Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EVALUATION OF HYDRAULIC CHARACTERISTICS OF VENTURI USED FOR FERTIGATION

V. R. Mandave, P.S. Wankhede, A.R. Mohite and A.D. Bhagat

Abstract

The experiment was conducted for the testing of venturi at the field of AICRP on Water Management, M.K.V., Parbhani. The venturi was tested against suction rate, discharge of main line and horse power (HP) required for operating venturi. It was observed that 0.03 HP required when valve position of venturi was 50% close. 0.08 HP was required to initiate the suction of liquid when the valve position of valve was at 60% close and head loss was 3 m. The power required increased as 0.09, 0.12 and 0.14 HP as the valve position further changed from position 70% close, 80% close and 90% close conditions respectively. The increase in pressure head loss and suction rate with decrease in discharge through the main line was observed to be 9720, 9000, 8640, 7560, 6120, 5400 and 4320 lph as the valve position is further changed to fully open, 25% close, 50% close, 60% close, 70% close, 80% close and 90% close conditions respectively. The polynomial relationship in the form of y = ax2 + bx + c was found to be best in all functional relationships for the relationship between head loss to suction rate of venturi, head loss to discharge at the main line and head loss to HP required. It was found that as the head loss increases suction rate and HP required also increases and discharge at outlet of mainline decreases.