Pressure and Spacing of Distribution Hardware

Two inter-related elements that are vital to the success of any spray irrigation system are pressure and spacing of distribution hardware.  Pressure is the force behind the water.  There is static pressure, the pressure that registers when nothing is moving, and operating pressure.  Operating pressure is the pressure that is in the lateral systems, and most importantly at the base of the sprinkler (or emitter, etc.)  during operation.

Operating Pressure is critical

Ensuring operation of sprinklers at the stated optimum operating pressure is critical to the even distribution of water.  At optimum pressure nozzles produce a ratio of large droplets that carry toward the end of the radius, and a finer sized droplet that fill in around the sprinkler.  (With appropriate sprinkler spacing, the small and larger droplet from opposing heads infill and create a uniform application.  Even application is an Irrigation Essential!)   With the right operating pressure, a nozzle creates proportionally (more) large droplets and throws them to the end of the radius because there is a greater area to cover at the end of the radius, than the area near the head.  So it is easy to see that uniformity of coverage is dependent on spacing, pressure and one more thing – wind, or the absence of it.

With too much pressure, a percentage of the water droplets atomize and simply float away as mist without landing on the landscape.  With too little pressure, the water is not deployed evenly, and soaks some areas while leaving others dry.  A good rule of thumb is all hardware in a lateral system should operate within a 10 psi range of each other.  

Elevation impacts pressure as well.  Pressure is lost going uphill and gained going down hill.  Large lateral systems that include substantial elevation changes have several challenges “built in”.  Email us back with more specifics about this situation – you’ll want to get this right the first time!

Delivery Systems Articles • Posted on 02/23/2009 • Permalink

Toro ECx Automatic Sprinkler System Timer

For a relatively inexpensive piece of gear, the Toro ECx has a lot to offer. These are the six areas we feel are important to understand for any piece of equipment:

Product Evaluation Criteria:  Six categories (the Essentials)

1. Easy to install and setup?
2. Perform the core function?
3. Easy to use (flexible as well)?
4. Is it dependable (durable, rugged)?
   
5. Easy to sustain (availability of parts, and ease of repair)?  And, what is the carbon footprint (where is it manufactured, processes used, end of life cycle—recycle method?
6. Best & most appropriate use of this product

Delivery Systems Articles • Product Reviews Articles • Posted on 02/22/2009 • Permalink