Application of sprinkler irrigation machines

　　Maintenance and upkeep

　　Uses

　　The reel-type sprinkler irrigation system is capable of watering large areas of farmland and allows users to precisely control the amount of water sprayed through adjustable nozzles, making it an ideal choice for water-efficient irrigation in agricultural settings. It’s also well-suited for applications requiring both irrigation and dust suppression—such as power plants, ports, sports fields, and urban green spaces.

　　How it works

　　The reel-type sprinkler irrigation system features a water-turbine-powered drive system. Designed with a large cross-section and low-pressure mechanism, it achieves high recovery speeds even at very low flow rates. The water turbine’s rotational speed is transmitted via a two-speed belt drive connected to the turbine shaft, which then feeds into a gearbox. After reducing the speed further, a chain-driven mechanism generates significant torque, powering the winch to automatically retract the PE pipe. Meanwhile, the high-pressure water exiting the turbine is delivered directly through the PE pipe to the sprinkler heads, where it is evenly sprayed onto the crops in the form of fine, uniform droplets. As the PE pipe moves, the sprinkler system continues spraying continuously without interruption.

　　Maintenance and保养

　　After each operation, the reel-type sprinkler should undergo routine maintenance and servicing as specified in the product manual. At the end of the irrigation season, drain any accumulated water from inside the reel-type sprinkler, and ensure that the rubber walking wheels are lifted off the ground. Additionally, before using a new or majorly-repaired reel-type sprinkler, it’s essential to perform a test run first.

　　Before operating the reel-type sprinkler, inspect all components: ensure the nozzles are securely connected, flow paths are clear and unobstructed, rotation is smooth and flexible, directional switching operates reliably, springs are properly tensioned, and all parts are fully present. Verify that all tubing fittings are intact and complete, control gate valves and safety protection devices open and close freely with effortless movement and precise operation; check that the water-sealing rubber is soft, elastic, and durable. Confirm that the measuring instrument dials display clear readings with responsive, sensitive pointers. Finally, ensure all connecting fittings are firmly secured, cable wires are free from damage, and sensor components move smoothly and function reliably.

　　When starting the reel-type sprinkler, slowly open the water release valve, activate the sprinklers one by one, and gradually adjust the pressure to reach each sprinkler's rated operating pressure—never attempt to start all sprinklers simultaneously. To stop spraying, carefully close the water release valves individually, avoiding shutting down all sprinklers at once. Ensure that the electrical components of the reel-type sprinkler are securely and safely connected, properly grounded, with fuse ratings meeting specifications. Verify that all instruments are displaying correctly and that wires and cables are free from damage. Check that rotating parts move smoothly, while control levers and buttons operate reliably and flexibly. Lubricate all designated points as required, and confirm that irrigation nozzles are installed correctly and firmly secured. Additionally, make sure water delivery pipes remain unobstructed, and that braking and safety mechanisms function reliably and effectively. Maintain proper tire pressure as specified. During the initial water-filled test run, ensure that all pipe connections are tightly sealed and free from leaks, and confirm that there are no obstacles in the field that could interfere with normal operation.

　　When starting or stopping water supply, the valve of the reel-type sprinkler or the water tap should be opened and closed slowly. During operation, ensure that: 1. The pressure at the pipe’s inlet and outlet remains within the design specifications; 2. Rotating components operate smoothly without any unusual noises; 3. There are no leaks at the sealing points; 4. The irrigation nozzles function properly.

　　When a reel-type sprinkler system malfunctions, it should be promptly repaired—forcing the system to operate under such conditions is strictly prohibited. After applying fertilizers, the pipes must be thoroughly cleaned. Once operations are complete, any remaining water inside the pipes should be drained. For reel-type sprinklers powered by electricity, always disconnect the power supply before shutting down. If the system will remain idle for an extended period, flush the pipes and valve components thoroughly to remove any accumulated silt, dirt, or debris. Additionally, drain all water from the pump and piping system, clear away mud and weeds from the moving parts, and apply rust-proofing treatments to areas prone to corrosion.

