Performance evaluation of a perforated pipe sprinkler irrigation system

This paper reports the results of field test conducted on perforated pipe sprinkler system to provide quantitative framework on which to make design and operational decisions for the optimum use of the system. The performance indices of a single perforated pipe (theoretical overlapping) and actual overlapping methods were compared under different conditions of wind, pressure, and perforation size. An operating pressure of 172 kPa (25 psi) and 1.25 mm perforation size produced the best uniformity in most cases. The uniformity coefficients and distribution uniformities under the two overlapping conditions did not differ significantly, that makes the method of irrigating with single pipe more economical in terms of energy and horsepower requirement, labor maintenance, and capital cost. The actual overlapping method would be the most ideal method in terms of saving irrigation time and reducing water loss due to evaporation.