ABEN 3412 (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering)

Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz 3120
Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Instructional Module for the Course

ABEN 3412 – IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

Module 3
Topic 1: IRRIGATION STRUCTURES AND FLOW MEASUREMENTS

Overview

This section describes the irrigation structures and measuring devices

commonly used in irrigations systems. It deals with the common regulation and
control structures in lowland rice production. Also, this section deals with flow
measurement methods that maybe used to determine amount of water delivered
or diverted. Standard formulas are discussed.

I. Objectives
1) Describe different irrigation structures and identify such structures in the field;
2) Discuss commonly used methods in determining water velocity; and,
3) Determine flow rate using discharged formulas.

II. Learning Activities

Irrigation Structures

Irrigation structures are necessary to divert water from a source, convey it to the
intended area and control the application or distribution to individual farm lots. Structures
may be grouped into two categories: those common to gravity irrigation systems such as
an open canal network, and those that are used in pressurized systems such as pipes and
sprinklers or drip irrigation systems.

Some control and measuring devices are usually found in both categories.
Structures in an open canal system may be subdivided, thus:

1. Headwork structures:
1.1. Dam which may be an overflow type without spillway or storage type
in which a spillway is an added component;

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1.2. Gates, sluices, river training wall and other appurtenances.

2. Conveyance structures:
2.1. Flumes across channels, drainage course, or depressions;
2.2. Inverted siphon under obstructions or across drainage courses, or
under farm roads;
2.3. Drops to lower the hydraulic gradient of open channels;
2.4. Chutes dam relatively short steep slopes;
2.5. Culverts to carry flow under highways or railways;
2.6. Road crossing structure which facilitate maneuver of farm machinery
and implements;
2.7. Transitions at inlets and outlets to conserve the hydraulic head and
thus facilitate the flow.
3. Control structures
3.1. Division boxes at head of laterals and sub-laterals;
3.2. Turnout to lateral and ditches;
3.3. Checks to raise water surface in open canals, it may be permanent
flashboard or portable type of structures;
3.4. Open or pipe drops to control ditch velocity by allowing abrupt
changes of ditch water level.
3.5. Paved or line chutes to replace a series of drops for economic
considerations;
3.6. Farm head gates to divert water into farm ditches;
3.7. Division boxes to divide the flow of water between two or more
ditches;
3.8. Box type or orifice type turnout which provides control of low farm
head ditch into border strip or control level;
3.9. Siphon tubes for delivery of water to corrugation furrows or borders;
4. Protective structures
4.1. Spillway to prevent overlapping of canal banks;
4.2. Over chute to carry flood runoff over open channels;
4.3. Culvert to carry drainage water under canals;
4.4. Drainage inlet which allow water from small tributary water course
to be drained into canal sections;
4.5. Sand and gravel traps.
5. Combined structures:
Where possible it is advantageous to combine checks and turnouts
with other structures. These structures require less construction materials
than the same device installed separately.

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Detailed Descriptions

A detailed description of some of the aforementioned structures are as follows:

