REVERSE ENGINEERING

CENTRE PIVOT IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT

1. Problem Identification

Water Sprinklers employed at present doesnt have specific pattern of irrigation leading to
wastage of water and inefficiency of water distribution.

2. Problem description

Growing more food with less water available is becoming a critical challenge in the
present scenario of agriculture across the globe.
So traditional irrigation mechanisms has to be replaced with something more efficient.
Uneven distribution of water to crops without specific patterns can lead to water wastage.

3. Design Goals & Functions

Desired pattern of irrigation and crop growth.

Even distribution of water at regular intervals.
Uniform distribution
More plant growth from limited water supply.
Easier crop growth analysis as crops are made to grow in clusters of intricate shapes.

4. Brainstorming

Valley center pivots with nozzles can help achieve mechanized solution for efficient
distribution.
Motorized nozzles whose velocity and area of function can be adjusted will help achieve the
task better.
Moisture content analyzer for analyzing the soil. Using a mobile app this can be monitored.
Multiple pivots can be enabled on the main frame.
The main frame can be made to move throughout the field as the user wishes or
automatically according to the results of the moisture analyzer.
Pesticides can also be sprayed through the same nozzles.
Effective transfer of water from pump to pivot ensuring productivity and improved yield.
Pattern of nozzle spray can be adjusted by replacing the nozzle heads.
The amount of water can also be made adjustable with the help of pressure regulators.
5. Potential Solution

Center pivot irrigation is a form of overhead sprinkler irrigation consisting of several

segments of pipe (usually galvanized steel or aluminum) joined together and supported
by trusses, mounted on wheeled towers with sprinklers positioned along its length.

6. Design Details

To achieve uniform application, center pivots require an even emitter flow rate across the radius
of the machine
Since the outer-most spans (or towers) travel farther in a given time period than the innermost
spans, nozzle sizes are smallest at the inner spans and increase with distance from the pivot
point.
Center pivot systems now have drops hanging from a u-shaped pipe called a gooseneck attached
at the top of the pipe with sprinkler heads that are positioned a few feet (at most) above the
crop, thus limiting evaporative losses and wind drift.
There are many different nozzle configurations available including static plate, moving plate
and part circle.
Pressure regulators are typically installed upstream of each nozzle to ensure each is operating at
the correct design pressure.

7. Cost Analysis
The 60-acre stationary center pivot system described here is considered a typical size unit in
Alabama.
When the pivot point is located at the center of a 68 acre block of land, this system will irrigate
approximately 60 acres.
In order to irrigate 60 acres, an end gun must be used to extend coverage beyond the pivot pipe.
Amount of Rs.80000 approx. per acre is the total estimated cost for the entire frame
,nozzle assembly and motion along the field.
8. Design Advantages

Center pivot irrigation typically uses less water compared to many surface
irrigation and furrow irrigation techniques,]which reduces the expenditure of and
conserves water.
It also helps to reduce labor costs compared to some ground irrigation techniques, which
are often more labor-intensive.
Some ground irrigation techniques involve the digging of channels on the land for the water
to flow, whereas the use of center-pivot irrigation can reduce the amount of soil tillage that
occurs and helps to reduce water runoff and soil erosion that can occur with ground
irrigation.
Less tillage encourages more organic materials and crop residue to decompose back into
the soil, and reduces soil compaction.