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Irrigation pumps are necessary for agriculture since they guarantee optimal water distribution to crops, thus improving production. With operating pressures ranging from 0.5 to 5 Mpa, they are classified according to the source of their power, and their ability to vary the water flow and pressure to suit different irrigation methods.
The following are the main categories for these pumps:
Centrifugal irrigation pumps
As centrifugal pumps, these irrigation pumps are among the most prevalent. They operate on the principle of water attraction, using a rotating impeller to push the water outward. A centrifugal irrigation pump serves canals and wheel lines. These pumps are frequently employed for pressurized irrigation methods such as sprinklers and drip irrigation because of their capacity to transport sizeable water quantities. Centrifugal irrigation pumps are fixed-speed forms that enable them to function effectively in situations with a constant water requirement.
Submersible irrigation pumps
Therefore, they are called 'submersible' and are intended to work underwater. These irrigation water pumps are also centrifugal pumps; however, they differ from the standard centrifugal pumps since the impeller is encased in a sealed pump body to prevent water from entering while preventing the pump from overheating. Since they are enclosed, submersible pumps can be installed in narrow wells or reservoirs with little space. They are mainly used to pump water from wells into irrigation systems in agriculture. Their effective pumping at great depths makes them necessary for regions that depend on underground water sources.
Booster pumps
Booster pumps are mainly employed to raise existing water pressure in irrigation systems, enabling the water to flow and reach more remote or higher areas of the farm. The pumps also add pressure within the pipeline if water needs to travel a long distance before reaching the irrigation area. A centrifugal booster pump is the most common type of irrigation booster pump. Still, there are also positive displacement pumps that increase pressure more effectively in systems that need low flow but high pressure.
Positive displacement irrigation pumps
Compared to centrifugal pumps, these irrigation pumps are less frequent. Still, they are useful in some requirements, mainly in systems needing low flow but high pressure. These pumps operate by 'displacing' a fixed volume of water with each pump cycle, making them ideal for precise applications such as drip irrigation, where steady, accurate water flow rates are crucial. Diaphragm and gear pumps are two positive displacement pumps commonly used in irrigation systems.
Agricultural irrigation
This is the main use of irrigation pumps. These are employed to ensure that crops grown in dry regions receive the requisite water or in regions where there is no rainfall at all. Farmers can better manage their water supply, ensuring that no crops experience water stress or that no crops become waterlogged.
Lawn and landscape irrigation
To maintain health and attractiveness, irrigation pumps for lawns and landscape plants create the distinct pressure levels needed for sprinkler systems to water large areas efficiently. Without these pumps, landscape designs would suffer from dead zones where grass and plants lack adequate water due to low pressure.
Groundwater recharge systems
Farmers in some regions need to pump water back into the ground to replenish depleted aquifers and ensure a continuous supply of well water for future use. Specific irrigation pumps are designed for this purpose, effectively returning water underground.
Golf course irrigation
Golf courses cover large areas of landscaped turf and greens, needing robust irrigation pumps to maintain adequate moisture levels throughout the course. In dry years, these pumps draw water from wells or local sources to ensure conservation of the grass and plants within the course.
Recreational and public space irrigation
Parks, sports fields, and public gardens also employ irrigation pumps to keep their landscapes appealing and healthy. These pumps handle the demands of varying landscape designs and use requirements, delivering adequate water to all areas. In recreational areas like lakes or rivers, pumps may also be used to manage water levels for proper irrigation of surrounding agricultural areas.
Flow rate
This is usually expressed in gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). This denotes the amount of water that will be delivered by the pump. A higher flow rate means that more water will be delivered by the pump in a given time. Therefore, the pump must meet the water requirement of the irrigation system to select an appropriate pump.
Head pressure
A pump's head pressure is its ability to lift water to a height. It is usually measured in feet or meters. The required head pressure will depend on the topography of the land that is being irrigated and the type of irrigation system in use. Therefore, if there are large differences in elevations within the irrigation area, the pump that should be selected should have a high head pressure to cover that distance without losing efficiency.
Power
The power can be mainly electrical or diesel-driven. It describes the source of energy that will drive the pump. Water and energy are closely related to centrifugal force, so it is fundamental to ascertain an irrigation pump's energy source before purchasing it. An electrical centrifugal pond pump usually needs a certain voltage, such as 120v or 240v. Diesel-driven varieties are usually portable, making them suitable for temporary uses like firefighting, but these types require more maintenance than their electrical counterparts.