1. Diversion dam – structures which raises the water level in the river so that
water can be diverted through the conveyance canal. Excessive river flow will
simply spill through the dam. Usually a training wall is present to concentrate
the river flow through the headwork main control device.
2. Headgate – structure located at the head of conveyance canals, main laterals
and main farm ditches to control the flow of water.
3. Checkgate – structure used to raise water to a desired height to enable water
to flow to the headworks of the different canal, branching from the main canal,
laterals and sublaterals. Its function is analogous to a dam or diversion weir on
the river at the head of canal system. For checkgates in large canals in which
the quantity of water fluctuates appreciably, it is desirable to place flashboards
on the bottom of the canal to raise the water level so that more water flows
out of the canal.
4. Turnout – structure which serves as outlet of water inn irrigation canals
whereby water passes through and discharges into main farm ditch or service
area.
5. Division box – structures to divide the flow of water at desired directions usually
placed or built with the main farm ditch to divert water to supplementary
farmditch.
6. Off-take – structure constructed or placed along supplementary farmditch at
the head of the internal farmditch to control and regulate water flows serving
farm or group of farms.
7. End check – structure at the end of a farmditch to check the direct flow of
water to the drainage ditch.
8. Canal crossing – structure constructed across irrigation canals for traffic
crossing by man, animal, cart, sleds, or vehicles.
9. Drainage crossing – structure which crosses waterways to discharge the excess
water drained or removed from the field.
10. Tunnels – used to shorten the length of a diversion canal to avoid difficult &
expensive construction on steep, rocky hillsides & to convey water through
mountains.
11. Culvert – to convey water underneath roads or other obstructions
12. Siphon tubes – to convey water over the ditch bank into the furrow.
13. Road Crossing – conveys canal water under roads or railroads. The minimum
recommended clearance between the road and culvert for railroad and road
crossing is 0.90 m while for farmroad and thresher crossing is 0.60 m if needed.
14. Flumes – are specially shaped, engineered structures that are used to measure
the flow of water in open channels.
15. Elevated flume – water conveying conduit or trough which is supported on
abutments by piers.

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16. Drops & Chutes – for places where natural slopes down which canals must flow
are so high as to cause excessive water velocities & erosion of the canal banks
& bed.
17. Drop – in-line canal structure designed to convey canal water from a higher
level to a lower level, duly dissipating the excess energy resulting from the drop
in elevation.
18. Inverted siphons – closed conduit designed to convey canal water in full and
under pressure running condition, to convey canal water by gravity under
roadways, railways, drainage channels and local depressions. For crossing wide
deep hollows, depressions, or canyons through them under pressure.

Precautionary measure for diversion structure

In taking water out of a canal, it is desirable to obtain a flow as nearly
constant as possible. Sudden increases in quantity of water such as during storms
and closing of take out gates should permit water to flow down the canal with as
little obstruction as possible. These two conditions maybe provided by using
submerged pipes of culverts as take-cuts and over flow flashboard as checks in
the main canal to cause water to rise high enough to submerge the take-out gate,
and divert the desired quantity of water.

Temporary Diversion Structure

In many places, temporary diversion structures are installed to divert water
where it is needed. A common practice by farmers is to install brush dam and
across the stream by means of wooden piles and miscellaneous materials such as
sandbags and banana stalks and even rice stalks with wooden stakes or wires to
hold them together.

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Flow Measurement Methods

To complement irrigation structures previously discussed, flow measurement

methods and devices should be employed to determine how much water passes through
various points of the irrigation system. The basic principles and method s of measurement
are based on the laws of hydraulics.

Units of Measurement
Two types of measurement may be considered. The first refers to measures
expressing a specific volume of water at rest such as liter, cubic meter, hectare-
centimeter (one-hectare surface has a one-centimeter depth of water). The second
type refers to measures expressing a time rate of flow such as liter per second and
cubic meters per second.

Method of Measurement

1. Float method- This velocity area method is easy and practical to employ in the
absence of a flow measuring device. Making a straight distance along the canal
or river bank (10-20 meters) and allow a specially device float to travel from
upstream to downstream end. Then determine the cross-sectional area of the
stream and the average surface float velocity which is equal to distance divided
by average time of travel of float in m/s.

The flow is estimated by the equation:

Q=AV (Eq. 6-1)

Where: Q = flow in cubic meters per second

A = cross-sectional area of stream in sq.m.
V = average velocity

The observed surface velocity is usually greater than the average

velocity. Thus, a correction factor may be used to take into account the
effect of roughness, shape of channel and velocity distribution. The factor
ranges from 0.8 to 0.95. A mean value of 0.85 has been used to reduce
the observed surface velocity to mean velocity or average velocity V for use
in the above equation.

2. Current meter method – a velocity area method commonly employed by

hydrologists or hydrographic engineers in measuring streamflow in rivers. The
method needs a current meter device with a revolution counter that registers
the number of rotation of the meter propeller or cup for a given period. The
meter’s calibration expresses velocity thus:

V = a + bn (Eq. 6-2)

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Where: V = velocity in meters per second

a and b are calibration constant
n = number of revolutions per second

Some current meters give direct reading. There is no need to compute.

