sprinkler Uniformity for Oscillating Low Water Pressure

ABSTRACT FIELD tests were performed to assess the effect of a sinusoidal pressure oscillation on application uniformity from impact sprinklers and lawn sprayers. For the impact sprinklers, nozzle size, nozzle shape, and operating pressure were evaluated under a variety of wind conditions. A sprinkler fitted with a 4 mm circular nozzle and operated with a low pressure oscillation of 69 to 207 kPa, 1 cycle/min, provided an application uniformity superior to that of either a similarly equipped sprinkler or one equipped with a 3.5 mm square nozzleboth operated continuously at 138 kPa. A comparative annual cost analysis for a typical farm situation indicates a slight cost benefit for a pressure oscillating system. With higher energy costs, this benefit would increase.