Durability and materials
Pumps are used in irrigation for extended periods, and they must have the relevant capacity to hold this use. Therefore, variables such as corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel, bronze, or thermoplastic), wear due to sediment and debris in water, and weatherproofing features for external pumps should be considered.
System compatibility
Irrigation presents different requirements, including drip, sprinkler, and surface methods. Pumps designed for specific systems guarantee that flow rates and pressure requirements are perfectly suited.
Check and replace filters regularly.
The only thing standing between an irrigation pump's optimal performance and dysfunction is the filter. The filtration system is used to prevent contaminants from entering the pump and irrigating system, damaging system components. However, these filters may sometimes be clogged. Therefore, these filters should be checked at least weekly and cleaned or replaced when they show signs of getting clogged. Not doing this may lead to pump failure since contaminants might also damage the pump itself.
Monitor pressure and flow rates.
A change in pressure or flow rates may be a sign that something is wrong with the irrigation pump or system. Irrigation experts advise farmers to use pressure gauges and flow meters to monitor these parameters and routinely check them.
Keep the pump and surrounding area clean.
Pumps can overheat, making them more susceptible to damage after being clogged by debris such as dirt, leaves, and trash. Thus, the best way for farmers to protect their irrigation pumps is to keep the area around them clean.
Check for leaks and cracks.
Since the irrigation system operates under high pressure, even a small crack on its components or a tiny leak can affect the performance of the pump. Therefore, farmers should conduct regular inspections of pipes, hoses, fittings, and other components to detect and address leaks and cracks before they escalate into a much bigger issue.
Monitor water quality.
The water that farmers use in their irrigation systems may contain sediments and chemicals that, when mixed, may damage the irrigation pump and system. This is because some chemicals may come with corrosive properties that will damage metal parts of the pump and system. Additionally, water with high sediment concentration may cause clogging. Thus, to prevent water quality-related pump problems, farmers should consider testing the water they use for irrigation regularly and taking the necessary action.
Schedule regular professional maintenance.
While farmers often carry out the routine maintenance of their irrigation pumps, they should also schedule professional maintenance to ensure their irrigations are in tip-top shape. Pump experts have advanced knowledge and experience dealing with all kinds of irrigation pumps and are best placed to service them to help them operate at their peak. These professionals will conduct annual inspections to identify potential problems and keep the pumps, big investments for farms, and vital components of the irrigation system healthy.
Farm irrigation pumps have become so essential that people are forced to buy them even at the peak of a financial crisis. Fortunately, the cost of these pumps has remained relatively stable over the past few years. They typically cost between $300 and $1,500. However, the specific amount a person pays depends on several factors, such as the type of pump, size, brand, and features. For instance, centrifugal irrigation pumps are cheaper than submersible pumps, usually more expensive because they require advanced technology. Also, smaller pumps are less expensive than large pumps, powerful big pumps that support commercial farms. Manual irrigation pumps are typically cheaper than electric and diesel-driven ones, although they are less efficient.
The year 2022 brought some difficulties to the prices of irrigation pumps because the cost of the parts that make them had gone up, and there were also many supply chain problems. But in 2023, the prices stabilized, and they became more affordable again. Moreover, there are many options available, which gives people the chance to pick the best deal they can afford. The price variance allows farmers of all sizes to select a pump that meets their needs and financial capacities without compromising quality or efficiency.
Although farm irrigation pumps are considered a large investment, their benefits significantly outweigh the costs. They save farmers time and water, which leads to improved crop yields. In addition, they help farmers achieve consistent, reliable irrigation, making droughts and other financial challenges less impactful. To top it all, as long as pumps are maintained well, they are durable and last for multiple growing seasons.
A1: The electrical irrigation pumps power ranges from 1 to 10 horsepower. The power of diesel-driven pumps is typically higher, ranging from 5 to 20 horsepower, due to the engine's increased woodworking.
A2: Farmers should focus on the farm's specific requirements. They need to consider the water source, soil type, crop requirements, climate conditions, and type of irrigation system they plan to use to select the right irrigation pump for their farm.
A3) The exact pressure level depends on the irrigation system farmers use. On average, most irrigation pumps operate effectively at a pressure range of 20 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI).
A4: When irrigation pumps overheat, they automatically shut down to allow time to cool off. Most modern pumps come with an in-built cooling system that helps them regulate their temperatures.
