluation

The performance of drip irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) laterals has been compared. Two emitter models (one compensating and the other noncompensating) were assessed. Field tests were carried out with a pair of laterals working at the same inlet pressure. A procedure was developed that recorded head pressures at both lateral extremes and inlet flow during irrigation. Both models showed similar behavior and soil properties affected their discharge. On the other hand, the performance of a field SDI unit of compensating emitters was characterized by measuring pressures at different points and inlet flow. Finally, the distribution of water and soil pressure in the laterals and the unit were predicted and irrigation uniformity and soil pressure variability were also determined. Predictions agreed reasonably well with the experimental observations. Thus, the methodology proposed could be used to support the decision making for the design and management of SDI systems.     

喷嘴在连铸坯二次冷却过程中的应用和发展

根据喷嘴在二次冷却区的作用，分析了喷嘴的冷、热态特性、喷嘴布置以及冷却水控制等因素对铸坯冷却效果的影响，同时介绍喷嘴在连铸机上使用现状和高效连铸机对二冷技术的新要求。     

Optimal Allocation of Irrigation Water Supplies in Real Time

This paper presents an evaluation of the potential of an optimization approach in improving real-time irrigation water management in systems with complex distribution networks. The optimization approach is based on quadratic programming. The operational objective is to maximize crop production through appropriate water allocation, while maintaining equity between different irrigation schemes and units within schemes. The approach has been evaluated through application to the irrigation system in the Lower Ayung River Basin in Bali, Indonesia. A simulation model of this irrigation system was available, and it has been possible to measure the effectiveness of the optimization approach by comparing the results of simulation runs incorporating optimization with the results of runs representing existing water allocation practice. The results indicate that the optimization approach does have potential and can significantly improve crop production at the basin scale. This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the potential of the approach and describes the development of a more sophisticated optimization approach based on real-time evaluations of crop water requirements. Considerations for practical implementation are discussed.     

Hydraulic Analysis and Direct Design of Multiple Outlets Pipelines Laid on Flat and Sloping Lands

Adequate hydraulic analysis of a multiple outlets pipelines is very important for the design and evaluation of irrigation systems. In this paper, an analytical direct design procedure for a single multiple outlets pipelines is presented. The proposed equations, taking into consideration the influence of local energy loss, are suitable for designing laterals and manifolds in both trickle and sprinkler irrigation systems, and can be applied for various types of outlet, different flow regimes, and uniform line slope ranges. In this analytical procedure, for any desired uniformity level and given design slope range with remaining known parameters, the pipe diameter and the pipe length can then be directly designed. For any desired uniformity level, the procedure also provides an opportunity to evaluate the influence of local energy loss, as well as the influence of different uniform line slopes on the pipe geometric characteristics (pipe size and length), and on the corresponding hydraulic variables (operating inlet pressure head, downstream end pressure head, and total energy loss). Comparison test with a revised step-by-step numerical method for various slope combinations indicated that the presented methodology produces sufficiently accurate results for various design cases in both trickle and sprinkler lateral design. The methodology is simple, easy to apply, and useful for hydraulic analysis and direct design of a multiple outlets pipelines in irrigation subunits.