This slideshare throws light on cavitation in centrifugal pumps, its effects on the pump and what steps must be taken to prevent it.

1. Cavitation In Centrifugal
Pumps

2. 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.

3. Formation & Collapsing
Of Vapor Bubbles
Potential Cavitation
Areas In Impeller

4. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Contact Us
1320 Britannia Road East,
Mississauga, Ontario,
Canada. L4W 1C8
Tel: (905) 461- 9617
Fax: (905) 461- 9618
Toll Free: 1-866-217- 7867
http://www.rotechpumps.com
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