In our System Performance Bulletin “Check your data – don’t jump to replace your system” we covered the problems of incorrect station data in your irrigation database when compared to what is physically installed on site.
If your sprinkler data is correct and you are still having issues, the nest step is to create a hydraulic tree. A hydraulic tree is a representation of all the branches of mainline pipework. Each sprinkler station is linked to its relevant branch enabling the controller to determine all the flow characteristics to co-ordinate and manage flow.
Having the correct sprinkler type and flow is essential but can still give you problems if the pipes supplying that head, or group of heads, are not able to deliver the required flow. If new stations, updated sprinklers, and pipework have also been added to the existing system over time, the additional flow required is often not considered. The result is you may be exceeding the parameters of the original design and asking an existing pipe network to deliver an increased amount of water to more heads with larger flows.
Flow problems often lead to the controller being unnecessarily criticised and the leap to replace the complete system is again back in the forefront.
By having a good hydraulic tree, the distribution of flow is managed in a controlled manner allowing each head, or group of heads, to receive the correct flow and pressure required for the desired application. It will also decrease ‘water hammer’ which causes wear and tear on pipes, joints, valves, and heads therefore decreasing maintenance costs and overall downtime of the system.
Bailoy have designed and manufactured irrigation systems for over 40 years and as such have the experience and knowledge on how all the key aspects of an irrigation system interact with each other so we can deliver hardware, software, support and advice to bring you performance and reliability.