The metering device indicate the flow rate.

The cross-sectional area of the stream is obtained by means of sounding at

a number of verticals from either left or right bank, together with measurement of
distance of these verticals from a reference point in the river bank. In normal
practice one-meter interval is taken unless the bottom of the stream is very
regular. Velocity at either 0.6 of depth or at 0.2 and 0.8 of depth are taken with a
current meter.

3. Use of Parshall flume – This device is especially designed to measure flow by

nothing the head loss caused by forcing a stream of water through a throat or
constricted section of the flume with a depressed bottom. Figure 6.1 shows a
Parshall Flume. The advantages of the devices are: relative accuracy, small
head loss, wide range of measurement capability, and non-silting. Its
disadvantages are: high construction cost, straight canal section is needed for
its installation, and it cannot be combined with a turnout. Flumes ranging from
2.5 to 3 meters in throat width, can be used to measure from 0.3 li/ sec to 5.5
cubic meters/sec or higher.

Figure 6.1. Parshall Flume

Table 6.1 presents the parshall flume discharge equations for the different
width of throat.

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Table 6.1. Parshall flume discharge equations

(adapted from the ISCO Open Channel Flow Measurement Handbook – 5th Edition)

4. Use of Orifice Opening – The opening can be rectangular or circular in shape.

The physical law which determine the velocity of water through an orifice is
the same law that governs the velocity of falling object at any vertical distance
below the point from which it begins to fall. Velocity is delivered by equation:

𝑉 = √2𝑔ℎ (Eq. 6-3)

Where : v = velocity in meters/second

g = acceleration due to gravity 981cm/sec
h = depth of water in cm above opening

The discharge or flow is simply computed by applying discharge coefficient Cd

as determined from experiments. Thus, the flow is given by Q = C d AV, where
A is area of orifice opening. The value of Cd ranges 0.027 to 0.035 depending
on position of orifice relative to sides and bottom of the vessel or channel and
on the degree of roundness of the edges of the orifice. Figures 6.2a and 6.2b
showed orifice openings.

5. Use of sharp crested weirs – These are the notched opening on structures pace
across the canal or creek. They obstruct the flow to create a pond and the
water passes over a crest which can be rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal
in shape. The crest profile consists of a narrow surface at right angle to

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upstream face of the plate and at 45-degrees chamber at the downstream

edge. Performance of the weir depends upon the full development of
construction below the nappe.

Figure 6.2a. Orifice opening

Figure 6.2b. Discharge through a partially-filled orifice.

The type and size of weir to be used depends on the size and condition of
the stream to be measured. Their advantages are: high degree of accuracy and
ease of construction. Their disadvantages are: large head loss, need to remove
collected debris and deposits and effect accuracy on by the velocity of
approach. If reasonable accuracy is desired, the range of application for this
rate is restricted to the following situations:

a) Where water does not carry debris that might damage the crest or
sediment that could settle in the approach to the weir;

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b) Where sites have an adequate fall that can be made available to

ensure free discharge over the whole range to be gauged and where
energy dissipation can be achieved satisfactorily.

If the orifice previously discussed is flowing partly full, the condition for
a weir exists. Formulas that have been derived from experimental tests
are as follows:

a. Rectangular weir (Francis Weir )

Q = 0.0184LH3/2 (Eq. 6-4)

Where: Q = discharge in liter/second

L = width of weir in centimeters
H = total head in centimeters

The above equation applies only to rectangular weir in which the

width of crest is the same as the width of the rectangular channel
immediately above the weir; i.e weirs having suppressed and
contractions. For weirs with complete and contractions such as the
one shown in Figure 6.3, the effective length of weir crest, L is found
by the relation L = L’ – 0.02H in which L’ = the measured length of
weir crest.

b. Trapezoidal weir (Cipoletti Weir )

This weir has complete and contractions in which the discharge is

taken as proportional to the length of weir crest, making it
unnecessary to correct for end contractions. The equation is

Q = 0.0184LH3/2 (Eq. 6-5)

Where: Q = discharge in liter/second

L = length of crest in centimeters
H = total head in centimeters

In this type of weir, the sides have on slope of 1 horizontal to 4

vertical.

c. 90⁰ Triangular weir

In this type the water cross sectional area has an area equal to Hx.
H and actual discharge found from experiment is given by:

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Q = 0.0138H5/2 (Eq. 6-6)

Where Q is in liter per second and H in centimeters.

