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Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation
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“There is no other class like this in the industry! Extremely educational! This isn’t a class with a whole bunch of engineering formulas and complicated terms out of a text book, but instead Robert’s 57 years of experience that he shares in a very easy to understand way!”
Welcome to Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation, the ultimate SUSTAINABLE PUMPING course designed to help irrigation professionals maximize energy efficiency, slash operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This comprehensive program empowers you to save thousands in irrigation pumping costs by mastering advanced pump and pipeline selection techniques. You'll explore the critical relationship between Hazen-Williams friction coefficients (C) and bore roughness (K), hydraulic optimization, and pumping system energy efficiency to design smarter, more cost-efficient irrigation pumping systems.
The course covers both electric and diesel-powered pumps, equipping you with the tools to assess and fine-tune system performance for optimal efficiency. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with free-issued software apps, helping you calculate and refine pump and pipeline requirements—allowing you to adapt course learnings directly to your work projects.
With a strong focus on Life Cycle Costing (LCC), the course provides essential knowledge for comparing irrigation pumping system designs and making data-driven decisions for long-term pumping energy savings. You’ll also explore VFD applications, PS pipework, valves, filters, flow meters, and sustainable energy solutions to build high-performance, future-proof pumping systems.
This course delivers practical, industry-tested strategies, giving you the confidence to implement cutting-edge irrigation pumping solutions, optimize energy use, and drive cost savings for years to come.
Course Dates & Registration
Ready to take the next step in optimizing your pumping systems? Find your ideal course date below and get started today.
We offer both online and in-person training options to fit your schedule and location preferences. Whether you prefer to learn from the comfort of your home or engage directly with our expert instructor in a hands-on environment, we’ve got you covered.
View upcoming course dates, secure your spot, and register. Space is limited, so don’t wait—ensure you don’t miss out on this invaluable training opportunity!
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for professionals involved in the design, management, operation, and sales of agricultural, horticultural, and landscape irrigation pumping systems. If you work with irrigation supply, water distribution, or pump system efficiency, this course will provide critical insights and practical skills to enhance performance and sustainability.
Industries & Applications
Agricultural Irrigation – Efficient water management for farms and plantations
Horticultural Irrigation – Precision watering for nurseries, greenhouses, and vineyards
Landscape & Turf Irrigation – Watering solutions for parks, golf courses, and sports fields
Irrigation Water Supply – Managing pumps and pipelines for rural and municipal irrigation networks
Ideal Participants
Irrigation Engineers – Specialists in agricultural, horticultural, and landscape irrigation
Farm & Property Managers – Decision-makers responsible for water use efficiency
Operations & Asset Managers – Professionals overseeing irrigation networks and water distribution
Pump Sales Engineers & Technicians – Industry experts providing pump solutions and technical support
Certified Irrigation Designers and Auditors, this is your next level training. This course will expose some of the myths perpetuated by institutionalized irrigation training.
Whether you design, maintain, or optimise irrigation systems, this course equips you with the tools and knowledge to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainable water use.
What You’ll Gain
By completing this course, you'll walk away with valuable knowledge, practical tools, and industry-recognized credentials to enhance your expertise in sustainable pumping systems.
Comprehensive Learning Materials
Full set of PDF course notes for future reference
Certificate of Completion to validate your expertise
Powerful Software & Tools (provided free to attendees)
Pump Data Calculator + Tutorial
VFD Pump Selection Tool + Tutorial
PIPEsuite – A suite of 9 hydraulics calculators
Pipeline Optimiser (HYDRopz) + Tutorial
Pipeline “C” Value Calculators + Tutorial
Pumping Station Losses Calculator + Tutorial
Pump Selection Software + Tutorial
Pump Testing Software + Tutorial
Pump Efficiency Calculators (PETCM)
ICE Engine Efficiency Calculator (Diesel, LPG)
Hands-On Training & Tutorials
The course follows a competency-based approach, ensuring participants not only understand the principles but also learn how to apply them.
Each software tool is demonstrated live in class, and participants use guided tutorials to apply sustainability concepts to real-world scenarios.
Mobile-Friendly Calculator Apps
The course includes 9 mobile-friendly calculator apps to support on-the-go analysis and decision-making.
This course equips you with the practical skills, software, and confidence to make a tangible impact on pumping system efficiency in your industry.
