Structural design and performance characteristics of the fluidic sprinkler application technology for saving irrigation water: a review

Abstract

The fluidic sprinkler was designed to have the prospect of a simple design, ease of construction, low energy consumption, and water saving. The present review focused on the fluidic sprinkler, compared the performance parameters of the fluidic sprinkler with the impact sprinkler, and highlighted the main challenges associated with the fluidic sprinkler. Even though the fluidic sprinkler compares quite well with the impact sprinkler, the review highlighted that the fluidic sprinkler appears to have more variability in application rate (0-1.5 mm/h) than the impact sprinkler (0-0.8 mm/h). The wetted radii were, on average, less than the impact sprinkler by 9.7, 9.3, 11.0, and 9.9% at 200, 250, 300, and 350 kPa operating pressures, respectively. Experiments on the fluidic sprinkler have mainly concentrated on the structural design of the fluidic component, water distribution profile, coefficient of uniformity, droplet size characterisation, and rotation uniformity, as well as the effect of different nozzle sizes on hydraulic performance under varying discharge and pressure conditions ranging from 100-500 kPa under indoor conditions. However, experimental studies on its performance in the field remain scanty. Statistical analysis of research papers published on the fluidic sprinkler indicates that less than 10% of the studies focused on the performance of the fluidic sprinkler on the field, and more than 90% on the design, structural and hydraulic performance under indoor conditions. Rotation stability of the fluidic sprinkler and testing with different sizes of the nozzle under low-pressure conditions on the field require further research to achieve energy and water saving through optimisation of the operating conditions.