Netafim D-NETTM 7595 performance and uniformity with and without teeth of diffusion arm

Abstract

The artificial water application through irrigation systems can provide uneven applications, causing excess or deficit in part of the cultivating area. The companies that supply irrigation equipment have been investing in the development of products that optimize the efficiency of application, and consequently the cost of production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the structural modification of the 3D diffusion arm on the performance and uniformity of a Netafim ™ D-Net ™ 9575 sprinkler. The structural modification made by the company was to allocate bulkheads (teeth) in the diffusion arm, in order to optimize water distribution. In Lavras, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil the experiment was performed, assays with teeth (WT) and no teeth (NT), at three pressures (200, 300 and 400 kPa), with three repetitions. The evaluation of the sprinkler performance was based on the determination of the radial profile of each combination, Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CUC), application intensity, and sprinkler flow. The results indicated that the average application intensities (Ia) of each pressure with the teeth (WT) and without the teeth (NT) of the diffuser are coherent compared to the values indicated in the catalog. The Ia values for all NT tests and for some WT pressures are slightly above that recommended by the Netafim ™ catalog. Overall the diffuser arm WT reduces the range of the water jet. The CUC uniformity coefficient with 300 kPa working pressure for the WT and NT tests achieved the best results according to the objective.