Underground Pipeline System ea MO AU EN [projects equipped with underground pipelines. ‘An underground pipeline water distribution system ‘consists of buried pipes for conveying water to different points on the farm and allied structures required for the efficient functioning of the system. The system offers many advantages over open channels in water conveyance and distribution. Since the pipes are laid underground, cultivation can be done -above the pipeline; no culverts or other structures are required. Open channels often take 2 to 4% of the land area out of cultivation, which is saved by adopting the underground pipeline water distribution system. The pipelines do not interfere with farming operations, Efficient use can be ‘made of modern farm machinery because fields are not cut into short runs by channels. When properly installed, the pipelines have long life and low maintenance costs. They are essentially leakproof. Their placement below the ground level prevents damage to pipes and climinates water loss by seepage and evaporation. Water supply to the field plots are controlled precisely with leakproof riser valves used in the distribution system. Since underground pipelines operate under pressure, they can be laid uphill or downhill, thus permitting delivery of irrigation water to areas not accessible to ‘open channels (Fig. 7.1). With an underground pipeline ‘wells need not be located at the high point of the farm, but may be at 2 location that provides the best LEARNING OBJECTIVES Adaptability and advantages of underground pipeline water conveyance and distribution systems. Types of pipes for underground pipeline systems—reinforced and non-reinforced concrete pipes, high density polyethylene pipes and asbestos cement pipes. Hydrostatic pressure requirement of irrigation pipes. Testing of pipes. Estimating discharge capacity of pipelines. Procedures for installing concrete pipelines—pipes with faucet and spigot ends, pipes with tongue and groove joints, pipes with collar joints. Repair of leakage in concrete pipeline joints. Installation of PVC pipes. Jointing of rigid PVC and asbestos cement pipes. Structures for underground pipeline water conveyance and distribution systems—pump stands, gravity inlets, gate stands, air vents, end plug and end wall. Riser valves, hydrants and gated pipes. Design of underground pipeline irrigation systems. Common troubles encountered in the operation of underground pipelines and measures to overcome them. Cost analysis. Underground pipeline systems in community irrigation projects—types of pipeline networks, elevated water tank, outlet valves and surge risers. Rotational water supply in community irrigation Wig. 71. A canal water course cut across a hill on a sandy tract “The heavy loss of water through seepage in the channel section and frequent blocking of the channel due to soil falling from the sides could have been avoided by resorting to underground pipeline water conveyance. water supply. The water pumped from wells may be delivered directly into the pipeline system. The pipelines are not clogged by vegetation and wind blown material. They are ideally suited to undulating topography to reach water to fragmented and isolated locations on the farm and in areas where land is costly. ‘Underground pipeline irrigation distribution systems have a higher initial cost, as compared to lined open channels. They may, however, be more economical under