Cavitation In Centrifugal Pumps

What Is Cavitation In Centrifugal Pumps ?● Cavitation is formation & bursting of vapour bubbles in a centrifugal

pump due to change in pressure.

● Impacts the overall performance of the pump.

● When pressure suddenly reduces, liquids that have temperature close to their boiling points, often undergo the formation of bubbles.

Formation & Collapsing Of Vapor Bubbles

Potential Cavitation Areas In Impeller

How Cavitation Affect Pumps ?● Degradation of pump which results in fluctuation of the flow rate pressure at

discharge.

● Damage the internal components of the pump.

● Causes excessive vibration in the pump which can damage rings seals and pump bearings

● The bubbles cause a physical shock on the edge of the impeller vane which creates small pits extremely minute in size. However the cumulative effect of these pits formed over time can destroy the impeller.

How To Identify Cavitation In Pumps ?● Through the noise. The pump

will sound like shaking can full of marbles.

● Fluctuation in discharge pressure

● Fluctuations in flow rate

● Distinctive crackling noise

● Fluctuations in pump motor current

● Erratic power consumptions

● Reduction in pump efficiency and output

How To Avoid Cavitation In Centrifugal Pumps ?● The pump must be less than 4 m above the water level.

● Reduce number of bends in the suction line.

● Use eccentric reducer instead of concentric one.

● Make sure the straight side of the reducer is properly fitted above the suction line.

How To Avoid Cavitation In Centrifugal Pumps ?

● Reduce length of the suction.

● Use less number of valves in the suction line.

● Increase the size of the valves

● Suction pipe and pump inlet connection should be of same diameter.

● Suction pipe must be airtight.

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