Evaluation of a Vortex Flow Device on a Center Pivot Irrigation System

Authors

• Ankit Chandra, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Derek M. Heeren, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Tyler Smith, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

6-30-2026

Document Type

Technical Report

Citation

Chandra, A., Heeren, D., & Smith, T. (2026). Evaluation of a vortex flow device on a center pivot irrigation system. UNL Digital Commons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Comments

Copyright 2026, the authors. Used by permission

Abstract

This study presents the first independent field evaluation of a passive vortex flow device designed to reduce hydraulic friction in pressurized irrigation systems. Experiments were conducted on a full-scale, groundwater-fed center pivot irrigation system at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC). A paired comparison approach was used to quantify differences in flow rate, energy consumption, and pressure distribution along the pivot lateral under baseline (no device) and treatment (device installed) conditions. Results showed negligible change in system flow rate (621 vs. 618 gpm) and energy consumption (~1.2% difference), consistent with expectations for pressure-regulated irrigation systems. However, the vortex device reduced friction loss and produced consistent increases in pressure along the pivot lateral, with gains ranging from +1.1 psi near the pivot to +1.7-1.8 psi at distal spans. Total friction loss along the lateral decreased by ~12% (from 4.9 to 4.3 psi). These findings demonstrate that the vortex device can measurably reduce hydraulic friction under field conditions, with the greatest benefits observed at distal spans where pressure deficits are most critical. While pressure regulators limited flow response in this system, the observed pressure gains have important implications for unregulated systems, end gun performance, and aging irrigation infrastructure. The preliminary results provide an empirical basis for evaluating passive flow modification technologies as a low-cost strategy to improve irrigation energy efficiency and system performance.