Iterative calculation of local head loss coefficient of emitters in lateral lines

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to iteratively set the local head loss coefficient of the Naan® micro-sprinkler, model 7110 Hadar, installed in a lateral irrigation line. To evaluate the total head loss along the lateral line, tests were performed using a rigid PVC pipe with an inner diameter of 15.8 mm, 12 m in length, and 24 micro-sprinklers inserted along the pipe, regularly spaced 0.5 m. In the tests carried out for four micro-sprinkler nozzle diameters (0.9, 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 mm) and six inlet pressure head values (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m) in the line, the pressure head difference between inlet and outlet in the pipe and the discharge of each emitter along the pipe were measured. The head loss computation was performed by the step-by-step procedure, starting from the downstream end to the upstream end of the line; since varying the local head loss coefficient values iteratively, the total head loss measured in the tests was equal to the calculated. For the different working conditions of the inlet pressure head and the micro-sprinkler nozzle diameter, the local head loss coefficient had values from 0.051 to 0.169. Relating the discharge values measured and estimated along the lateral line, the confidence coefficient of 0.9991 was verified, and the calculation procedure was considered optimal.