Performance Evaluation of Microsprinklers for Varying Spacing and Head

Micro-sprinkler is one of the components used in micro irrigation system and its performance will have a major impact on success of system as a whole. It is therefore, necessary to test the micro-sprinkler so that the designer can select the micro sprinkler best suitable for a specific requirement and a system can be designed accordingly. Two different types of micro-sprinkler viz. type A (26 lph), type B (70 lph) were selected for the performance test. The performance evaluation for micro-sprinklers was carried out for operating pressure of 1.5 kg/cm2. The estimated value of uniformity coefficient was found to be in the range of 85 to 89% for type A and 84 to 89% for type B micro-sprinkler. The uniformity coefficient decreases with increase in micro-sprinkler spacing. It also increases with increases in micro-sprinkler height. As spacing increases from 1.5 x 1.5 m to 3 x 3 m the distribution uniformity decreases from 81 to 76% and 82 to 75% for type 'A' and type 'B' micro-sprinklers respectively. As height increases from 0.3 m to 1.0 m distribution uniformity increases for both type of micro sprinkler.