Effect of structural optimization on performance of Venturi injector

Abstract

As one of the main fertilization devices, Venturi injector has been widely used in small and medium-sized pipe irrigation systems. However, the pressure loss produced by it during fertilizer injection decreases fertilization quality and irrigation uniformity. The structural optimization of the Venturi injector was carried out using orthogonal experimental design and CFD technology. An injector sample with the optimal combination of structural parameters and the highest injection efficiency was processed to test the performance of the injectors before and after optimization. The injection rate, the maximum injection rate, the flow ratio of the injection rate to the outlet flow rate and other performance parameters were significantly improved while the critical pressure differential was obviously reduced, which indicated that the range of working pressure of the injector was remarkably expanded. Additionally, the feasibility and accuracy of the structural optimization scheme were verified by the experiment. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.