Cavitation – Part 1 of 3 : What is Cavitation?

 

WHAT IS CAVITATION?

Cavitation is the rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a flowing liquid in regions of very low pressure.

Cavitation damage will reduce performance of the pump, the air pockets in the impeller can also create hydraulic imbalance resulting in vibration, leading to among many things a shaft or bearing failure.

The damage caused by cavitation can range from pitting on the interior components of the pump to an extreme deterioration or vibration and total failure.

It is important to “look” (pitting, vibration, energy consumption rising) and “listen” (sounds like you are pumping marbles) for signs of cavitation in order to correct the issue to prevent damage to the pump.