Zhejiang Ningmin Electromechanical Co., Ltd. 

Analysis of Cavitation Phenomena in Pumps and Its Hazards

来源: | 作者:佚名 | Time:2025-10-10 | 40 View | 🔊 Click to read aloud ❚❚ | Share:

1. Core Principle of Cavitation

  • During pump operation, increased flow velocity at the impeller inlet causes pressure reduction.

  • When local pressure drops to the saturated vapor pressure of the medium (e.g., water), the medium vaporizes, forming numerous bubbles.

  • As these bubbles travel with the water flow into high-pressure zones, they rapidly collapse and rupture, generating intense hydraulic shocks and shock waves.


2. Primary Hazards of Cavitation

  • Component Damage: The repeated impact force from bubble collapse strikes metal surfaces like impellers and pump casings, causing pitting and erosion. Severe cases may lead to impeller perforation or fracture.

  • Efficiency Reduction: Bubbles occupy flow path space, disrupting fluid continuity. This significantly reduces pump flow rate and head while increasing energy consumption.

  • Abnormal Noise and Vibration: High-frequency impacts from bubble collapse trigger intense pump vibration accompanied by “clattering” sounds, compromising equipment stability.

  • Reduced Lifespan: Prolonged cavitation accelerates component fatigue and corrosion, drastically shortening pump service life and increasing maintenance costs.