Work

Geometry-Driven Hydraulic Behavior of Pressure-Compensating Emitters for Water-Saving Agricultural Irrigation Systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Water-saving agricultural irrigation systems depend heavily on the hydraulic stability of pressure-compensating (PC) emitters, whose performance is fundamentally shaped by internal flow-path geometry. This study analyzes six commercial PC emitters (E1–E6) operated under pressures of 0.8–2.0 bar to quantify how key geometric descriptors influence hydraulic parameters critical for efficient water use, including actual discharge (qact), discharge coefficient (k), pressure exponent (x), emission uniformity (EU), and flow variability. All emitters had discharge deviations within ±7% of nominal values. Longer and more tortuous labyrinths enhanced compensation stability, while emitters with wider cross-sections and shorter paths produced higher throughput but weaker regulation efficiency. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed that effective flow area increased k, whereas normalized path length and tortuosity reduced both k and x. Predictive equations derived from geometric indicators closely matched measured values, with deviations below ±0.05 L/h for k and ±0.05 for x. These results establish a geometry-based hydraulic framework that supports emitter selection and design in water-saving agricultural irrigation, aligning with broader Agricultural Water–Land–Plant System Engineering objectives and contributing to more efficient and sustainable water-resource utilization.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w18020244

Authors: Mohamed Ghonimy, Abdulaziz Alharbi, Nermin S. Hussein, Hisham M. Imam

Institutions: Qassim University, Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Irrigation Practices and Water Management

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Qassim University