What is cavitation in the context of pump operations?

In the context of pump operations, cavitation refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid due to pressure changes. When the pressure in a liquid falls below its vapor pressure, it causes local boiling and the creation of vapor-filled cavities or bubbles. These bubbles can collapse violently when they move to areas of higher pressure, resulting in shock waves that can damage the pump impeller and other components, leading to decreased performance, increased wear, and potential pump failure.

Cavitation typically occurs when there is a drop in pressure caused by factors such as high flow rates, improper pump sizing, or significant changes in elevation in the piping system. Understanding cavitation is crucial for engineers operating pumps, as managing operating conditions can help prevent this detrimental phenomenon and maintain pump efficiency and longevity.