Surge irrigation systems are typically managed through surge valves, automatic controllers, water pipelines, and other related equipment. Among these, the control valve and self-control system form the core components of the system. Although surge control valves have been available in foreign markets for some time, our country has only recently imported a few sets of such equipment. Due to their high cost and limited availability, they are mainly used for experimental research. Considering the growing importance of water-saving irrigation and automation, developing suitable surge irrigation equipment is essential. In line with the national "Ninth Five-Year" scientific project, after several years of effort, we have successfully developed a surge irrigation control valve and an automatic controller, achieving initial success.
**1. Components of Surge Irrigation Equipment**
**1.1 Surge Irrigation Control Valve**
To meet the needs of automated irrigation, the developed surge control valve uses a bidirectional switching structure to regulate the flow direction and intermittently control the water supply based on signals from the self-control unit. This allows for quick and automatic water cutoff at the end of irrigation, preventing overwatering. The valve is constructed from ferrous materials and consists of a body, valve, and gear reducer. The valve body resembles a tee and connects to the water source and two outlets. The valve itself is a circular gate with a sealing gasket, connected to a gearbox that controls its rotation. The gearboxes are mounted on both sides of the valve body and are linked via a central axis. The control system includes a transmission mechanism, motor, position sensor, and reducer. The reducer lowers the motor speed from 3000 rpm to about 10 rpm, ensuring smooth operation and preventing overload.
**1.2 Automatic Controller**
The controller acts as the central command unit of the system. It consists of a circuit board and software, receiving input parameters and issuing commands to open or close the surge valve. The position of the gate is determined by a photocell, which sends signals to the main control unit. The controller includes a microcontroller (89C51), keyboard, display, motor control section, position sensing, power supply, and function selection. The keyboard allows users to set system time, irrigation duration, and surge frequency, while the display shows operational status. The power section includes a solar panel, battery, and voltage regulator, ensuring continuous operation even during power outages. The controller can be set to operate the left valve, right valve, or both alternately, offering flexibility in irrigation management.
**1.3 Connection Between Control Valve and Self-Control System**
To ensure ease of use and prevent misuse, the controller and surge valve interface follow industrial standards. The connection is made via a simple plug-in cable, making the system user-friendly and safe.
**2. Performance and Features of the Equipment**
The developed surge irrigation equipment offers several advantages. Under dual-valve conditions, the maximum flow rate and controllable area are calculated using specific formulas involving pipe diameter, pressure head, and flow coefficient. Field tests show that the equipment can manage up to 4–6 hectares under canal irrigation, depending on the water head. The operating voltage is 6V, with an average current of 2.5A and a battery capacity of 4Ah. The system can perform around 1,920 cycles, providing sufficient energy for irrigation operations. A small solar panel powers the system, requiring about 5 days of charging for full operation.
**3. Field Testing Results**
In 1998, the equipment was tested in winter wheat irrigation areas, both well-irrigated and canal-irrigated. The results showed that the system operated smoothly, with accurate flow switching and good water gate performance. The equipment met design requirements and demonstrated strong field applicability. While it works well in well-irrigated areas, canal irrigation requires careful planning to maintain sufficient pressure and pipeline length.
**4. Conclusion**
Developing surge irrigation equipment tailored to local conditions is crucial for large-scale adoption of this water-saving method. The system we have developed is multi-functional, easy to use, and has proven effective in field trials. Future improvements will focus on reducing weight, enhancing durability, and creating compatible piping systems. With continued development and production, surge irrigation technology is expected to play a significant role in China’s water-saving irrigation efforts.
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ShinYee (Zhejiang) Pneumatic Technology Co., LTD , https://www.pneuvalve.com