Structure design and experiments on the water distribution of the variable-rate sprinkler with non-circle nozzle

In order to improve the irrigation quality and reduce the investment of sprinkler irrigation systems engineering, a new type of variable-rate sprinkler were developed by using activity pieces and non-circle nozzle devices on an impact sprinkler. The structure and working principle were presented. Experimental test was conducted to compared the hydraulic performances of variable-rate sprinkler with non-circle nozzle and circle nozzle. Three-dimensional water distribution and radial water distribution were plotted by using MATLAB. Results showed that the variable-rate sprinkler with non-circle nozzle was able to operate reliably. A triangular wetted area was obtained. And the influence of operation pressure fluctuation on spraying uniformity was reduced. Compared with traditional variable-rate sprinkler, the variable-rate sprinkler with non-circle nozzle has better hydraulic performance. The measured average application intensity was 6.74 mm/h. The conclusion is that non-circle nozzle can improve the water distribution uniformity of variable-rate sprinkler effectively.