Also, discharge in weir can be computed using the formula presented in Figure 6.3,
where Q is in ft3/s, L and H are in feet.

Figure 6.3. Weir cross-sections

6. Indirect Measurement Methods

Indirect methods may be used to estimate flood discharge when

it is not practical and safe to do direct measurements. These indirect
methods include slope-area method, use of contracted opening, flow
through culverts, flow over dam and embankment and critical depth
method. (2) Only the slope area method is discussed.

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Slope area method requires estimation of velocity using Manning’s formula.

The discharge can be computed by the equation:

Q= (AR2/3S1/2)/n (Eq. 6-7)

Where Q = discharge in cu.meter/second

A = area of section in sq. meter
R = hydraulic radius = A/P
P = wetted perimeter in meter
S = slope of water surface in decimals
n = coefficient of roughness

The cross-sectional area of the stream is determined by sounding

at specified intervals across the stream section. The slope of the water
surface is determined by levelling operation.

Effect of Boundary Form on Discharge Coefficient

When debris or silts accumulate in front of an orifice or weir, the

discharge coefficient, Cd is affected. This is a major cause of error in the
device. Note that for orifices, Cd is a function of the height of opening b and
the depth of water h over the center as follows:

Q = CdA(2gh)1/2 (Eq. 6-8)

A Cd = 0.027 corresponds to condition where b/h = 0 which is not

always the case. For weirs, the Cd = 0.0184 corresponds to a value of H/(H-
W) of 0.022 which is essentially the condition where the depth over the
crest is one-third the distance from the bottom to the crest. Hence, when
the bottom is other than 3H below the crest the C d should be used in the
weir formula. For silted weir the discharge is always more than the flow
calculated from the measured head.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Weir

The advantages are 1) accuracy, 2) simplicity and ease of

construction, 3) noon-obstruction by moss or floating materials, and 4)
durability. The disadvantages are 1) requirement of considerable fall of
water surface which makes their use in level lands impractical, and 2)
deposition of gravel, sand and silt above the weir prevents accurate
measurement.

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Measurement of Head or Depth on Weir Crest

A weir gage or staff game calibrated to desired marks should be set

upstream from the weir at a distance no less than four times the depth of
water H flowing over the crest, or upstream in the corner near the bank
where the velocity is essentially zero. (1) A carpenter’s level may be needed
to set the zero point of the scale level with the crest of the weir or with the
vertex of the triangular weir.

Head may be determined by passing over the weir crest at a point

upstream from the crest where the surface drawdown curve does not affect
the measurement. A state is driven in the pool at a distance upstream of at
least six times the maximum head on the weir. Set the top of stake at level
with the weir crest. The distance from the top of the stake to the water
surface is the head and is measured with a scale. For easier observation a
staff gage may be installed at the proper place in the pool with the zero in
the gage level with the weir crest. Depth readings can be taken directly. For
greater accuracy, use hook gage and stilling will as in the laboratory.

Important Rules for Setting and Operating Weirs

1. Centerline of weir box should be parallel to the flow direction

2. Face of weir should be vertical neither leaning upstream nor
downstream
3. Crest of the weir should be level so water passing will be of the same
depth at all points along the crest
4. Upstream face should be sharp so that the overfalling water touches the
crest at only one point
5. Distance of the crest above the bottom of the pool should be about three
times the depth of water flowing over the crest.
6. Weir should be set at the lower end of a long pool, sufficiently wide and
deep to give an even, smooth current with negligible velocity of
approach.

