Lecture Notes on Sprinkler System
Design
Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
Hydraulic design of sprinklers is aimed at obtaining uniform coverage, the desired rate of
application, the break-up of sprinkler drops necessary to minimize structural
deterioration of the soil surface, and the efficient energization of the system to maximize the
energy use.
The nozzle discharge may be computed from the following orifice flow formula derived by
Torricelli:
q = C a √(2gh)
where,
q = nozzle discharge, m³/sec
a = cross-sectional area of nozzle or orifice, m²
h = pressure head at the nozzle, metres
g = acceleration due to gravity, m/sec²
Water Spread of Sprinkler
The area covered by a rotating head sprinkler may be estimated by the following formula
suggested by Cavazza (Pillsbury, 1968):
R = 1.35 √(dh)
where,
R = radius of wetted area covered by the sprinkler, metres
d = diameter of nozzle, metres
h = pressure head at the nozzle, metres
Break-up of Jet
Break-up of the jet of water is necessary to attain uniformity of coverage and minimize
excessively large drops. Large drops travel farther, strike with more force, and can damage
soil. Jet breakup is encouraged by design and slow sprinkler rotation (0.67 to 1 rpm for
small, 0.25 to 0.5 rpm for large sprinklers). The following empirical formula suggested by
Tanda provides an index of jet break-up.
Pd = h / (10q)^0.4
where,
Pd = index for jet break-up
h = pressure head at nozzle, metres
q = sprinkler discharge, litres/sec
If Pd > 2, drop size condition is good.
If Pd = 4, drop size condition is best.
If Pd > 4, pressure is being wasted (Pillsbury, 1968).
Rate of Application
The average rate of application, often called precipitation intensity for a single sprinkler
may be estimated by the following formula:
Ra = q / (360 × A)
where,
Ra = rate of application, cm/hr
q = sprinkler discharge, litres/sec
A = area covered by the sprinkler, m²
Selection of Pump
In selecting a suitable pump, it is necessary to determine the maximum total head against
which the pump is working. This may be determined by:
Ht = Hn + Hm + Hj + Hs
where,
Ht = total design head against which the pump is working, m
Hn = maximum head required at the main to operate the sprinklers on the lateral at the
required average pressure, including the riser height, m
Hm = maximum friction loss in the main and in the suction line, m
Hj = elevation difference between the pump and the junction of the lateral and the main, m
Hs = elevation difference between the pump and the source of water after drawdown, m
Cost Analysis
After the complete design of the system, an estimate of cost is required. Suggested items
include:
(i) well, (ii) pump house, (iii) power (electrical installation, transmission line, transformer,
motor, switches, engine), (iv) pump unit, (v) main line and risers, (vi) laterals, (vii)
sprinklers and accessories, (viii) special equipment, (ix) installation charges, (x) labour, (xi)
annual maintenance, (xii) other costs.
Table: Guide for Estimating Depreciation of Sprinkler Equipment
Item Description Life Expectancy
1 Water supply (Well and 25 years
casing)
2 Pump, turbine (a) Bowl 15,000 hrs or 7 years
(estimated 50%)
(b) Column 25,000 hrs or 12 years
3 Pump, centrifugal 25,000 hrs or 12 years
4 Power, transmission (a) 2,000 hrs or 1 year
Gearhead
(b) V-belts 4,000 hrs or 2 years
(c) Flat belt, rubber, fabric 30,000 hrs or 15 years
5 Electric motors 20,000 hrs or 10 years
6 Diesel engines —
7 Pipe (a) Aluminium (main 10 years
and laterals)
(b) PVC 6 years
8 Sprinkler heads 7 years
9 Misc. fittings aluminium 10 years
(valves, couplers, elbows,
etc.)
10 Misc. fittings PVC 6 years
In considering the economics of sprinkler irrigation, all costs and benefits should be
included. Initial costs are important because the purchaser must finance this usually heavy
capital investment. However, annual costs per hectare compared to annual returns per
hectare are the best measure of the economics of an irrigation system. The annual cost per
hectare may be estimated from the cost of the various components including the cost of
equipment, labour, energy, depreciation and interest detailed above. When considering the
returns to be expected from a new irrigation system, credit should be shown for any savings
resulting from—
(i) Increased yield,
(ii) Less land out of production,
(iii) Reduction in land preparation, tillage, and harvesting costs,
(iv) Saving in labour, repair and maintenance, and operating costs, and,
(v) Saving in water and power costs.
Operation and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems
Proper design of a sprinkler system does not in itself ensure success. It should be ensured
that the prime mover and the pump are in alignment, particularly in the case of tractor-
driven pumps. For these the drive shaft and the pump shaft should lie at nearly the same
height to prevent too great an angle on the universal shaft. Service and installation
procedures of the pump and power unit should be strictly observed.
While laying the main and lateral pipes, always begin laying at the pump. This necessarily
gives the correct connection of all quick coupling pipes. While joining couplings, it is
ensured that both the couplings and the rubber seal rings are clean.
In starting the sprinkler system, the motor or engine is started with the valves closed. The
pump must attain the pressure stated on type-plate, or otherwise there is a fault in the
suction line. After the pump reaches the regulation pressure, the delivery valve is opened
slowly. Similarly, the delivery valve is closed after stopping the power unit.
