Optimal collecting can spacings in irrigation sprinkler testing

Abstract

A procedure in irrigation sprinkler testing is recommended in which collecting cans are ‘optimally’ spaced in contrast to the general practice of ‘even’ spacing. In optimal spacing, cans are located at radial distances from a sprinkler such that the experimental plotted ‘points’ of collected water mass per unit time versus radial distance have equal spacings between adjacent points around the distribution ‘curve’. It is shown that overall errors in data plotting are always less for optimal compared with even spacings for recordings over equal time intervals. Recording times with optimal spacings can therefore be shorter than with even spacings to produce the same accuracy. A procedure for computing and applying optimal spacings is given. An outline of a cost-benefit analysis is suggested. Future testing of the optimal system is recommended to confirm its practical benefit particularly with more automated recording techniques.