　　Application of reel-type sprinkler irrigation systems in field crops

　　In China, agricultural irrigation accounts for 70% to 80% of the country's total water consumption, with major field crops such as wheat, corn, and sweet potatoes accounting for 50% to 60% of that irrigation demand. Therefore, the focus of agricultural water conservation should be on these major field crops. Currently, the primary irrigation methods for these crops are pipe irrigation and canal irrigation, with canal irrigation still dominating in terms of usage. While pipe irrigation represents a significant step forward in water efficiency by improving the overall system’s water-use efficiency, it has yet to substantially boost field-level water-use efficiency. In contrast, fixed sprinkler systems, though offering much better water-saving performance than pipe irrigation, remain difficult to implement on a large scale due to their incompatibility with conventional farming practices. Similarly, semi-fixed and mobile sprinkler systems face challenges in widespread adoption because of their cumbersome operation and management requirements. To explore the most effective and scalable water-saving irrigation approach for large-scale crops, Feicheng City has invested over 1.5 million yuan since 1996, introducing more than 10 internationally advanced reel-type sprinkler machines tailored specifically for field crops. These systems now cover an irrigated area of 333 hectares, delivering outstanding results.

　　Planning and Design of Rewindable Sprinkler Irrigation Areas

　　1. The power system should be selected with an appropriate pump model based on the flow rate and inlet pressure required by the sprinkler irrigation machine.

　　2. Scientific land planning is essential for accommodating this advanced equipment. To ensure efficient use of the machinery, we have reorganized the land within the control area and adjusted crop structures, aligning planting methods, crop varieties, and production processes across the project site. To minimize conflicts and facilitate both operation and irrigation, we’ve incorporated service lanes perpendicular to the spray irrigation system’s reach, ensuring even land distribution among beneficiary households. This approach lays a solid foundation for smooth equipment operation.

　　3. Field Engineering Supporting Design ① **Irrigation Channel System**: At the intersection of access roads and production paths, install a water storage tank designed to accommodate the irrigation volume required by the sprinkler units—typically around 20 cubic meters. To prevent overflow, connect multiple tanks in series using pipes, with inlet and outlet points positioned just 5 cm above the tank’s bottom. ② **Motor-Pump Integration**: To accommodate the mobile nature of the sprinkler systems, an integrated diesel-powered motor-pump unit was adopted in practice. This setup uses tractor power to drive a built-in pressurized pump, ensuring efficient and flexible operation. ③ **PE Pipe Traction Method**: To minimize bending resistance during PE pipe deployment and guarantee smooth, uniform retraction, a powered, fixed-traction approach was implemented. Specifically, a tractor equipped with a compact winch is positioned at the end of the access road, directly opposite the sprinkler unit. A steel cable is then pulled from the winch through the PE pipe, guiding it steadily to the designated location. Once in place, the sprinkler head assembly is attached, and operations can begin. This method offers significant advantages: it prevents tractors from damaging crops or soil, keeps the PE pipe perfectly straight with minimal curvature, and simplifies the overall handling process.

　　Application Effect

　　Since its introduction, the reel-type sprinkler irrigation system has played a crucial role in ensuring bumper agricultural harvests even during severe drought years, delivering remarkable economic benefits: ① Water-saving efficiency: It saves 47% more water compared to canal irrigation and 9% more compared to pipe irrigation. ② Yield-enhancing benefits: It boosts crop production by 25% relative to canal irrigation and by 6% compared to pipe irrigation.

　　Management approach

　　Internationally recognized, 50% of the potential for water-saving irrigation lies in effective management. To ensure optimal performance and maximize the benefits of sprinkler systems, a dedicated Water-Saving Irrigation Company has been established. This company enjoys independent legal status, allowing it to independently assume civil and legal responsibilities, operate under corporate management principles, and manage its finances on a self-sustaining, profit-and-loss basis. The company adheres to a core business philosophy: delivering high-quality services to the public at cost-plus-minimal-profit rates, thereby contributing positively to society. Before each operation, agreements are signed directly with beneficiary households, ensuring that services are provided strictly according to these contracts. Service fees cover only three key components: energy consumption, labor costs, and equipment depreciation—no additional charges are ever applied. To maintain efficiency and sustainability, the company has implemented rigorous internal management protocols, continuously strengthening its operational framework and fostering steady growth through prudent financial practices and strategic planning.

　　The reel-type sprinkler irrigation system offers benefits such as water and energy conservation, increased crop yields, land and labor savings. Crops benefiting from this system can be grown without the need for field ridges, boosting land-use efficiency by up to 10%. It is well-suited for major field crops like wheat, corn, soybeans, and vegetables, making it ideal for intensive agricultural production and management. This irrigation method is particularly appropriate for large-scale implementation across diverse farming regions.