Powerful Tools for Real-World Impact
One of the key features of the Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation course is our exclusive suite of 12 specialized calculators and apps. These powerful tools are integral to your learning and will provide continuous value in your professional work long after the course ends.
Designed by Rob Welke based on his decades of experience in the water pumping and hydraulics industry, these calculators cover a wide range of essential calculations, from system performance analysis to energy efficiency metrics. You'll learn how to use each tool during the course, and then you’ll take them with you, ready to apply in your everyday work.
“What I like about the course is that I walk out of here with a toolbox in my hip pocket. I can now confidently present optimum energy efficient irrigation systems to clients and have the Apps to back it up!”
Explore the Full Suite of Calculators
Throughout the Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a suite of 12 essential calculators that can be applied directly to your pumping systems. These tools are designed to simplify complex calculations, helping you make data-driven decisions that improve system efficiency and sustainability.
Here’s a list of the calculators you’ll be using:
Pump Efficiency Calculator: Evaluate and optimize pump performance.
Energy Consumption Calculator: Measure energy usage and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Flow Rate Calculator: Determine the ideal flow rate for your system.
Head Loss Calculator: Assess and reduce head losses in your pipeline system.
System Curve Generator: Visualize and adjust your system’s operational characteristics.
NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) Calculator: Ensure optimal pump suction conditions.
Energy Cost Calculator: Calculate the long-term energy costs of your pumping systems.
Flow to Energy Efficiency Calculator: Optimize the balance between flow rates and energy use.
Pumping System Lifecycle Calculator: Plan for system upgrades and replacements based on sustainability goals.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Calculator: Track and reduce emissions related to pumping operations.
Pump Selection Calculator: Choose the best pump for your system's needs.
System Performance Monitoring Calculator: Continuously monitor and optimize your system's performance.
Each of these calculators is designed to save you time, improve your decision-making, and help you achieve sustainable outcomes in your daily operations.
Course Topics
The Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation course is structured to provide a thorough understanding of sustainable pumping practices, from the basics to advanced applications. Each topic is designed to build upon the previous, ensuring that you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that you can apply immediately.
Each subject is taught through a blend of interactive learning, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, ensuring you leave the course with actionable skills and the confidence to implement what you’ve learned.
“Robert Welke your broad experience in the subject combined with a perfectly organized structure of the course really hit the spot. Enjoyed every second of it. Very excited about using the tools provided!”
VFDs
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are powerful tools for optimizing pump operation, but improper application can lead to inefficiencies. This module demystifies VFDs, showing when and how to use them effectively to reduce energy consumption. Case studies are used to demonstrate real life savings and instances of inefficiencies.
Sustainable Hydraulics
Sustainable pumping starts with a complete understanding of the entire hydraulic network. This module goes beyond pump efficiency to examine pipelines, valves, filters, flow meters and emitters—focusing on how each component impacts energy efficiency. Learn how to design systems that minimize energy waste while maintaining optimal performance. The module also addresses pipeline degradation over time and its role in overall system energy inefficiency.
NPSH & Pump Selection
This module explores the fundamental components of Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) and their critical role in pump performance. Using an interactive data model, participants will gain a clear understanding of NPSH principles, with a special focus on suction pipework configuration and its impact on system energy efficiency.
Testing Pumps
Using the Pump Test phone app calculator, participants will learn how to measure and assess pump energy efficiency, diagnose issues, and optimize system performance for long-term sustainability.
Flow Meters
Accurate flow measurement is critical for assessing pump performance. This module breaks down the strengths and limitations of different flow meter technologies, reveals what flowmeter companies don’t tell you, and equipping attendees with the knowledge to select and interpret flow meter readings effectively.
Sustainable Pumping Audits
Energy-efficient pumping isn’t just about upgrading hardware—it requires a complete system audit. This module provides a structured approach to assessing pumping systems, identifying inefficiencies in every component of the pumping system, then quantifying potential savings.
ICE Pumping (Internal Combustion Engine Pumping)
Diesel and LPG-driven pumps are often necessary for off-grid or remote applications, but their efficiency varies greatly. This module teaches how to assess, optimize, and compare internal combustion engine (ICE) pumps to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
Upcoming Courses
Stay ahead in your industry with our expert-led training courses. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in water and wastewater management or irrigation systems, our upcoming sessions provide practical knowledge and hands-on learning. Browse the latest course dates below and secure your spot today.
