What is Cavitation in Centrifugal Pumps?

Cavitation in centrifugal pumps refers to bubbles that are formed due to improper configuration or unintended use. These air bubbles, which are actually cavities, gaseous vapor, or vacuums, form and quickly collapse with great force to cause a highly intense rattling sensation that can erode pump components and damage pumps over time. Characterized by pressure variations, cavitation forces are strong enough to pit metal components.

What Causes Cavitation?

There are a variety of factors that can cause cavitation in centrifugal pumps. Given the complexity of pump internal systems, cavitation can occur from various inconsistencies between the pump and its application operations. Occurring when the pump lacks the appropriate amount of fluid to meet the operational performance requirements, cavitation is a result of pressure variations caused by:

• Inadequate net positive suction head (NPSH)
• High fluid temperature
• Flow restrictions
• Improper pump selection for the operation

Effects of Cavitation on Centrifugal Pumps

Over time, cavitation can have detrimental effects on centrifugal pumps. The force of the shock waves creates intense vibrations from the cavity collapsing, which can cause varying levels of physical damage, such as component erosion and pitting, that increase the likelihood of failure. Affecting the performance of the pump system, cavitation leads to performance degradation that reduces flow rates and efficiency, as well as an increase in noise level. If the problem is ignored, it will require additional operational costs for maintenance, repairs, and potential downtime.

Diagnosing Cavitation in Your Pump Equipment

Cavitation has common symptoms to look for and diagnostic techniques to determine if a pump system is experiencing corrosion. Pumps that are being affected by cavitation will often produce unusually loud noises that have a rattling or gravel-like sound, indicate decreased pump performance, or have noticeable damage upon inspection.
Various diagnostic techniques can be used to evaluate whether cavitation is occurring in a pump system. By monitoring pressure levels, conducting vibration analysis, acoustic monitoring, or visual inspection, these methods can help pinpoint where cavitation may be a concern.

How to Prevent Cavitation in Centrifugal Pumps

With proper maintenance and use of the pump system, many of the issues presented by cavitation can be avoided. Choosing the right pump configuration for the application and ensuring the pump accommodates the liquid adequately are essential to the optimal performance and operation of the pump system. Starting by identifying the cause of the pressure drop, additional ways to prevent cavitation include:

• Configure for adequate NPSH
• Maintain correct fluid temperature
• Eliminate flow restrictions
• Choose a pump compatible with the specific operation

Discover High-Quality Centrifugal Pumps & Replacement Pump Parts at Springer Parts

Springer Parts supplies state-of-the-art centrifugal pumps and heavy-duty pump parts for applications across industries. We offer a comprehensive inventory that includes pump parts and replacement kits at cost-effective prices, about 20-40% cheaper than OEMs, featuring performance specifications that meet or exceed your requirements. With international and bulk ordering options for well-known pump brands and aftermarket components, we have the solutions to ease pump maintenance and repairs for the optimal performance of your equipment.

Contact Springer Parts to discuss your centrifugal pump specifications or request a quote to start your order.