Irrigation pump station is an important component in any irrigation system. The pump station is responsible for drawing water from the water source to feed the mainline of the irrigation system.
Since a majority of the irrigation systems are pressurized, the need for pumps are viable. There are different types of irrigation systems established for varied applications. This is why there are varied types of pumps available as per specific application.
In order to maintain the most optimized performance of pump stations, there are a variety of irrigation pumping station equipment used. To find out all about the essential equipment and their role in an irrigation pumping station, read till the end.
 

Different Types of Pumps for Agriculture Irrigation System
As aforementioned, there are different pump types available for specific applications. In the case of agriculture irrigation systems, the following are some popular pumping solutions.
•    Centrifugal Pumps (above ground)
•    Submersible Pumps 
•    Deep-well Turbine Pumps
•    Propeller Pumps
 

Centrifugal Pumps - This type of pump is used primarily where there is surface water or shallow underground water sources. In irrigation pipelines, the centrifugal pumps are also utilized as booster pumps. They are needed to be primed or filled with water before operations.
Here the suction line along with the pump must be free of air and filled with water and therefore, airtight connections and joints are crucial to be used on the suction pipe. This pump type is designed for both vertical and horizontal operation. 
Choose the best supplier of pumps for irrigation pumping station to select the right pump for your application.
Submersible Pumps - This pump in an agriculture irrigation system acts as a turbine pump that is close-coupled to an electric motor. This eliminates the need for bearing retainers and long drive shafts.
Submersible pumps are above the motor where water gets through the pump via a screen positioned between the motor and pump. Since submersible pumps come in small diameters, they deliver low efficiency performance.
Deep-well Turbine Pumps - This type of pump is used in surfaces where water is under the usual limits of a centrifugal pump or in cased wells. Unlike centrifugal pumps, the Deep-well turbine pumps do not need to be primed as they always intake water from underwater.
Although this type of pump is more efficient than centrifugal pumps, they are available at an expensive rate and are more difficult to repair and inspect. 
Propeller Pumps - When there is a requirement for low-lift and high flow rate, propeller pumps are used. There are two types available for propeller pumps - axial flow and mixed flow. 
Propeller pumps usually have vertical orientation but for agriculture irrigation systems, they are generally mounted horizontally on trailers.
 

Different Types of Equipment Used in Irrigation Pump Stations

Now in order to maintain optimum operations within the irrigation pumping stations, there is a range of equipment used. Some of them are enumerated below.
Couplings
Coupling is a key element used in pumps for connecting the rotating shaft to the motor’s drive shaft. This connection helps in allowing the motor to transmit power to the pump efficiently.
With the use of couplings for irrigation pumping station, torque is shifted to the pump with minimal losses. Alignment of couplings is typically done by utilizing laser alignment however they can also be aligned using a feeler gauge or straight edge gauge.
Misalignment of any kind when using couplings can cause premature failure of the rotating components.
Sensors
To improve and automate decision-making processes in irrigation systems, the use of smart sensors play an important role in pumping stations. Whether operators require troubleshooting irrigation systems efficiently or want to keep track of water status of soil, there are sensors for each function.
In agriculture irrigation systems, the primary factor that needs to be considered for selecting the right sensor is to choose one that can deliver optimized value of the data collected for a specific purpose. Hence, precision is an integral part of the best sensors.
There are different types of sensors for irrigation pumping station and operators are required to choose them as per the particular project needs.
Water Meters
Today, when it comes to establishing an irrigation system, key priority is given to ensure zero wastage of water. Therefore, to maintain high-efficiency water usage in irrigation systems, the use of water meters comes into play.
Water meters are designed to give flow readings so as to monitor how much water is being used on a daily basis for the purpose of irrigation. These devices are seen to be installed in pumping stations to measure the flow rate.
Be sure to choose the best water meters for irrigation pumping station to get the most accurate readings and minimize water usage.

There are plenty of other equipment used in irrigation pumping stations depending on the application and project purpose. Get in touch with the expert irrigation pump equipment suppliers to find the best solutions. Be sure to enlist your project requirements to make the right equipment selection decisions.