Hydraulic analysis of sprinkler irrigation network using WaterGEMS software

In this research, sprinkler irrigation network of Sysan area located in Bostanabad city in Azarbayjan Province was analyzed using WaterGEMS software. This irrigation network based on the position of the main, sub-main and lateral pipes divided into three A, B, and C zones and with regard to irrigation interval, the number of sets and sprinklers, 9 scenarios were defined. Hydraulic parameters (pressure and velocity) were analyzed in the nodes and the pipes before and after optimization with WaterGEMS, respectively. The hydraulic analysis indicated; based on the required pressure of the sprinkler operation (40 m-H2O) and the maximum supply pressure of the selective pump (70 m-H2O), there was no problem or limitation in supplying the network pressure. In the other words, the pressure aligned with standards. While according to permissible velocity in the sprinkler irrigation pipes, the critical velocities were observed in 4 scenarios in zone B and in 5 scenarios in zone C. By applying the necessary changes in the diameter of the pipes and provided that the pressure variations aligns with standards (less than 20%), the velocities were optimized and aligned with standards. Given that the hydraulic parameters were optimized by decreasing pipe diameter, the optimally designed system with WaterGEMS software led to a decrease of 7.3% in costs compared to the designed and implemented system.