Ensuring the irrigation canal carrying capacity of the Engels irrigation system during their operation

Abstract

Purpose: to determine the dependence of the irrigation canal capacity of the Engels irrigation system on the soil and silt deposits thickness on the canal bed and to justify the use of single-bucket excavators for their cleaning. Materials and methods. The research data were obtained during the cleaning of irrigation canals from soil and silt deposits. Observations were conducted during the cleaning of canals by single-bucket excavators to identify deficiencies in their operation. Results. The results of the study are a table and a diagram of the maximum capacity of the Engels irrigation system canals dependence on the soil and silt deposit thickness. This diagram is used for planning water supply to the irrigation system and reducing the water overflowing risk over the canal edges. Conclusions. Before supplying water to irrigation canals, it is necessary to calculate the actual carrying capacity, taking into account soil deposits. The maximum water flow rate of the pumping station should not exceed the actual capacity of the canals being used after they are filled with water. It is recommended to clean the lined irrigation canals when the soil and silt deposit thickness is 0.15–0.3 m. However, it is not recommended to clean the lined irrigation canals with the excavator when the soil deposit thickness is less than 0.1 m, as this significantly increases the risk of damage to the protective lining by the excavator. Given all the advantages of the single-bucket excavators, it is necessary to modernize or improve their working parts to increase the productivity and efficiency of cleaning irrigation canals of soil, silt, and debris.