A device for controlling the installation rate of subsurface trickle irrigation laterals
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
A three-point hitch, mounted implement was developed to control the injection rate of trickle irrigation tubing. Power to the implement was supplied by the tractor's electric and hydraulic systems. A doppler radar velocity sensor measured ground speed and provided a signal to a single board computer. The computer generated an output signal which operated a throttling valve that controlled the hydraulic flow to the motor coupled to one of two pulling wheels. The wheels, mounted on parallel shafts with their faces in contact, utilized friction to feed the tubing. An error feedback loop controlled the pulling wheels speed with satisfactory operation being obtained over a range of travel speeds of 3.7 km/h to 5.6 km/h. Extra tube dispensing and cutting systems were incorporated in the design. These were manually activated by the operator when required.Type
textThesis-Reproduction (electronic)