7. Sides of pool should be at a distance from the sides of the crest not less
than twice the depth of water passing over the crest.

8. For accurate measurements the depth over the crest should be no more
than one-third the length of the crest.

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III. Assessment

1. Of the various measuring devices discussed which one could be best suited for
an earth canal of relatively flat gradient?
2. Why will the flow over a sharp-crested weir be less than the flow over a dull
crested weir even when depths over the crests are the same?
3. A distance of 10 meters was marked along the straight section of a river for
float measurement. It took 15 minutes for an object float to travel the distance.
If the cross-sectional area of the river is 1.5 sq. m. what is the discharge?
4. What criteria will you used to decide the type of (flume, open ditch, surface
pipe or underground pipe) conveyance to use?
5. What is the similarity between a diversion and a check structure?
6. How would you initiate water movement through a 50 mm siphon to convey
water from a ditch to a furrow?
7. How can the dimension of a conveyance canal such as bottom width and depth
be influenced by soils in which it is built?
8. What is the theoretical velocity of a jet of water flowing out of a square orifice
in a large tank if the center of the orifice is 600 mm below the water surface?
9. Compute for the discharge in li/sec through a rectangular weir having
suppressed and contractions, if crest is 600 mm long and the water surface at
point 2.5 meters upstream from weir is 140 mm vertically above the weir crest.
10. For the same length of weir crest and depth of water over the crest as in prob.
6, compute the discharge over a trapezoidal weir. Compare with weir discharge
tables if available.
11. Show that doubling the head over a rectangular weir or trapezoidal weir makes
the discharge 2.8 times greater.

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IV. References

1. Hansen, V.S. et al. Irrigation Principles and Practices, 4th edition, John Wiley
and Sons, Inc. New York.
2. Herschy, R.W. 1978. Hdrometry Principles and Practices. John Wiley and
Sons, Inc, New York.
3. Linsley, R.K. and J.B. Franzini. Water Resources Engineering. McGraw Hill
Book Company, New York.
4. Schwab, G.O. et al. 1966. Soil and Water Conservation. John Wiley and
Sons, Inc. New York. Scott, V.E. and C.E. Houston. 1959. Measuring
Irrigation Water, California Agricultural Experiment Station Extension
Service, Davis, California.
5. Scott, V.E. and C.E. Houston. 1959. Measuring Irrigation Water, California
Agricultural Experiment Station Extension Service, Davis, California.
6. PCARRD. 1983. The Philippines Recommends foe Water Management Vol.1.
Lowland Rice Condition. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources
Research and Development. Los baños, Laguna.

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Module 3
Topic 2: PUMPS FOR IRRIGATION

Overview

This section discussed and presented the different types of pumps and their
configurations. Basic concepts of pumping are illustrated by examples. This unit
specifies the criteria for pump selection, installation and operation.

I. Objectives
1) Differentiate various types of pumps;
2) Decide which type of pump would be most suitable for a given situation;
3) Discuss basic pumping principles that apply to the use of river source for irrigation
of a nearby area;
4) Compute the brake horsepower of a proposed pumping plant; and
5) Discuss some criteria for pump selection, installation and operation.

II. Learning Activities

Types of Pumps

Pumps are hydraulic equipment which may be classified into two types: a)
rotodynamic pumps with rotating element which imparts energy to water (the
action is the reverse of a turbine generating hydroelectric power), b) displacement
pumps which include reciprocating type in which a piston draws water into a
cylinder on one stroke and forces it out onto the next, and the rotary type which
two cams or gears mash together and rotate into opposite directions to force the
water continuously past them.

Description of Rotodynamic Pumps

These pumps consist of a rotating element called impeller which is shaped

to force water outward in a direction at right angle to its axis (radial flow), to give
water an axial as well as radial velocity (mixed flow), or to force water in axial
direction alone (axial flow). The radial flow and mixed flow machines are generally
called centrifugal pumps, while the axial flow machines are called propeller pumps.

