ABSTRACT This study proposed an innovative procedure for designing pipeline irrigation networks (PINs), explicitly considering the impacts of air and water hammer. CropWat software was used to estimate the required discharge (Qres) for irrigated areas based on climate, soil characteristics, and crop water requirements. To analyze and validate hydraulic performance, the EPANET model was recommended, ensuring efficient water distribution throughout the system. Pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) were strategically installed to manage excess pressure head and maintain system stability. Water hammer effects in the main pipeline were assessed to support accurate pipe material selection. For air management, Vent-O-Mat software was applied to configure and select appropriate air release valves (ARVs), facilitating effective de-aeration and preventing air blockages. This integrated approach enhanced the reliability and efficiency of the irrigation network, making it adaptable to diverse agricultural conditions. The procedure was applied to the Canh Tang PIN (Hoa Binh, Vietnam) to determine optimal pipe diameters and the number and locations of PRVs and ARVs.
Hien et al. (2026) studied this question.