What is cavitation in a centrifugal pump?
Cavitation occurs when the liquid in a pump turns to a vapor at low pressure. It occurs because there is not enough pressure at the suction end of the pump, or insufficient Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa). When cavitation takes place, air bubbles are created at low pressure.
What is cavitation pump?
Cavitation in pumps is the rapid creation and subsequent collapse of air bubbles in a fluid. In many cases, the force of cavitation is strong enough to pit metal components of the pump, like the impeller, and damage pump seals.
How to prevent cavitation in a centrifugal pump?
In the higher pressure region the vapor bubbles collapse suddenly on the outer portions of the impeller. This can cause significant damage to all moving parts of a centrifugal pump. To prevent this type of cavitation, the Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa) in the system must be higher than the required NPSH of the pump.
What does cavitation sound like in a water pump?
Cavitation sounds like marbles or gravel circulating through the pump, pipes, or hoses. The effects of prolonged cavitation are visible on the pump impeller and other components. Typical indications of cavitation: Start by identifying the cause of the pressure drop.
What is suction cavitation and how does it work?
Suction cavitation, or also classic cavitation, occurs when a pump is under low pressure or high vacuum conditions. When the liquid being pumped enters the eye of a centrifugal pump, the pressure is significantly reduced.
How does high discharge pressure cause cavitation?
High discharge pressure limits the volume of fluid flowing out of the pump, causing high-velocity fluid to recirculate between pump impeller and housing, causing cavitation. Keep reducers as close to the pump as possible.