How To Avoid Cavitation Damage
October 11, 2015
arnorthamerica
Can you identify and avoid cavitation damage? Cavitation is the formation and collapse of gaseous cavities in a liquid which causes severe wear or eroding of the metal wear surfaces in the pump.
The most obvious sign of cavitation is a hammering noise. The noise can be either consistent or intermittent depending upon the degree of cavitation and damage to the pump. Vibration of the pump and system will also be noticeable as the pump is starved of fluid. Eventually flow and pressure will decrease.
Check your system for these conditions which may contribute to, or directly cause, cavitation damage:
- Inadequate inlet line size
- Insufficient inlet flow or excessive suction
- Excessive inlet line length
- Rigid inlet plumbing
- Too many elbows and/or fittings
- Excessive temperature build-up or pumped fluid
- Air leak in inlet plumbing
- Agitation in supply reservoir
- Inadequate increase of inlet flow for fluids of greater specific gravity
- Inadequate increase of inlet flow for higher temperature fluids
- Clogged inlet filters.
- Must use 'full port' valves and fittings.
It is important to carefully check your system during assembly and operation to avoid the serious damage that can be caused by cavitation.
If you have any concerns about your system, contact your representative for assistance.