Influencing factors and characterization methods of the anti‐clogging ability of labyrinth channel emitters

Abstract To quantitatively evaluate the anti‐clogging performance of labyrinth channel emitters, literary data were used to study the clogging of different emitters under different conditions. The results showed that the emitter clogging comprehensive evaluation index (Ia) can be used as an inherent property of labyrinth flow channel emitters, denoted as the anti‐clogging ability characterization index, which is affected by flow channel structure parameters and dimensions. The larger Ia is, the more likely it is for the emitter to be clogged and for clogging to be more serious. The emitter anti‐clogging ability is affected by the emitter discharge (Q), flow path length (L), width (W), depth (D), cross‐sectional area (A, which equals W × D), minimum sectional size (min(D, W)), etc. The Ia value with Q, W, D, A and min(D, W) increases first decreases and then increases, and with L increases first increases and then decreasing, and a critical threshold range exists. Ia can be estimated by Q, W, D, A and min(D, W) and can be used as an effective indicator to quickly estimate emitter anti‐clogging ability and emitter configuration in drip irrigation systems. In practical applications, an emitter with x < 0.47 (flow index) should be selected, and an emitter with Ia < 0.45 has a better hydraulic performance and anti‐clogging ability. To obtain a better anti‐clogging ability, Q, W, D, A and min(D, W) should be 1.33–2.13 L/h, 0.71–0.90 mm, 0.55–0.71 mm, 0.33–0.68 mm2 and 0.60–0.75 mm, respectively. When L is 26.47–58.31 mm, the emitter anti‐clogging ability is relatively low.