Dual-Diameter Laterals in Center-Pivot Irrigation System

Design strategies to enhance modern irrigation practices, reduce energy consumption, and improve water use efficiency crop yields are fundamental for sustainability. Concerning Center-Pivot Irrigation Systems, different design procedures aimed at optimizing have been proposed. Recently, following a gradually decreasing sprinkler spacing along the pivot lateral with constant diameter flow rate, new method providing uniform application rate has introduced. However, no suggestions were given multiple-diameter laterals characterized by values of inside pipe diameter. In this paper, first previous procedure is briefly summarized. Then, dual-diameter center presented, which makes it possible determine diameters that always provide pressure heads within an admitted range. The results showed assigned input parameters, many suitable solutions can be selected. head distributions compared those derived common numerical step solutions, validating suggested simplified procedure. An error analysis was performed, showing relative error, in heads, RE, less than 2.3%. If imposing mean weight diameter, Dm, equal its minimum value, optimal tolerance outer lateral, δI, amounting about 2%, RE being 0.4%, very accurate. Several applications compared, discussed.