8/6/2019 What is Pump Cavitation and How to Prevent It?

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What is Pump Cavitation and How to Prevent

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Posted on 22 May 2017

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Cavitation is a common problem for centrifugal pumps. If you hear strange noises coming
from your pump there’s a good chance cavitation is the issue. But what exactly is cavitation?
And how can you go about preventing it? Read on to find out.

What is Pump Cavitation?

To understand how to prevent pump cavitation, it’s important to have a good

understanding of what the problem is and how it arises. There are several types of
cavitation which we’ll discuss below, but the process is similar.

Cavitation Defined: Cavitation is the formation and accumulation of bubbles around a

pump impeller. This tends to form in liquids of any viscosity as they are being transported
through and around a pump system. When each of these tiny bubbles collapses or bursts, it

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creates a high energy shock wave inside the liquid. Imagine throwing a stone into a pond.
The circular ripples which are created in this process are similar to cavitation bubbles
exploding. The di erence here is that due to the sheer number of bubbles creating these
shock waves, the impeller and other pump components can be eroded over time.

Types of Cavitation

There are five di erent types of cavitation. It is important to understand these for when we
look at ways to prevent cavitation from happening.

The cavitation types are:

1. Vaporisation: Also known as inadequate NPSHa cavitation or ‘classic cavitation’, this is

the most common form. It occurs when a centrifugal pump imparts velocity on a liquid as it
passes through the eye of the impeller. If the impeller isn’t functioning correctly, some of
the liquid may be boiled quickly (vaporised), creating those tiny shock waves we discussed
above.

2. Turbulence: If parts of the system - pipes, valves, filters, elbows etc. - are inadequate for
the amount or type of liquid you are pumping, this can create vortexes in said liquid. In
essence, this leads to the liquid becoming turbulent and experiencing pressure di erences
throughout. These di erences can erode solid materials over time, in the same way that a
river erodes the ground.

3. Vane Syndrome: Also known as ‘vane passing syndrome’, this type of cavitation occurs
when either the impeller used has too large a diameter, or the housing has too thick a
coating. Either or both of these creates less space within the housing itself. When this
happens, the small amount of free space creates increased velocity in the liquid, which in
turn leads to lower pressure. This lower pressure heats the liquid, creating cavitation
bubbles.

4. Internal Re-circulation: In this instance, the pump cannot discharge at the proper rate
and so the liquid is re-circulated around the impeller. The liquid travels through low and
high pressure zones resulting in heat and high velocity. The end result? Vaporised bubbles.
Common cause for this, is when a discharge valve has been close while the pump is running.

5. Air Aspiration Cavitation: Another common form. Air can sometimes be sucked into a
pump through failing valves or other weak points such as joint rings. Once inside, the air has
nowhere to go but along for the ride. As the liquid is swished around, the air forms bubbles
which then gets popped under pressure by the impeller.

Symptoms of Cavitation

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As with any structural or mechanical issue, it’s important to have a reliable maintenance
process. Checking on components and the performance of your pump is a great way to
identify early warning signs of cavitation.

One or a combination of the following symptoms can be a result of cavitation: 

Decreased Flow or Pressure: If your pump is not producing the amount of flow as
stated by the manufacturer, this could mean that cavitation is occurring.

Unexpected Vibrations: Cavitation can cause unusual vibrations not accounted for by
both the equipment used and the liquid being pumped.

Impeller Erosion: Pieces of impeller within the system, or eroded parts are a sure fire
sign of cavitation.

Seal/Bearing Failure: Cavitation can also cause the seals to leak or fail.

Erratic Power Consumption: If bubbles are forming around the impeller, or the impeller
itself has already started to fail, you may notice that your pump requires more power
than usual to transport its media. You may also notice fluctuations of power use as
suction rises and falls depending on how the impeller is performing.

Noise: If there’s one sign of cavitation, it’s noise. When the bubbles implode they can
make a series of bubbling, cracking, sounds. Alternatively, it might sound like tiny
marbles or ball bearings rattling around inside the impeller housing.

In addition to the above, operating a centrifugal pump to the far right of the BEP (or o the
end of curve) can cause cavitation. When the flow increases, Net Positive Suction Head
required (NPSHr) also increases and when the NPSHr exceeds the Net Positive Suction Head
available (NPSHa), cavitation occurs.

How to Prevent Cavitation

Now that you know what to look for, and understand the di erent types of cavitation you
might encounter, you can formulate a plan to prevent cavitation, saving large amounts in
maintenance and replacement parts.

Remember the five di erent forms of cavitation? Let’s look at how to prevent each.

Vaporisation Cavitation

Try the following:

Reduce motor speed (RPMs). Note: Slowing the pump down will reduce flow rate and
head pressure.

Install an impeller inducer

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Incorporate a booster pump into your pump system. This will take some of the stress o
of your primary pump.

If possible, reduce the temperature of your pump, liquid, and/or other components.

Increase liquid level around the suction area.

If possible, try to increase the diameter of the eye at the centre of your impeller.

Turbulence Cavitation

Preventative steps:

Evaluate all components to ensure that they can take the strain of the flow rate, volume,
and properties of your transported fluid. Replace components as needed.

Ensure you are not exceeding your pump’s manufacturer performance guidelines. A
pump system which is pushed too hard will inevitably fail. Such as running the pump o
the end of the performance curve. It is best to increase

Increase pump suction line size to reduce turbulence

Vane Syndrome Cavitation

Preventing vane passing or vane syndrome cavitation is relatively easy. Ensure that the free
space between your impeller and its housing is 4% of your impeller’s diameter or more. Any
less and cavitation will begin.

Internal Re-Circulation Cavitation

In order to prevent this type of cavitation, follow this process:

Open up your pump’s restricted discharge valve and assess the inside for any blockages.

Unclog the downstream filter of any debris or accumulation.

Ensure that the check valve has been installed correctly. A common mistake during
installation is for this valve to have been fitted backwards.

Check the discharge valve and make sure that it is open and not closed.

Assess pressure at the discharge line. If there is a problem with head pressure then it
could be that the header isn’t up to the job and needs replaced, or the system is
operating close to the shut-o head.

Air Aspiration Cavitation

This can be a tricky one to prevent. Even the smallest amount of air being sucked into the
system could over time cause cavitation. Going over your installation with a fine tooth comb
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to make sure all joints and connections are sealed properly, is the best approach.

Prevent this type of cavitation by:

Regularly checking joint rings on any suction piping to make sure they haven’t perished.

Assess whether foaming liquid is causing an accumulation of bubbles. If so, run the
system slower, or periodically empty the system of all contents, including air.

Check all O-rings and any secondary mechanical seals.

Ensure all piping has no cracks or signs of erosion.

Make sure that all system materials are capable of handling the liquid you intend to
transport. Viscous, abrasive, or acidic liquids can erode materials to the point where air
can be sucked into the system.

Regular checks of valves, joints, and anywhere else that may seem likely to fail at some
point. As soon as anything shows signs of failure, replace.

Preventing Cavitation is Critical for a Healthy Pump

By preventing cavitation, you will significantly increase the e iciency and lifespan of your
pump. Remember, prevention is worth a thousand cures, so take the time to carry out a
thorough maintenance program and it will save you in the long run.

If you need any help identifying which components you need for your system, don’t hesitate
to contact one of our pump experts, be assured with the best advice from Global Pumps,
Australia's Most Trusted Industrial Pump Provider.

Detect a failing pump before it becomes a major problem: Learn about Condition
Monitoring for Pumps and other Rotating Equipment. Global Pumps provide the latest
remote condition monitoring technology available in Australia.

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