Using industrial computed tomography to determine the spatial distribution of clogging substances in drip irrigation emitter flow channels

Abstract

Drip irrigation using poor-quality water is effective for addressing agricultural water shortages, but it can lead to emitter clogging. However, little is known about the formation behaviour of clogging substances inside emitters when using reclaimed effluent. This study used industrial computed tomography (ICT) to determine the spatial distribution of clogging substances within emitter flow channels. The results showed that 21%–27% of the clogging substances were on the top face, and 20%–26% were on the substrate face, with less than 20% on the downstream and root faces. Clogging substances concentrated at the front of flow channels accounted for 38%–61% of the first structural unit. As the flow channel length increased, there was a significant fluctuation in the volume of clogging substances on the upstream and downstream faces, while changes on the upstream face, downstream face and root face exhibited relatively minor fluctuations. It is recommended to focus on controlling clogging substances on the top and substrate faces, as well as at the front of the emitter flow channel. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the spatial distribution of clogging substances in emitter flow channels, which is crucial for the development of anti-clogging emitters and the promotion of poor-quality water drip irrigation technology.