An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Two-Phase Flow in a Manifold on Water Jet Lengths

The outlet flow rates and changes in behaviors of five outlet ports where water and air–water (two-phase) mixtures pass horizontally in a manifold pipe system were investigated experimentally. The effects of different air-flow rates, vacuumed from the atmosphere with a Venturi device in the system, on the outlet flow rates and diameters of the manifold port outlets were compared by measuring the outlet jet lengths. The system performance provided homogeneity of manifold port outlet flows and was tested. As a result, it was observed that homogeneous jet lengths were obtained in both single and two-phase low main manifold flows and equal outlet port diameters. When the main manifold flow rate V is 1.5–2 m/s, the system is stable and produces high jet lengths. The manifold pipe systems used in the experimental setup provide suitable working conditions for d/D = 0.433. The system does not show a smooth flow pattern with Venturi devices for d/D < 0.433. The low flow rates in this study’s tests are key. They are vital for designing micro irrigation systems. This depends on the critical d/D ratio of the system.