Turbulent flow theory applied to localized irrigation (microtubs)

Author(s)

Wanderley de Jesus Souza

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2009-02-03

Examining board members

Tarlei Arriel Botrel; Daniel Fonseca de Carvalho; Jose Antonio Frizzone

• Advisor: Tarlei Arriel Botrel

Abstract

The present work aims to investigate an alternative method of localized irrigation, with low cost and technological level comparable to nowadays equipments on the market. To do so, it has developed the mathematical models UNIVERSAL and WSBOTREL, for calculating microtubs diameter and length that would work under turbulent flow, where it is considered: head loss in the microtub and localized head loss at extremities. It was development software on a spreadsheet Excel, to design laterals lines with microtubs of similar and variable length. The models were evaluated for calculating the lateral line of irrigation systems, presenting great performance: collected data showed average discharge close to projected discharge, with coefficient of determination of 98%, excellent uniformity of distribution, low mean absolute error and variation coefficient of discharge. It was evaluated the behavior of emitters under different pressures and water temperatures. It was found that the discharge of variation was almost zero for a temperature difference of 3 degree Kelvin. The WSBOTREL model was used to design an commercial irrigation system, with the objective of making use of fertirrigation in nursery citrus plants (greenhouse). The system was under evaluation during 160 days. At the end of the growing cycle, it wasn´t observed clogging of emitters, and plants presented similar high and diameter of stem compare to the traditional irrigation method (hoses) according to the procedure adopted by the company, with advantage to reduce hand work and solution used in fertirrigation. The irrigation system with microtub under turbulent zone of flow was technically feasible to use. (AU)