Risk assessment method for emitter clogging in drip irrigation systems

Abstract Risk assessment of drip irrigation system emitter clogging is critical for the system's safe operation. In this paper, the emitter clogging risk and the calculation method are proposed based on risk theory and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to quantify the emitter clogging risk during drip irrigation system operation. Moreover, dynamic Bayesian network and emitter clogging degree monitoring data are combined to evaluate the drip irrigation system's emitter clogging risk. The relationship between drip flow channel structure, drip irrigation water quality, drip irrigation system operation, management mode, drip irrigation environment, and the emitter clogging risk of drip irrigation system is established. Based on the established relationship, the influence probability of different influencing factors on emitter clogging is obtained by expert experience and the Fuzzy membership function. Lastly, an emitter-clogging risk level table of the drip irrigation system is constructed. The results show that the model can better reflect the emitter clogging risk of the drip irrigation system and replace the occurrence probability of emitter clogging with fuzzy probability. In addition, the proposed model can quantitatively evaluate the probability of emitter clogging while risk factors can be identified, prevented, and controlled quickly and accurately. The sensitivity analysis shows that employing a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to calculate the probability of emitter clogging is reasonable and feasible. A risk level table can be employed to clarify the clogging risk status of the drip irrigation system, which can provide decision support and early warning treatment for drip irrigation system operation and management according to different clogging risk levels. Finally, corresponding anti-clogging measures can improve the system's life and operation efficiency.