A mathematical model was developed to simulate the effects of emitter clogging on subunit hydraulics. The model consists of a set of equations based on fundamental hydraulic principles and inlet lateral discharge relationships, and uses a nonlinear equation solver. The model was used to simulate different clogging rates (0 to 100) and different clogging locations within the subunit. Pressure head was monitored at the pump, manifold inlet, manifold midpoint, and manifold downstream end. The results of the study indicate that to reasonably detect clogging rate and location, the pump pressure head value and manifold pressure head profile need to be monitored. Pressure transducers are therefore needed at the pump, manifold inlet point, and manifold endpoint. Model results were verified by using experimental data collected in a previous study. The RMSE was found to be 0.13 kPa between model results and experimental data at the upstream point of the manifold, and 1.11 kPa at the downstream end of the manifold. Clogging was found to decrease inlet lateral discharge for clogged laterals and increase the lateral inlet discharge for unclogged laterals. In addition, pump response to clogging was found to become progressively smaller as the clogging location moved further from the pump.
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