Common Causes of Cavitation in Jet Pumps

Cavitation is a common problem in centrifugal pumps that can cause damage to the pump and decrease its efficiency. Cavitation occurs when the pressure in a fluid drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, causing bubbles to form and then collapse. This can lead to erosion, noise, vibration, and reduced pump performance. In this post, we'll discuss the common causes of cavitation in centrifugal pumps and how to prevent it.

Damaged Impeller A damaged impeller is one of the most common causes of cavitation. The impeller is the rotating part of the pump that moves the fluid. When the impeller is damaged, it can create turbulence and low-pressure areas that lead to cavitation. To prevent this, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the impeller.

Bad Wear Ring The wear ring is a stationary part of the pump that surrounds the impeller. It helps to maintain the proper clearance between the impeller and the pump housing. A bad wear ring can cause cavitation by allowing too much fluid to leak back into the inlet side of the impeller, creating a low-pressure area and leading to cavitation. To prevent this, the wear ring should be regularly inspected and replaced as needed.

Bad Driveline Seal The driveline seal is the seal between the pump and the motor. A bad driveline seal can allow air to enter the pump, which can cause cavitation. To prevent this, the driveline seal should be regularly inspected and replaced as needed.

Bad Pump Seal The pump seal is the seal that prevents the fluid from leaking out of the pump. A leaking pump seal can allow air to enter the pump, leading to cavitation. To prevent this, the pump seal should be regularly inspected and replaced as needed.

In conclusion, cavitation can be caused by a damaged impeller, bad wear ring, bad driveline seal, and pump seal. To prevent cavitation, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain these components. By doing so, you can improve the efficiency of your pump and extend its lifespan.

If you are experiencing cavitation in your centrifugal pump, contact Impellers.com for expert advice and pump solutions. Our team of engineers can help you diagnose and solve any pump problems you may be experiencing.
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Bobby Boop
Impellers.com