The pipes and sprinkler-lines are shifted as required after stopping. Dismantling of the
installation takes place in the reverse order to the assembly described above.
Maintenance.
A sprinkler system, like any other farm equipment, needs maintenance to keep it operating
at peak efficiency. Parts of the system subject to wear are the rotating sprinkler heads, the
pumping set, the couplers and the pipeline. Details regarding the maintenance of the
pumping unit are given in Chapter 3. General principles regarding the maintenance of the
pipes and fittings and sprinkler heads are given below:
1. Pipes and Fittings.
The pipes and fittings require virtually no maintenance but attention must be given to the
following procedures:
(a) Occasionally clean any dirt or sand out of the groove in the coupler in which the sealing
ring fits. Any accumulation of dirt or sand will harm the performance of the rubber sealing
ring.
(b) Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
(c) Do not lay pipes on new damp concrete or on piles of fertilizer. Do not lay fertilizer sacks
on the pipe.
The pipes are automatically emptied and ready to be moved. When the pump is first started
and before the pressure has built up in the system the seals may give a little leakage. With
full pressure in the system the couplers and fittings will be effectively leak-free. If, however,
there is a leakage, check the following:
(a) There is no accumulation of dirt or sand in the groove in the coupler in which the sealing
ring fits. Clean out any dirt or sand and refit the sealing ring.
(b) The end of the pipe going inside the coupler is smooth, clean and not distorted.
(c) In the case of fittings such as bends, tees and reducers ensure that the fitting has been
properly connected into the coupler.
2. Sprinkler heads.
The sprinkler heads should be given the following attention:
(a) When moving the sprinkler lines, make sure that the sprinklers are not damaged or
pushed into the soil.
(b) Do not apply oil, grease or any lubricant to the sprinklers. They are water lubricated and
using oil, grease or any other lubricant may stop them from working.
(c) Sprinklers usually have a sealed bearing and at the bottom of the bearing there are
washers. Usually it is the washers that wear and not the more expensive metal parts. Check
the washers for wear once every four or every six months—this is especially important
where water is sandy. Replace the washers if worn or damaged.
(d) After several seasons’ operation the swing arm spring may need tightening. This is done
by pulling the spring end at the top and rebending it. This will increase the spring tension.
In general, check all equipment at the end of the season and make any repairs and
adjustments so that the order is perfect to start in the next season.
Storage.
The following points are to be observed while storing the sprinkler equipment during the
off-season:
(a) Remove the sprinklers and store in a cool, dry place.
(b) Remove the rubber sealing rings from the pipes and fittings and store them in a cool,
dark place.
(c) The pipes can be left outdoors in which case they should be placed in racks with one end
higher than the other. Do not store pipes open at either end.
(d) Disconnect the suction and delivery pipe-work at the pump and pour in a small quantity
of oil. Blank the suction and delivery branches. This will prevent the pump from rusting.
Grease the shaft.
(e) Protect the electric motor from the ingress of dust, dampness and rodents.
Troubleshooting
The following are the general guidelines to identify and remove the common troubles in the
sprinkler systems:
1. Pump does not prime or develop pressure.
(a) Check that the suction lift is within the limits. If not, get the pump closer to the water
body.
(b) Check the suction pipeline and all connections for air leaks. All connections and flanges
should be air-tight.
(c) Check that the strainer on the foot valve is not blocked.
(d) Check that the flap in the foot valve is free to open fully.
(e) Check the pump gland(s) for air leaks. If air leaks are suspected tighten the gland(s)
gently. If necessary repack the gland(s) using a thick grease to seal the gland satisfactorily.
(f) Check that the gate valve on the delivery pipe-work is fully closed during priming and
opens fully when the pump is running.
(g) Check that the direction of rotation of the pump is correct.
2. Sprinklers do not turn.
(a) Check pressure.
(b) Check that the nozzle is not blocked. Preferably unscrew the nozzle or use a small soft
piece of wood to remove the blockage. Do not use a piece of wire or metal as this may
damage the nozzle.
(c) Check that the sprinkler bearing is quite free and correct. During operation, the
sprinkler can usually be pushed down towards the riser pipe so that the water pressure
flushes out the bearing. If the bearing is still tight, dismantle and then clean it. Do not use oil,
grease or any lubricant.
(d) Check the condition of washers at the bottom of the bearing and replace them if worn or
damaged.
(e) Check that the swing arm moves freely and that the spoon which moves into the water
stream is not bent by comparing it with a sprinkler which is operating correctly. If it is bent
then very carefully bend it back into position.
(f) Adjust the swing arm spring tension. Usually it should not be necessary to pull up the
spring by more than about 6 mm.
3. Leakage from coupler or fittings.
The sealing rings in the couplers and fittings are usually designed to drain the water from
the pipes when the pressure is turned off. This ensures that the pipes are automatically
emptied and ready to be moved. When the pump is first started and before the pressure has
built up in the system, the seals may give a little leakage. With full pressure in the system,
the couplers and fittings will be effectively leak-free. If, however, there is a leakage, check
the following:
(a) There is no accumulation of dirt or sand in the groove in the coupler in which the sealing
ring fits. Clean out any dirt or sand and refit the sealing ring.
(b) The end of the pipe going inside the coupler is smooth, clean and not distorted.
(c) In the case of fittings such as bends, tees and reducers ensure that the fitting has been
properly connected into the coupler.