The casing of radial flow or centrifugal pumps may be a volute type or

turbine type. Figure 7.1 shows types of casing. The volute casing is designed to

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produce an equal velocity of flow around. The circumference of the impeller and
to reduce velocity of water as it enters the discharge pipe. In the turbine type, the
impeller is surrounded by stationary guide vanes which reduce the velocity of water
and convert head to pressure head.

Figure 7.1. Type of centrifugal pump casing

Major Types of Irrigation Pumps

1. Centrifugal Pump

Water is drawn into a centrifugal pump axially and discharges readily. This
pump is built on either horizontal or vertical shafts. Those with horizontal
shafts are generally more efficient, cheaper, easy to install and capable of high
speeds. They can be connected directly to electric motors. However, they have
however limited suction lift with decreases with elevation. At sea level the lift
is not more than 6 meters and at 1500-meters elevation of the lift can be less
than 4.5 meters. Figure 7.2 shows a typical centrifugal pump installation.

Figure 7.2. Typical centrifugal pump installation

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Centrifugal pump requires priming before it is started. Priming consists of

filling the casing with water so that air trapped does not hinder its operation
and reduce its efficiency. Priming can also be accomplished by adding water
to the intake pipe in the pump from an outside source. The foot valve at the
end of intake line is essential to hold the water intake pipe while it is being
filled with water or being stepped. A check valve at the discharge pipe prevents
backflow through pump if there is power failure. The suction pipe is usually
provided with screen to prevent entrance of debris.

2. Deep-Well Turbine Pump

This pump has several impellers on a vertical shaft suspended from a

prime mover at the surface. It is installed in a well casing a limited size. The
impellers flow unit or any design combination in between depending upon the
desired head-discharge characteristics.

Deep-well turbine pumps are used for irrigation when the water surface is
below the practical lift for centrifugal pump. Successful installation has been
made to depth of as much as 300 meters below ground surface. The pump is
driven by electric motor or other power source at ground surface and
connected to a long vertical shaft held in position by bearings built in the
discharge column. This type of pump is commonly used for pumping ground
water. Figure 7.3 shows a schematic diagram of turbine pump.

3. Submersible Pumps

Pump installation requires that the pump and electric motor be placed
below the water surface of a well. Delivery of water to surface is through a
riser pipe on which this assembly is suspended. Efficiency is increased by direct
coupling and cooling effect resulting from complete immersion. Submersible
pumps have one principal advantage –it can be used for deep wells where
long shaft would not be practical to use. Figure 7.4 shows the schematic
diagram of submersible pump.

4. Axial and Mixed Flow Pumps

These types of pumps are used for low head, high discharge operations.
A wide range of head capacity requirements can be met by varying the vane
pitch and curvature of impeller, without changing the impeller diameter.
Submergence depth as recommended by manufacturer should not be ignored
during installation.

Propeller pumps have low initial cost. Each stage is generally less than
three meters of lift. With additional stages head may be increased to 10 meters

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or more. For higher head a mixed flow pump should be used. Figure 7.5 shows
a typical installation of propeller pump.

Figure 7.3. Schematic diagram of a vertical turbine pump.

(Source: Raghunath, 2007)

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Figure 7.4. Schematic diagram of a submersible pump.

(Source: Raghunath, 2007)

Figure 7.5. Typical propeller pump installation

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Pumping Principles and Selection

Power Requirement

The most important item to consider in pump installation is the power

requirement of the pumping system. In physics, work is simply force times distance
and power is defined as rate of doing work or work per unit time. The work
required to lift water out of a well and the amount of water delivered per unit time
can be related to power. Power requirements can be calculated either in watts,
kilowatts or horsepower. The power required at the shaft is given by:

𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔𝑄𝐻 (Eq. 7.1)

Where: 𝑃 = power required, watts

𝜌 = mass density of water, kg/m3
𝑔 = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2)
𝑄 = pump discharge, m3/s
𝐻 = Head transmitted by the impeller (meters)

Or power requirements can be determined using the following equations:

GPM x Head (ft) x Specific Gravity

Brake Horsepower
= 3960 x Pump Efficiency (Eq. 7.2)
(BHP)

Water Horsepower GPM x Head (ft) x Specific Gravity

= (Eq. 7.3)
(WHP)
3960
Pump Efficiency WHP
= x 100 (Eq. 7.4)
(%) BHP

The overall efficiency of a new electric motor and water pump is about 65%.
Motor has at least 95% efficiency and the pump about 75%. Low efficiency means
more power cost and more time required to apply the needed irrigation water.
Under usual operating conditions centrifugal pumps have efficiencies between 50
and 85%.

