Improving the hydraulic performance of aerated irrigation pipeline.

This article focuses on investigating the hydraulic performance variations of two-phase water–gas flow in aerated micro-irrigation pipelines, specifically non-outlet pipes, under different aeration volumes and pipe pressure heads. Through 24 experimental conditions combining eight aeration volumes and three pressure heads, the study establishes theoretical and empirical models relating key parameters such as water–gas ratio, flow coefficient, pressure head, amplitude attenuation, and head loss. Results indicate that the water–gas ratio is a critical regulating factor that can enhance pipeline flow coefficient and conveying energy, with optimal hydraulic performance observed at a pressure head of 22 m and water–gas ratios between 1.442 and 3.810. The research provides validated calculation methods and a comprehensive hydraulic performance evaluation model based on principal component analysis, offering valuable guidance for the design and operation of aerated irrigation systems while acknowledging the need for further studies on different pipe diameters and complex networks.