When designing the layout of an irrigation system, no matter the size of the project, the following fundamentals will always apply: pressure, head-to-head and zoning. Once these are taken into account, the chances of installing a system that results in high levels of efficiency are dramatically increased.
1. Pressure
Sprinklers operating at the incorrect pressure waste water and affect the uniformity of water distribution of your irrigation system. Operating specifications for sprinklers differ. Typical sprays (or cone sprinklers) are designed to work in a range of 1 to 2.1 bar. Poor design of an irrigation system can cause sprinklers to operate outside of this recommended range and severely affect the effective use of water and damage the irrigation system. Here are some of the problems caused by sprinklers operating at pressures that are too high or low:
Low Pressures
- Radius of sprinkler is reduced leaving gaps between sprinklers
- Uniformity of distribution is erratic causing wet and dry patches
- At extremely low pressures the sprinkler may not pop-up and water will just seep out
High Pressures
- Water droplets are extremely fine causing “misting”, affecting radius and uniformity of distribution
- Sprinkler can leak and constant high pressure can cause seals to fail
- Pipes and fittings can burst or leak