Numerical Simulation of the Flow Field Stabilization of a Pressure-Regulating Device

In sprinkler irrigation systems in hilly areas, pressure-regulating devices can improve the uneven pressure distribution on branch pipes and consequently improve the irrigation uniformity. A pressure-regulating device for sprinkler irrigation systems was developed; the variation characteristics of the internal pressure field and velocity field distribution over time, variation law of the elastic diaphragm of the pressure-regulating device with respect to the inlet pressure, and pressure-regulating and flow stabilizing mechanisms were assessed. The results show that the pressure regulation and flow stabilization of the pressure-regulating device were affected by the deformation of the elastic diaphragm. When the elastic diaphragm deforms, the main factors of pressure regulation and flow stabilization in the pressure regulation device gradually shift from the side channel and compensation chamber to the side channel and secondary channel. The channel structure plays a crucial role in the entire fluid system. A comparison and analysis of the changes in cross-sectional pressure and flow velocity of the flow channel under different inlet pressures revealed that increasing the height of the side flow channel baffle and auxiliary flow channel effectively improved the pressure-regulating and flow-stabilizing performance of the pressure-regulating device. The results can be useful to optimize the structure of pressure regulation devices and to solve the problem of excessive pressure deviation in sprinkler irrigation systems in hilly areas.