

Selecting the correct nozzle is one of the most crucial, yet overlooked,
elements in irrigation system design.
Choosing the correct nozzle, whether it's for
a spray head or a rotor, is easy if you take the time to study the
nozzle charts in a manufacturer's product catalog and select one
that best suits your needs; irrigation equipment manufacturers have
put a tremendous amount of effort into developing nozzles to fit
almost every application:
- For slopes and compacted soils, select a nozzle with a lower
precipitation rate.
- For windy areas, select a nozzle with a low nozzle outlet trajectory.
- To achieve even water distribution without having to separate
part-circle from full-circle sprinklers, select a nozzle set that
features a matched precipitation rate.
- Another way to ensure uniform watering, if you're working with
spray heads, is to select nozzles that have an undercut nozzle.
These nozzles have a second, undercut orifice for watering closer
to the head.
- For flexibility with spray heads, select a nozzle with an adjustable
or variable arc.
Because nozzles are designed to work within a wide range of pressures,
it is important to ensure you have the correct pressure at the base
of the nozzle. Too much pressure, as is commonly the situation with
spray heads, will result in misting. Misting creates a reduction
in the radius of throw and you may experience uneven coverage, and
cause wet and dry spots. To correct this, several manufacturers
offer devices that can be installed at the nozzle or are integrated
in the sprinkler, such as the Rain Bird PRS Series.
If you're working primarily with rotors, keep in mind that too much
pressure can cause the rotor to rotate too quickly. The nozzle stream
of a fast moving rotor will "horsetail" and cause a severe
reduction in the radius of coverage. Too little pressure will also
result in a reduction in the radius of throw and uneven water distribution.
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