Cavitation is the most common problem that takes place in different types of pumps whether it is a positive replacement pump, centrifugal pump, rotatory vane pump, or gear oil pump. But how will one know if the installed pump is cavitated? The given article below discusses some facts about pump cavitation.
Different types of pump cavitation:
- Suction Recirculation Cavitation: This type of cavitation takes place in the pumps when they are below low pressure and when the pump receives an insufficient liquid flow.
- Discharge Cavitation: When the expulsion force of the pump is extraordinarily high it becomes difficult for the flow of fluid to flow out from the pump causing discharge cavitation.
- Vane Passing syndrome: It is usually caused due to the impeller used having a too large diameter or the housing having too thick a coating.
- Vaporous Cavitation: It is an ebullition process that occurs when the bubble grows explosively in an unbounded manner and as a result, the fluid vaporizes.
- Air Ingestion: Sometimes air and bubbles get sucked in the suction of the pump through failing valves that result in air ingestion.
The symptoms of pump cavitation:
- Changes in temperature: External or internal factors of the piping system can sometimes raise the temperature of the fluid resulting in its vaporization which further causes pump cavitation.
- Changes in pressure: If the amount of flow as stated by the manufacturer of the pump is not produced by the pump then it means that the pump is cavitated.
- Loud Noises: It is the most common symptom of pump cavitation. The person who operates the pump sometimes can hear the explosion of bubbles due to pump cavitation. It may sound like cracking, rumbling, and bubbling.
- Changes in the consumption of power: When bubbles start forming in the impeller, the pump requires more power to transport the fluid. There is fluctuation in the consumption of power as suction rises and falls.
Treating the symptoms of pump cavitation:
Now that one is aware of different types of pump cavitation and its symptoms, a proper plan can be formulated to prevent the cavitation which further will help to save a large amount of money on maintenance and replacement of the whole pump or its parts.
- Cavitation takes place mainly due to external factors and these factors can be prevented with correct setup, operating, and monitoring.
- You can work by minimizing the drastic changes that take place in the pressure and temperature.
- The best way to prevent cavitation is to get the best pump installed and maintaining the equipment.
- Just open the pump and see if there is any blockage then get rid of the same.
- Also, check the discharge valve, and if it is closed then open it.
Bottom Line
There are several pump applications so it’s always better to select the right one. Now that you know different types of pump cavitation, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it, make the best of it and maintain the installed pump so that a lot of money can be saved by avoiding costly cavitation repairing.