DripTech Eco-Flow | Irrigation equipment in Kenya

How to choose the right irrigation pump

The right irrigation pump must deliver the required flow at the total head of your system. A pump that looks powerful on its horsepower rating may still fail to provide the pressure and flow your sprinklers or drip zones need.

Start with the duty point: flow and total head

Flow is the volume of water delivered per unit time. Head represents the energy the pump must add to move water and overcome elevation, pipe friction, fittings and the pressure required at the irrigation equipment.

Calculate the required flow for the zone that will operate at one time. Then account for static lift or drawdown, elevation to the field, friction losses and required operating pressure.

Do not choose a pump by horsepower alone

Horsepower is not a complete pump-selection specification. Compare the manufacturer's pump curve with the required flow and head, and check the efficiency and operating range at that duty point.

A borehole pump also needs the borehole's sustainable yield and dynamic water level considered. Pumping beyond the source's capacity can cause water-level problems and damage.

Check the complete installation

  • Water source and dependable available flow
  • Required flow per irrigation zone
  • Total dynamic head and pressure at emitters or sprinklers
  • Pipe diameter, route length, elevation and friction losses
  • Pump curve, efficiency and motor requirements
  • Power source, controls, protection and maintenance access
  • Filtration, valves and any storage or pressure tank requirements

Common pump-selection mistakes

  • Buying the largest horsepower pump without hydraulic calculations
  • Ignoring elevation and pipe friction
  • Sizing for every zone when the system is designed to run zones separately—or vice versa
  • Assuming a pump's maximum flow and maximum head occur at the same time
  • Ignoring borehole yield, water quality or solar operating conditions
  • Failing to plan pressure gauges, protection and maintenance

Before you request a pump recommendation

Share the water source, water level or lift, distance to the field, elevation difference, pipe sizes, irrigation device and required operating zones. Existing pump model and performance details are helpful.

DripTech can help review the system requirements and equipment options. Final selection should be checked against the pump curve and site conditions.