Pumping Lifts

Pumping lift refers to the vertical distance at which water is lifted. It is

usually determined by cost limitation not by mechanical or power limitations. It
should be born in mind that the cost of pumping is roughly proportional to the

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height of lift. For a pumping well the pumping lift is the difference in elevation
between the lowered water surface in the well and the water surface of the
discharge pipe or canal plus the energy within the pump and pipe while pumping.

Pumping lift is also referred to a static head. This is the differences in

elevation of water surface pond, lake or river source and the water surface of
discharge canal into which water flows from a submerged discharge pipe. Figure
7.6 shows the pumping head in centrifugal pump installation.

Figure 7.6. Pumping head in centrifugal pump installation.

(Fraenkel, 1986; courtesy: FAO Rome)

Power for pumping should deliver sufficient power at specified speed with
maximum operating efficiency. The two most common types of power pumps are
a)internal combustion engines which operates on a wide variety of fuels such as
gasoline and diesel oil and b) electric motors which have advantages over internal
combustion engines, such as ease of starting, low initial cost, low upkeep and
suitability for mounting on horizontal shafts.

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Additional Reading Materials:

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD PAES 606:2016

Design of Canal Structures – Road Crossing, Drop, Siphon and Elevated Flume

Savva, AP and Frenken, K. 2001. Irrigation Pumping Plant. Irrigation Manual

Module 5. FAO.

Module 3: Page 22 of 24
 ABEN 3412 (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering)

III. Assessment

a. Look for a picture or drawing of the different irrigation structures and

describe its function and its location in the field.
b. What have you observed to be the most common irrigation structures in
your area?
c. If an irrigation canal is forced to pass through a depression, what type of
structure is needed?
d. How can you construct a temporary check dam using only light materials?
e. Aside from the pumps presented in this module, what other water pumps
you know? Describe.
f. What criteria would you use to select a pump to irrigate your farm?
g. Which would you prefer for a two-hectare farm? Explain.
h. Thirty (30) liters/second of stream water must be pumped up a vertical
height of 12 meters to irrigate a farm. If head loss in casing and pump results
in 62% pump efficiency and the electric motor used has 91% efficiency,
what horsepower rating should the motor have and how many kilowatts will
it use while pumping?
i. If your farm sits adjacent to a river, how would you proceed to install a
pumping system?
j. What are the important characteristics of a centrifugal pump?
k. Of what use are pump characteristics curves? Illustrate your answer.
l. The diversion requirement of a 5-ha farm was estimated to be 10mm/day
during peak periods. If the pumping plant has a 60% efficiency, how many
kilowatt-hour energy is required to lift water 5 meters?

Module 3: Page 23 of 24
 ABE 412 (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering)

VI. References

1. Hansen, V.E. et. al. 1980. Irrigation principles and practices, 4 th edn, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York.
2. Linsley, R.K. and J.B. Franzini 1964. Water resources engineering,
McGrawHill Book Company, New York.
3. Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard. PAES 606:2016. Design of
Canal Structures – Road Crossing, Drop, Siphon and Elevated Flume.
4. Richey, C.B. et. al. 1961. Agricultural engineers handbook. McGrawHill
Book Company, New York.
5. Savva, AP and Frenken, K. 2001. Irrigation Pumping Plant. Irrigation
Manual Module 5. FAO.

Prepared by:

MARVIN M. CINENSE
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
College of Engineering, Central Luzon State University
Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, 3120 Philippines
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Module 3: Page 24 of 24