Evaluation of Coefficient of Uniformity and Water Distribution Uniformity under Three Operating Pressures and Three Configurations Using T win-Nozzle Plastic Sprinkler Heads

Abstract

This study was conducted during February 2014- August 2014 in the Demonstration Fann of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum at Shambat (longitude 32o32'E, latitude l5o40'N and altitude 380 III amsl), on a total area of 40 m >< 30 m .The objective of the study was to determine the effect of layout configuration under different operating pressures (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 bar) on the coefficient of uniformity (CU %) and distribution uniformity (DU %). The tested configurations were the square, rectangular and triangular sprinkler pattems by using twin- nozzle plastic sprinkler heads (DAN).For each configuration, a solid-set sprinkler system was designed and installed .Catch cans were placed at centre of grids of 4><4 m. The completely randomized design was used, and treatments were replicated three times. For each treatment the system was run for one hour. The data was analyzed, using Minitab Software Version l6. The triangular configuration recorded the highest uniformity coefficient and uniformity of distribution under 2 bars operating pressure. The mean CU% of value (82%) and DU% of value (76%) at (P2 0.05) gave the following descending order: triangular > square > rectangular" configuration. All values obtained were within the acceptable range of standards set by Keller and Bliesner 1990. The appropriate operating pressure and sprinkler configuration should be considered when designing and installing a solid-set sprinkler system.