Types of sprinkler systems

Types of sprinkler systems

A sprinkler system can be classified under three heads, as:

1.     Permanent system;

2.     Semipermanent system; and

3.     Portable system.

Earlier, the fixed overhead perforate pipe installations were being used for sprinkler network; but with the advent of light weight steel pipes and quick couplers, portable systems have been designed.

In permanent system, pipes are permanently buried in such a way that they do not interfere with the farming operations. In the semi permanent system, the main lines are buried in the ground, while the laterals are portable. In portable system, the mains as well as laterals are portable. These portable networks can be moved from farm to farm.

In the sprinkler irrigation network, we have the mains and the submains, through which water under pressure is made to flow. Revolving sprinkler heads are then usually mounted on rising pipes attached to the laterals. The water jet comes out through the revolving sprinkler heads, with force. When sprinkler heads are not provided, perforations are made in the pipes, and they are provided with nozzles, through which water jets out and falls on the ground. Generally, such a perforated pipe system operates at low heads; whereas, the revolving heads sprinklers operate on high as well as low heads, depending upon the type of rotary head used.