Pressure regulators ensure that your pivot irrigation system operates the way it is designed. They also help prevent water waste, a critical factor in today’s water-stressed environment.
The correct water pressure is key to achieve optimal distribution uniformity and proper flow through the emitters running along a pivot line. Crops need the right amount of water at the right time, and pressure regulators help ensure this happens.
Sprinklers are manufactured to operate within a specific range of flows and pressures. Under these conditions, they maintain their distribution pattern, throw radius and droplet size. If they operate outside these parameters, their distribution patterns and application rates will be altered, causing over or under-watering. Also, they will have a shorter lifespan, making your investment less profitable.
This can also cause uneven fertilizer and chemical application through the system. As a result, crop growth will be affected, and yields will be lowered.
Today, pivot irrigation systems that are more efficient use low-pressure sprinklers and pressure regulators that provide significant savings in energy and water costs. Low-pressure sprinklers like Senninger Wobblers or LEPA bubblers help lower energy costs and save water by reducing wind drift, evaporation, and runoff. Lower pressure translates into reduced horsepower requirements and less energy consumption. It can also reduce wear-and-tear on the machine and system components.
How Do Pressure Regulators Affect Flow Rate?
Most people know pressure impacts flow, but did you know that all it takes is a small pressure change of ~20% to create a ~10% flow variation? Pressure regulation is particularly important in low-pressure systems, where a slight pressure variation can have a significant impact on the application rate. For example, a pressure variation of 2 psi (0.14 bar) on a sprinkler designed to operate at 10 psi (0.69 bar) is equivalent to a 20% pressure variation. This alters the flow by 10%.
Check out the pressure regulator guide to learn more about the importance of maintaining correct system pressure to conserve water and energy, troubleshooting tips, and answers to FAQs.
